Magnavox 169-BB mono block updates
- Thread starter TomD62
- Start date
I wasn't actually looking for these amps, they just fell into my lap when @newenglandj offered them up. Thought they might be a fun little project with low to moderate expectations. Probably should be working on the Fisher X-101-B or Scott 299, but they aren't going anywhere. I have some feelers out for pairs of Mark III amps, should know more tomorrow.
I'm assuming you're looking for rough pulls to restore, or final completed product?
Lavane
Lunatic Member
Ya, I keep an eye out locally. They're not something I need really.
The last console I found was just left out in the hot sun for a month in the summer because nobody wanted it. That ruined the console itself. I first saw it in a small thrift store and asked how much they wanted for it. They told me someone was coming in to buy it.
I left my number incase the person didn't show. The person must not have showed and they just hauled it out back and didn't call me.
I happened to see it and bought it for $80. They had it on listening to FM the first time I saw it, so I knew it worked.
If I happen to run across a console with those amps locally for cheap I'll buy it.
The plasterers and painters have finished so I was able to spend a little time on the second 169-BB. Installed the topside / external components and hope to start wiring underneath tomorrow. Looking forward to doing some of the modifications to these little guys that have been recommended.
Mike Stehr
Poverty Audio
I still have my pair.
I have a pair of KG-4 speakers that should mate up nicely. For a preamp I have an APT Holman and Erhard Audio Aretha MKII to chose from. During testing I use a Maverick Audio D1 DAC with a volume control, which depending upon where these land, could end up as the preamp.
Nice!
How do you like those smoked glass 6V6's? I have four of those type as well.
Fixing these up like you did is a home improvement. Wonderful job! Paul.
when ya get the other one finished and collect a few bucks try to buy Sylvania 6v6GTA they internaly have a 5 watt more out of them black plate are outrageous sounding 6v6gta tubes instead of the normal 12 watts you can get 17 watts out of a pair push/pull tubes. wparks has the correct correlation of the power output near 20 watts.
the old paper out put transformers can clean up nice use linn seed oil on a rag very lite pressure wipe the paper wrapping down it can come back to the nice tan color thats what I use on my lower power outputs that look beat up a bit. your amps look great painted, hamseed caps, painted power transformers those amps look great.. very nice work..congratulations. i had a pair but sold them before i did anything to them....girl did like em...got rid of the girl friend after i sold the amps...live and learn
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Was able to finish the second 169-BB this morning and it powered up fine, just like the first one.
Amp 2 - underneath
Both amps, exposed.
The listening room has had plaster repair and paint, but the carpet will be replaced with hardwood in about 3 weeks, so not all of the equipment is currently set up. This installation is temporary.
Not sure why my iPhone makes those crazy swirls.
Listening to Qobuz now. These KG-4's seem to be a little bass heavy; could be the placement. Will move them around to see if there is a sweet spot, but everything will need to be removed from the room in a couple of weeks anyways. So far the sound quality is better than expected, which is always nice.
Amp 2 - underneath
Both amps, exposed.
The listening room has had plaster repair and paint, but the carpet will be replaced with hardwood in about 3 weeks, so not all of the equipment is currently set up. This installation is temporary.
Not sure why my iPhone makes those crazy swirls.
Listening to Qobuz now. These KG-4's seem to be a little bass heavy; could be the placement. Will move them around to see if there is a sweet spot, but everything will need to be removed from the room in a couple of weeks anyways. So far the sound quality is better than expected, which is always nice.
I have only listened to the 9302 driving the Forte IV's, which is a nice combination. I will need to run that through the KG-4's to get a better comparison. Or the 169-BB's through the Fortes.
I got them for free in a box of tubes that was given to me, but I did look on line and they appear to be much cheaper than glass tubes.