VU meters on vintage amps

[kewlkws]

I miss them on my SX-1010. I listen on can's in the bedroom, so my SX-790(WITH Meters) basically hypnotizes me and puts me to sleep. Gonna have to dig around in the attic, I had a set of Ratshack meters (went to 50W I think) way back when(1977or so), adjustable for 4oHm or 8oHm. Wonder if they're still up there.

I remember those but its just not the same as the high quality back lights and dampened movement of some of these vintage amps and receivers.

 

[ScramMan2]

I really enjoy seeing those huge VU meters. GAS Ampzilla, Son of Ampzilla, PL 400, Luxman M-4000.

That is something missing from todays new audio gear.

 

[istariknight]

My old Technics had meters on both Pre & Power amps....

Its a battery meter on the pre & standard VU's on the power

 

[Ray44]

I have one of those son of ampzilla. bought it new in 1978. I took out the plastic long time ago. and I put red bulbs in it it looks real cool. I like it alot better that way. Right now its out of my system Im testing my sony tan77es compairing the 2 of them.

 

[n8thesk8]

I really enjoy the big VU meters. N8

 

[NutsAndBolts]

Great thread, a lot of great looking amps here :thmbsp:

SA-7700 is my ONLY amp I ever own that has both Power Meter and Peak LEDs

We almost have the same amp. I have just bought an SA-706 (I also own an SA-606). Here is a picture of my SA-706 after I fitted RED LEDs in the VU meters. Not sure if SA-7700 is different, or just another model name for SA-706, but they look very similar.

 

[DSChamber]

OK... I'll join the party

Almost all of the Akai integrated's (well the AM 2450/2600/2650/2800/2850/2950) had dual analog meters that are switchable between a low setting and high setting (my 2600 goes between 3 Watt and 80 Watts @ 8 ohms).

Here's a pic of my Akai stack with my AM-2600 on top..

Here's an Akai AM-2950 (totl Akai integrated)

:drool: I want this amp so bad

How about an Akai PS-200 Power Amp?

Here's my Yamaha CA-610 integrated...love this amp

Beside the "coolness" factor of big bouncy meters, I like having meters on my gear because it is a good "reference" as to how the amp is working. I have a separate audio power meter that I calibrate my meters to as well as overtime the analogs can drift a bit and not be equal on both sides.

 

[IsakAlexande]

Need help identifying the one on the top here:

 

[Tromatic]

and you know because you designed all of them?

Yes he did, just to annoy you.

 

[Mc_Man]

And of course the most famous VU meters of all.......

 

[ke4mcl]

i was wondering when a mac would pop up.

 

[kneeOhFight]

Leak 3900-A meters

 

[mlutzow]

How about the Proton D1200 meters?

 

[laatsch55]

I'm Game

This is nice!!

 

[laatsch55]

Driving Speakerlab Model K's, Had a 700B driving some DS-9's at the same time. VERY loud.

 

[Pucho]

There's only one thing sexier than throbbing power meters and thats when they're working it with 10.5" open reels revolving ever so methodically in synchonous harmony. Sort of a bolero style dance if you ask me.

Yeah, I've got a problem. Okay@! I know!

 

[silversport]

I like 'em too...

Bill

 

[4player]

and here r mine

gotta love those VUs
and of what my understanding is the readings u get out of them would be of the output stage of the pre amps right?
not of the power output because if u plug ur headphones in the meters r still running correct me if i m wrong....

 

[donberry]

meters on an amp - I love em

 

[bastek]

A vintage look alike current Chinese production. Stereophile says it sounds great too.