tpg Posted May 20, 2003 Share Posted May 20, 2003 A local music store has a tube amp in stock, which has been there for... man... I am 17, been going to the music store with my dad for probably 12 years I remember... si they have had it about that long. Never sold it. I forget the brand... it is 60WPC push-pull with 6L6's on output. No added tone controls like guitar amps, just straight up PA power amp. It is fairly cheap... maybe $100. Would this give me a good taste of tubes... or would it be a waste of time and money? My dad knows the folks that own the place... I might see if they'll let me demo it in home with my Klipsch to see if it sounds good enough. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted May 20, 2003 Share Posted May 20, 2003 If it works -- buy it. 6L6 is supposed to be a real nice sounding tube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted May 20, 2003 Share Posted May 20, 2003 Don't buy it without trying it with your speakers. Public address amps were/are specifically optimised for vocal clarity. It may sound fine but you need to check that out first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted May 20, 2003 Share Posted May 20, 2003 How many 6L6's per channel does it have ? I thought 6L6's were good for about 20 Watts per channel in regular PP operation. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpg Posted May 20, 2003 Author Share Posted May 20, 2003 ? I dunno how many... guessing maybe 2... my dad's guitar amp (the reason we were there in the first place and I saw it again) uses four 6L6's (or EL34's) for a mono 120 or 150W output. It says 60WPC... that is all that I know. I will see if they will let me borrow it. My dad seems to believe it will not sound good since it is in a guitar shop... but in all honesty... he doesn't have a hi-fi ear. He has a lead guitar heck yes this stuff is loud ear... so, I have the advantage over him there. I don't play guitar and like to have my ears functioning like they do without deafening myself. (unless I am just really sad... it happens) Anyway... I am probably the first person to look at it in years. lol It has really been there forever, so surely they would want to move it. But, do you think the price is too high? $100-125 probably. It is in a metal box... I can see a move to a wooden enclosure with brass top-plate in the future. (if I get it) Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted May 20, 2003 Share Posted May 20, 2003 Without seeing it I would not venture at stating its worth but for $100 why not but them I'm not 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted May 20, 2003 Share Posted May 20, 2003 trespasser_guy Do make sure that that amp is in fact a stereo unit. Most PA amps are monophonic - not stereophonic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpg Posted May 20, 2003 Author Share Posted May 20, 2003 Well... it is a PA power amp. I have checked it out. It is stereo, four inputs (1/4" and Balanced XLR connectors) and two outputs. I didn't check for a volume control... so I may need to build a passive (or active) preamp. It's condition is very good, but note that it is made for pro use apparently, so it looks it. All black metal construction, enclosed (sadly) tubes. I called the guy down there, told him who I was, and he offered to let me try it without my asking him. He knows my dad... we buy a lot there. So... I will pester my dad until we get it. teehee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted May 20, 2003 Share Posted May 20, 2003 It could still be a mono amp, with connections for two speakers (which you would probably want for a p.a., at the minimum. Marvel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpg Posted May 20, 2003 Author Share Posted May 20, 2003 It says Stereo power amp on the chassis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted May 20, 2003 Share Posted May 20, 2003 trespasser_guy If it is an older PA amp it will be a mono amp and very likely will have been optimised for voice in the design process. Take the seller up on his offer to allow you to try it out. If possible try to get an accurate spec sheet. I don't doubt that at $ 100.00 +/- it would be a very good buy but only for someone who had a legitimate use for a monophonic PA amplifier. Don't let your understandabledesire to own a piece of sound equipment of your own choosing lead you into buying something that will not meet your needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpg Posted May 20, 2003 Author Share Posted May 20, 2003 It is stereo... that is for sure, so plus? maybe... I will try before I buy. If it doesn't hold a candle to my solid state receiver... well it wouldn't be worth it to me, so I'll let it pass. It hasn't been sold in about, oh, 10 years, so I don't think it is moving anywhere fast. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike stehr Posted May 20, 2003 Share Posted May 20, 2003 If the amp has been sitting for ten years unused, I wouldn't just plug it in and fire it up. The caps may more than likely need to be re-formed. Or don't give up the cash until after he does turn it on. You might get a free fireworks show. Like Lynn mentioned, tube PA amplifiers were voiced in the midrange frequencies for public address. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 trespasser_guy Post the make and model of the amp here and one of us will be able to give you the low down on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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