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Starter Amp Hunt: Admiral or Zenith?

02County

02County

AK Member
Hi - I'd like to get into tube stuff, never really messed with anything like it. I'd like to get a stereo console type for fairly cheap and see if I can pull the amp out and DIY a stand-alone unit. A local seller says he has a Zenith and an Admiral console that he'd sell me for cheap. He hasn't given me any more data. If I go over an look at them, anyone got some hints on what I want (and don't want) to be looking for? I'd be looking for the amps but also speakers, if possible. The consoles themselves don't much interest me. Thanks!
 
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I suppose you could look for which type of output tube each unit takes. Look for the 6AQ5/6BQ5/6V6/6L6 type of output tube.

If stereo, look at each channel for single ended operation or push/pull operation. Push/pull utilizes two output tubes (in mono) where as stereo push/pull uses fours output tubes. Push/pull will give you more power but single ended will also sound great depending on what you are looking for in power and sonic properties.

Also, check to see what kind of speakers these consoles use. 12 inch, 10 inch, 8 inch.

Take pictures if you can.
 
Will do - setting up a time to check it out - he's sent two photos -

And yes, I asked about the speaker in the upper left of the photo. Says he has some "old speakers" ?
 

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This one doesn't looked tubed.
 
Well, for what it's worth - I bought the Admiral. Model is Y4091. Stereo, looks like it has a woofer, mid and tweeter. Paid $35 but the guy threw in a Phillips 312 turntable for $10 so I feel pretty good about it. The console's turner and speakers run great. Nice and loud, reacts to the pots, needs a good cleaning. The cabinet is pretty rough and will likely end up on the curb. The console's turntable doesn't seem to work too well. Thoughts?

Good eye Janik - the Zenith was a solid state.
 

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It is stereo or at least it says Stereophonic...more photos. Had to unload it from the Honda first. Seller said his girlfriend made a failed attempt to refinish the top.
 

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jdbleed01 said:
It is stereo or at least it says Stereophonic...more photos. Had to unload it from the Honda first. Seller said his girlfriend made a failed attempt to refinish the top.
Click to expand...

Oh, yeah... it's stereo. You can see on the tube layout drawing a pair of output transformers and a pair of el84's. This amp won't put out a ton of power, but it should sound nice.
 
Yes, I was wrong about the woofer - there isn't one. Console is bisected into two compartments, each with an 8" and a tweeter. Not sure if the speakers are any good. That's tomorrow's google mission.
 
loonze said:
next get a Maggie with the 6v6 pp configuration-very sweet amp![especially running 6v6g tubes!]
Click to expand...

Yes :yes:. Magnavox are well regarded. Many have the amplifier on this own independent chassis (unlike the one purchased), and have a fair number of topologies... SE and PP 6V6, SE and PP EL84, biamped, etc. all with examples of restorations here on AK.

Fwiw, I like the el84 flavors ;)
 
jdbleed01 said:
Yes, I was wrong about the woofer - there isn't one. Console is bisected into two compartments, each with an 8" and a tweeter. Not sure if the speakers are any good. That's tomorrow's google mission.
Click to expand...

Sure there is. Its just that its an 8" woofer. :D
 
jdbleed01 said:
Yes, I was wrong about the woofer - there isn't one. Console is bisected into two compartments, each with an 8" and a tweeter. Not sure if the speakers are any good. That's tomorrow's google mission.
Click to expand...

A SET amp is probably suited to running some 8" woofers. It's not like this is some power monster with watts to spare.
 
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