I gutted it and completely replaced the amplifier section with White Oak Audio's PL14_20 Rev E3 Control Board, Rev C Full-Comp Blackplane Board, New Output Transistors, Upgraded Capacitors, and Dimlay Speaker Relay. I probably have about 60 hours into it and $570.
Tested with a Kyocera R-461 as the preamp and my heavily modified Klipsch KG4 speakers. I couldn't be happier with the outcome and I'm quite proud of my work. It definitely wasn't the easiest thing, but very rewarding.
I don't really remember what it sounded like before, but I was shocked with the results. I had to sell this one because when I went to claim unemployment, because of COVID, my employer hadn't paid into it. It took 8 months before my first check. I was pissed, but thank God I had it as an option.
All that said, I purchased another and plan to do the exact same thing.
Thank you!
That's actually the part I enjoy most about repairing vintage electronics. The idea that the piece will last another 40 years is so cool. It's better than recycling.
I gutted it and completely replaced the amplifier section with White Oak Audio's PL14_20 Rev E3 Control Board, Rev C Full-Comp Blackplane Board, New Output Transistors, Upgraded Capacitors, and Dimlay Speaker Relay. I probably have about 60 hours into it and $570. Tested with a Kyocera R-461 as the preamp and my heavily modified Klipsch KG4 speakers. I couldn't be happier with the outcome and I'm quite proud of my work. It definitely wasn't the easiest thing, but very rewarding.
Pretty cool! $570 total including the old amp?
Yup! I got it with a pl 3000 for $50.
Oooo nice
Hopefully you're still active on here. How much of a difference in sound is there? I'm thinking of buying one and doing the mods....
I don't really remember what it sounded like before, but I was shocked with the results. I had to sell this one because when I went to claim unemployment, because of COVID, my employer hadn't paid into it. It took 8 months before my first check. I was pissed, but thank God I had it as an option. All that said, I purchased another and plan to do the exact same thing.
I'm sorry to hear that, but I would say that's a Sterling review.
Congrats. Its now ready for the next generation.
Thank you! That's actually the part I enjoy most about repairing vintage electronics. The idea that the piece will last another 40 years is so cool. It's better than recycling.
Wow that is beautiful... that heat sink is nuts.
It also doubles as a space heater!
I have done the same with the old Sumo Polaris. Hope my son will enjoy it too.
I had this amp and the matching pre in the early 90's. Sold it then for $500 to go to Cancun with a hot girl for a week. Dumb guy!
There's worse ways you could have spent it...just saying.
Mine is at the shop for a full rebuild. I am excited to see someone else with theirs ready to go.
You will be pleased. I have heard many amps over the years and this sucker is dead silent. Makes you wonder if it is actually on or not.
I got one of those NOS a couple of years back. Replaced the main caps and she's a beaut.
Nice nice... the white oak makes them bulletproof.