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Tube Console - Restore or Cannibalize for the Amplifier?

D

Decibel_116

AK Subscriber
Years ago I purchased a Sears Silvertone console stereo at an estate sale for $10. It has an AM/FM Stereo tuner and a Medalist record changer in it. When I got it home, I turned it on and it took awhile to come on. I knew then it was a tube model. It sounded really nice after it warmed up. I haven't used it since then because of it being a potential fire hazard. I have recently started to get an interest in tube amplifiers. So, I decided to plug it in and see if it still worked tonight. Well, the good news is yes it still works and sounds good - for it's age. I'm sure it needs some work and that's where the quandary comes in. I could take the amplifier out, refurb it, and use it with some modern day speakers and turntable/cartridge. Or, I could refurb the whole thing, refinish the cabinet and use it as an operational conversation piece. I will post some pictures later on, but wanted some opinions on the best course of action.
 
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I would probably restore it and keep it original as it was designed for the speakers it uses in the cabinet. However, it is yours to do with as you wish and it is fun to experiment with different speakers. Some of today's newer speakers might sound ok but remember to take into consideration of the original speakers watts and efficiency ratings for this unit.

A pic of the guts would tell us what the output would be. For example, what type of output tube(s) does it use and if it is single ended or push/pull.
 
In my opinion, it kinda depends on 1) the overall aesthetic of the console itself and 2) the layout of the amplifier chassis and the tubes and transformers on the chassis. Some pics of both would be helpful in soliciting opinions.

Given it sounds like you will end up doing at least the basic maintenance to the amplifier section, why not start there first but keeping options open to install it back in the cabinet if that ends up being the end game. You will want to, at a minimum; replace any electrolytic capacitors and do some basic sanity checks for voltages, etc.
 
I'm guessing its a Silvertone 6BQ5 stereo amp. If so, the amp sounds great, whether in the console or alone. To me the decision would be made on the condition of the console, your ability to restore the cabinet if necessary, and whether you like the cabinet style. All things otherwise equal, I believe it is better to keep the unit together if possible.
 
My opinion is that since these types of gear are getting scarcer and scarcer, it would be nice to keep it together and restore it, if for nothing else but to remind/inform future generations of what hifi was before the onslaught of digital and throw-it-away products.
 
I'm with Cubby01 on this, it depends on the look of the box. Ugly consoles are still ugly, no matter how good they might sound. I like consoles and even own a couple of various types myself but I lack the room for big ugly boxes.

The other limiting factor tends to be the speakers. Some you can easily upgrade, some you can't. My one stereo console is not one of these, but some you can remove the stock speaker setup, pull the wood panel they mount to, and just slide some decent bookshelf speakers in that spot. The turntable right above the speakers is usually not an awesome combo but it can work out if you keep the volume reasonable and leave a spring isolated machine in there. If you change that out for a non-sprung one it'll likely howl and carry on like crazy.
 
Here are some photos of the outside. I kind of like the look of it. It needs some finishing work done to it, but I think it would probably turn out nice. I am leaning toward restoring it intact. The only question for me is the turntable. I have zero experience restoring old record changers and have no idea if it is capable of sounding halfway decent. It's probably a ceramic cartridge which aren't known for their sound quality. Maybe I could upgrade the cartridge and add a preamp for a moving magnet type cartridge. Has anyone tried swapping something like an old Miracord or Dual into one of these? I don't think a Technics SL-1200 would fit (ha, ha).

DSCN8765.JPG DSCN8766.JPG DSCN8767.JPG
 
Wow, I think that looks beautiful. Kind of reminds me of a piece of Danish furniture. I'd keep it intact and restore it. Does it have an auxilary input? If so, it would be simple to install an outboard MM phono pre-amp of which you'd plug the turntable into.
 
I like it.

Looks like that might be a Voice of Music changer. Those work OK, and they aren't real hard to overhaul. Most record changers are pretty simple to deal with honestly. The vast bulk of repair work involves cleaning and lubrication. The part that isn't that is putting a new needle or cartridge in and maybe changing the drive wheel and motor mounts, all of which is simple. If it is a V-M, thevoiceofmusic has you covered on parts and overhaul instructions.
 
It does not matter what you do with it. If you like how it sounds I would replace the old capacitors. Be careful...you need to discharge the capacitors before you work on them or you could shock yourself. If you like how it sounds in the box keep it in the box. There are a lot of tube amps out there.
If you want to experiment by taking it out and making a stand alone that is ok also.
 
So, I will keep it intact. It's in my dining room right now. It would certainly be a great conversation piece while listening to background music over dinner. I just found my next project. Thanks everyone for you inputs. I will update this thread as things progress.
 
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