Stromberg Carlson Stereo 6 / ASP-60

[txc500]

I got a console stereo that I am retrieving the Stromberg Carlson components from, tuner, ASE-6 preamplifier, ASP-60 power amplifier.

Currently still in the console, the preamplifier master gain / on - off switch controls the power to the amplifier but the volume is loud at any setting, it blasts once turned on. I'm assuming that's an issue in the preamp.

My question is, does this amplifier require the preamp for power, or can I simply plug it in and have power and use a different preamp?

I'd like to have them both gone through. Is this preamp considered a good component worth getting repaired?

Thanks

 

[century tek]

Let's see some pics. It could be that the previous owner had it wired up differently or.......the volume control and the other pots and switches could use a deox bath.

 

[Tom Bavis]

Sams folder on my web page: http://www.audiophool.com/MadeInRoch.html

If the preamp and amp are separate, they're connected with a few cables. You'll need a jumper to enable power on the power amp - though I assume you have the interconnects from the console. AC interface looks like a 3-pin Jones connector on schematic. Bias will need to be readjusted since preamp heaters run from that negative supply.

As for volume problem - cables could be connected to Tape out instead of normal output.

 

[txc500]

Here are some pics, each item seems independent of the other, as components. I only tried them when they were all connected in the console.

 

[Tom Bavis]

Looks to be in excellent shape. The preamp and amp were also sold as a unit, bolted together, as the ASR-660. I have its big brother, the ASR-880.

The 4-pin cord carries B+ and heater power to the preamp, flat-pin one goes to power switch. I might have a plug to fit that one - looks like a Cinch Jones plug.

 

[txc500]

Looks to be in excellent shape. The preamp and amp were also sold as a unit, bolted together, as the ASR-660. I have its big brother, the ASR-880.

The 4-pin cord carries B+ and heater power to the preamp, flat-pin one goes to power switch. I might have a plug to fit that one - looks like a Cinch Jones plug.

Thanks Tom,
I'm afraid that's all Greek to me, but what I take is that I either need to use the SC preamp or a jumper on the 3 pin connector of some sort.

Do you of any guys around Rochester or the Radio Museum that work on this stuff?

Thanks again. Tom

 

[Tom Bavis]

I don't seem to have time to work on my own stuff - I can ask at the AWA museum. I think this is the mating plug for the power switch:

 

[txc500]

I don't seem to have time to work on my own stuff - I can ask at the AWA museum. I think this is the mating plug for the power switch:

View attachment 1791741 View attachment 1791742

Looks just like it, 2 pins oriented one way and the third, perpendicular. I'll compare the dimensions. Which pins do you jump to get power?

 

[txc500]

So, after removing the components, now I get nothing from the amp and prepamp. The tuner powers on and off via the preamp pwr/gain switch, and the tuner plugged into the switched outlet on the amp.

Here are a few more pics.

 

[tonyg88]

My first amp and one of my favorites to be honest I wish I had whatever console it came from it sounds amazing

 

[txc500]

My first amp and one of my favorites to be honest I wish I had whatever console it came from it sounds amazing

That's good to hear Tony. I have another Stromberg Carlson integrated amp that is very nice too. I took mine out of a console because of space and weight considerations. It was very heavy and the style wasn't great.

I hope to get this one running. Have to find a repair guy in the Rochester area. No pwr on amp alone or with preamp plugged in. It did power on before I removed it.

 

[txc500]

My first amp and one of my favorites to be honest I wish I had whatever console it came from it sounds amazing

Do you use the matching preamp?

 

[tonyg88]

Do you use the matching preamp?

Yes I am huge fan of the preamp and phono riaa section and that is what I use it mostly for... I realize I am in the minority here but keep your mind open when you do get it working.

 

[gadget73]

try pushing the red button on the amp just in case the breaker tripped.

 

[tonyg88]

Here is how I turn my amp on using the red wire bypassing the preamp need.

 

[tonyg88]

try pushing the red button on the amp just in case the breaker tripped.

Good advice.

 

[txc500]

Here is how I turn my amp on using the red wire bypassing the preamp need.

View attachment 1793089

Thank you!

 

[txc500]

Good advice.

Thank you I tried that but the button didn't trip.

 

[txc500]

These are the Stromberg Carlson RS-504 speakers that came with the Stereo 6 in case anyone is interested. I'm likely not keeping these, maybe part them out. I couldn't find much info so thought I'd upload some pics. The black woofer is the same as pictured in the owners manual.

 

[Tom Bavis]

I replaced a similar circuit breaker today with a fuse holder in another amp - and it wasn't the first bad one I've replaced. Though the one in my ASR-333 tripped when a tube arced - and reset OK afterwards, so SOME of them still work.

With amp unplugged, you should measure zero Ohms across circuit breaker terminals.

Stromberg made those speakers to be concealed inside an enclosure - they also sold finished open-back cabinets for them, so you could separate them from the console. Pretty ugly without, and shedding sawdust besides.