Erik Mandaville Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 This has been a hard decision, because I really like this old amp. It is a push-pull 6L6 amplifier, and uses two 6L6s/channel, two 5U4 rectifiers, and two 12AX7s. The amp is supplied with both 8 ohm and 4 ohm speaker connections, and speaker binding posts are very sturdy. There are also input level controls for each channel. The extra 6L6 tubes seen in the foreground are included. The only modification I did was to replace the old coupling capacitors with some I happened to have in my parts bin: (4) .22uf/600v Hovland Musicaps -- new. It is a robust amplifier, and has sounded very good with both our Klipschorns and Heresies. $400 shipped in the lower 48 Erik edit: This amp first belonged to Dee, and I am offering it on this forum only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 Dirt cheap for a good working tube amp!!! Someone want to get a taste of tubes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 I would add that this is a sweet amplifier. And sounds very good. There are so few of these around, that it is indeed hard to part with. I don't know of a better bang for the buck amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
customsteve01 Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 Wish I had the funds for that right now, it sounds like a sweet deal. I also like the kit that you pointed out a while back Eric. Maybe in May I can find the means to get one. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shload Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Born2RockU Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 $400 ?? I sold mine for $ 650+ on EBay just a few months ago. (just happened to be a Forum member whompurchased it, too) This offer won't last long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 $400 ?? I sold mine for $ 650+ on EBay just a few months ago. (just happened to be a Forum member whompurchased it, too) This offer won't last long. I agree. The price is below market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Mandaville Posted April 2, 2006 Author Share Posted April 2, 2006 What's going on, Craig ? (and Craig NOSVALVES version -- Thanks for that!) I know I could get more for it, but I'm hoping it might help someone venture into tubes if cost has been an issue for him/her. I think it would be a great amp for a pair of Heresies, or really any of the horns. It's really a wonderful amp, and is in perfect condition. Dee: Thanks for the input here, too. Forgot to mention: The 12AX7s are brand new EH tubes. Craig Born2 gave them to me for something, can't remember what, but thanks again, Craig! Hope you guys are doing well. Erik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audible Nectar Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 I thought about buying Born2RockU's Baldwin when he sold his, 6L6 fan that I am becoming.....but passed on it - and bought another set of 30s instead[] You are making me think about it - but I don't really need it - and Erik is right, it should be a good intro to tube amps for a newbie wanting to give tubes a try. This amp is an addiction waiting to happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texas42 Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 I wonder how this amp (mated with a Merlin Pre-Amp) would compare to a modified Scott 299B through a pair of LaScalas (with Dean's crossovers)? Houston is sooo close too...hmmmm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Mandaville Posted April 2, 2006 Author Share Posted April 2, 2006 Audible Nectar: You are exactly right about how I'm thinking about this. I appreciate the input, too. The amp is pure function in terms of appearance, which is kind of cool in its own way, at least to me. There are also no bias adjustments required of any kind, so it's super easy to use and maintain. TX42: Having had the chance to use a Peach for a couple of weeks when it was on tour, I think it's a preamp that would sound good with many amplifiers. My wife was totally taken by that preamp, and it sure was easier on the eyes than the one I built in a cheap aluminum enclosure. It was dead silent with even our Klipschorns, and just seemed to get out of the way; and that's a good thing. But: I have no experience with how it would be with this Baldwin. Based on what I know about both components, there is no reason why the two shouldn't be a suitable match. I was going to bypass the input levels on this amp, but they are actually kind of useful. If you would like to try it, I will box it up for you to try at home. It's really better to have the chance to audition something like this at home, with your own stuff, and on your own time. Erik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 Texas42, I have had a number of hours listening to this amplifier with a Merlin and the sound is fabulous. I had a very cleanly rebuilt 299B as my first tube amplifier and the sound was good, but the Merlin/Baldwin combo would be the clear winner, to my ears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Mandaville Posted April 2, 2006 Author Share Posted April 2, 2006 This is off topic, but so what!? The K77Ms are back in after having Bob's new tweeters here. They sound good, and they also sound a little more 'splashy' than BECs. I'm mentioning this just because we've been listening to music all day, and I notice the difference. Erik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorjen Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 Forgive me Erik, but are you saying you like the K77's more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Mandaville Posted April 2, 2006 Author Share Posted April 2, 2006 Jorjen: Forgive me Erik, but are you saying you like the K77's more? Well, good point. I guess that wasn't very clear was it? The K77Ms are good, but I prefer the new ones. It's always a subjective issue with this stuff, but BEC's preserve more of the actual instrument. The K77Ms sound bright and detailed, but not (IMO) entirely as natural or 'real' sounding as the Crites' version. Erik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Mandaville Posted April 2, 2006 Author Share Posted April 2, 2006 What in the world happened to the picture of this thing?! Let me try this: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Mandaville Posted April 2, 2006 Author Share Posted April 2, 2006 Ok. I'm having problem getting this picture to stay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverSport Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 Erik, I see it just fine...beautiful!...Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 I had a pic disappear from a post after I went back and edited some text. That was a weird one. Love the utilitarian look of those amps, Erik. I have swapped a SS amp into my LS system, still fed with the Merlin. It sounds cleaner than my Dynaco, but there are still some things I could do on it. The Alesis has a mechanical hum, but it disappears as soon as the music starts. Shoot, the speakers disappear too. Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Mandaville Posted April 3, 2006 Author Share Posted April 3, 2006 Hey, Bruce: I bet the Merlin SS combination sounds good. Do you happen to know what kind of power transformer the Alesis has? You might be able to improve or reduce that power supply hum. Yeah, this Baldwin is a neat-looking amp. I really wanted to keep it as part of a collection, but I'm going to be selling off some stuff in the near future. Erik Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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