• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Knight KB-85

cjwebber

cjwebber

Active Member
Hey guys -

After two weeks of emailing a craigslist post with no response, I finally got a call back and picked up this Knight KB-85 Basic 60w amp for $150! I also got the Tube Preamp and Tuner. It came with Mullard El37s!

The amp was "untested" as the lady was worried about breaking it by plugging it in.

I brought it home, cleaned it up first, plugged her in - and she sang beautifully

This is my first jump into tube audio. I'm quite excited!
 

Attachments

  • photo 1 (1).jpg
    photo 1 (1).jpg
    62 KB · Views: 81
  • photo 2 (1).jpg
    photo 2 (1).jpg
    94.4 KB · Views: 84
  • photo 3 (1).jpg
    photo 3 (1).jpg
    71 KB · Views: 74
Register to hide this ad
The lady wasn't wrong. Plugging one of those things in without taking any precautions can very much burn it up. I'd be seriously looking at doing a re-cap if you want to keep those valuable tubes from self-destructing. The full set of caps is probably going to cost under what just the Mullard GZ34 is worth.
 
Congrats! You also risk the transformers by running it without recapping! Your lucky!

Caps can short out, taking out transformers or tubes, and both! It can happen in an instant , so don't leave it alone playing. Shut it down if there ios any change in the sound. Even new caps can sometimes fail so always be alert to sonic changes.

Also watch for redplating of the output tubes (outer metal glows in a dim or dark room). Bias may be too high or you have a bad coupling cap(s).

Better yet replace the caps, check the resistors while your at it, clean the tube sockets & pins. It will sound better with new caps and resistors of the proper value if needed also.

Check the bias also if adjustable.

You can diy if you replace one or two parts at a time checking for correct operation. Take lots of detailed chassis pics incase a wire gets mixed up.

Finally never run a tube amp without a load even when testing, as you risk the output transformers

Cheap speakers or 16 ohm resistors of 25W or more will do.
 
knight

The above message is right. Do please unplug and get advice. The loss of a trans on this old an amp will turn it into landfill in no time. This amp should be restored fully. It could compare to the best amps of the day.

Paul
 
Gentlemen,

Thank you for your warnings! I shall cease to use it immediately!

I have attached the only photos I have right now of the preamp and tuner...
 

Attachments

  • 3J63sb3q15Gc5r45scd6b2703803441c01c07.jpg
    3J63sb3q15Gc5r45scd6b2703803441c01c07.jpg
    42.8 KB · Views: 42
  • 3r83M13q95G75s45Jfd6b57e2de4696c01096.jpg
    3r83M13q95G75s45Jfd6b57e2de4696c01096.jpg
    34.4 KB · Views: 41
cjwebber said:
Hey guys -

After two weeks of emailing a craigslist post with no response, I finally got a call back and picked up this Knight KB-85 Basic 60w amp for $150! I also got the Tube Preamp and Tuner. It came with Mullard El37s!

The amp was "untested" as the lady was worried about breaking it by plugging it in.

I brought it home, cleaned it up first, plugged her in - and she sang beautifully

This is my first jump into tube audio. I'm quite excited!
Click to expand...

I saw the listing and had been keeping an eye on it. Wasn't in my budget. Thought about posting it on D&S, but I figured I'd just get blasted with the usual snarky response, so I didn't bother.

Glad you got them, glad they work great, congrats all around!

You're in the right part of the country to get some help with recapping that amp. Seems like a very good thing to do, given the propensity of those old multicaps to blow up and take power transformers with them.
 
Here's a question:

Is there anyone in the detroit area that you guys know of who could service this?

I don't have much time in the near future to dedicate to this, but would like to have it done?
 
cjwebber said:
Here's a question:

Is there anyone in the detroit area that you guys know of who could service this?

I don't have much time in the near future to dedicate to this, but would like to have it done?
Click to expand...

I know a bunch of people who could, but I hate to volunteer their services. You should probably take a look at the SMAC forum, maybe join SMAC (it's free) and even consider attending a SMAC get-together! You may find lots of folks who can and will step up to give you a hand. Rock it, Amadeus.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom