I love the old tube console stereos. I have repaired some of them and left them as-is, and some of them were too bad so I removed the amps and junked the console. One comment I would have based on my experience with the Zenith, Magnavox etc. is the amplifiers in them are low power and noisy (poor signal-to-noise ratio with lots of hum and static). The low power limits them to be used in high sensitivity speakers, which unfortunately just reveal how noisy they are. Also I have been told that the output transformers are limited in their bandwidth purposely to cut out the low-end frequencies so the console doesn't thump. I found it was better to just enjoy the consoles as-is because installing the amplification on modern speakers just exposed their faults and deficiencies. As someone else stated, you are better off with High-Fi tube amps from back in the day (Dynaco, Harmon Kardon, etc.). Just my opinion thanks and good luck.
Vintage Tube Amplifiers - Any good?
Growing up in the 60s my parents had an RCA console stereo. Tremendously big, heavy and hot. To my ears at the time it sounded great. It had a 3 (4?) way speakers and could play extremely loud without distortion.
I’ve often wondered how an early 60s amp would sound with a quality source driving high end modern speakers.
Anyone ever try that?
Was thinking of doing a rehab on a vintage console and if nothing else, have a conversation piece.
Any and all thoughts appreciated.
I’ve often wondered how an early 60s amp would sound with a quality source driving high end modern speakers.
Anyone ever try that?
Was thinking of doing a rehab on a vintage console and if nothing else, have a conversation piece.
Any and all thoughts appreciated.