Lafayette Stereo-25 Info?

[Trance88]

Hey guys!
I just picked up a Lafayette model "Stereo-25". It's such a cute little amp! Sounds pretty good overall, but it's definitely not a flat amp. Bass is a bit over-boosted in the center position and the highs are a bit weak with the the treble in its center position . Not sure if this is a sign of weakening capacitors or not. It does have a slight hum in the left channel when its idle listening through headphones. The hum is not volume dependent and is faint, but I'd like to get rid of it if possible. Which capacitor might be causing this slight idle hum?

 

[Binkman]

Greetings;
LA-25?
Probably best to deoxit5 the pots and switches, clean the ph. jack w/qtips and iso alcohol + general vac and sweep out dust etc . Schema's show several 10-15v rated electrolytic caps maybe questionable but playing it on and off a couple hours may improve the sound. Perhaps post pics. Nice little amp fer sure and it works.
Schematics @ end pages.
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/lafayette/la-25.shtml

 

[peteCWA]

The Lafayette LA-25 and Stereo 25 are two different amplifiers.
Actually, Lafayette had two different LA-25 amplifiers; one a tube version and one solid-state. Neither one match the Stereo 25.
Lafayette had a series of "Stereo" models.
There was the Stereo 10, 10A, 10B, 20, 20A, 25, 25A, and 88.
In looking at the schematic, nothing exotic or unusual in the circuitry.
Amplifiers that are 40 to 50 years old will have capacitor degrading, leakage, etc. Resistor aging, current passing through them, etc. can cause values to move out of defined tolerance.Don't overdo it when cleaning/lubing pots and switches.

 

[Trance88]

Here's the amp! It's in pretty good shape. No really noticeable scratches, dings, or dents. The function switches are kinda different. You can play all 3 inputs at the same time if you wanted to. LOL.

 

[Binkman]

No pic...

In looking at the schematic, nothing exotic or unusual in the circuitry.

be nice if you can scan it for OP. (if needed..) I did extensive searches and always got the LA-25.

 

[SpruceMoose]

That was my first amp. I managed to burn up the amp in my zenith fold out record player, so I got that amp at Lafeyette and salvaged the turntable and speakers. Sounded great for years!

 

[SpruceMoose]

Would you believe I found one at my local ReStore and bought it for twenty bucks! It’s now in the backyard powering a very old Jensen coax in a very heavy plywood cabinet. Tunes from an Echo Dot.

 

[sminvt]

Pulled mine out of a scrap metal dumpster by the cord. It is in good condition and I use it in my kitchen. Remember a friend had one in NJ in 69. Anyway, this one survived and is in line to be cleaned up and recapped.

 

[KingBubba]

The Stereo-25 was my first stereo. Ohhh the memories. I kept it until I had to move to my first job in 1976. I have been looking for one for many years and, so far, have been unsuccessful. I would kill to get one before I kick-off. I'm 71 now.

 

[Work2do]

I just picked one of these up to use on the bench. I have multiple turntable decks to work on and I like that it has magnetic/ceramic on the front selector knob. Also figure it would be a good unit to start learning how to service amps/receivers beyond the scope of just cleaning and de-oxidization. I considered similar options like the RS/Optimus SA series, but felt better about the country of origin being Japan as opposed to Taiwan or China. If anyone has a link to service info, please advise as it appears VE will never be an option for anyone ever again.