Author Archives: Pat

More on “Tubeology”

Here is a link to a short video “courtesy of Brent Jessee Recordings” Brent does a fine job of testing and grading the tubes he sells. (I have purchased tubes over the years from Brent and have recommended others to him) The video link will give you an idea of what I’m launching here at Classic Tube Audio with my “Tubeology” testing and grading process. (This will not be a process in competition with Brent) it is a service that I offer with my restoration/repair work or to customers who send me tubes they have that an in-depth test process can be performed. I will however offer on occasion “Tubeology” tested tubes for sale. But it is not my goal to compete with any of the fine offers by Brent or other tube sales operations

I’m just going much more in-depth. I have a highly modified Tektronix 576 scope, adding to this several precision regulated outboard power supplies, a precision ”stepper amplifier” that allows for a huge range of bias voltage’s to be applied x10 or -5 volts =-50 volts giving me a bias range from 0 to -500 vdc. I’m also adding a unique way to actually load the tube and apply a/c signals (frequency sweeps). My goal is to provide a level of test results at a “lab level” many other parameters of the tubes will be supplied in my measurement results. At this time these results are proprietary to the “Tubeology” process.. More to come soon. The “Tubeology” process is a huge undertaking so of course I’m delayed in the roll-out. But it’s going to be worth it!

In the mean time enjoy Brent’s video.

www.youtube.com/

More “Mac Attack”

Dr “Tubeology” loves his Mac!

McIntosh = MINT MC60′s For Sale!

We are in restoration process of a pair of MC60′s, that when complete will be as nice as the ones pictured or just a tad bit cleaner!. Be the one to reserve this pair for you, all it takes is a deposit to  reserve them. We estimate final completion by April 30, 2012.. the pictured pair you see is a set we completed just a while back.

I wanted to get you a picture that would be fully represetative of this pair now in process. The work will be all power supply caps replaced, power supply fully rebuilt, precision matched critical circuit resistors will be 1% low noise metal film types. The audio signal path capacitors will all be matched Mylar (orange dips), all small signal tubes NOS test as new Telefunkins or RCA for drivers. Rectifiers all NOS test 5u4 types. Output tubes matched new issue Tung-Sol 6550′s. This is a full rebuild not just a few parts thrown in. Once complete a rigorous 30 hour burn in QC process begins, all voltages will be referenced to original McIntosh specifications. Finally the sound?.. Fabulous McIntosh 100%

These will go soon, act now $ 4500.00 (the pair)

Thanks, the “Tubology Team”

UPDATE!

4-15-2012. We have a pending sale, I will change this to sold when we receive the deposit funds.

SOLD! 

4-18-2010 They are now gone and in process of restoration for their new home. We always have more gear, don’t be shy inquire

The Fisher “FM-1000″ Dr. Tubeology restore’s (update 4-7-12)

Very Rare! “Fisher FM-1000″ When released by Avery Fisher this tuner was considered the best of the best. Fisher designed and built it to be a “broadcast” reference tuner. This began the “war” of tuner’s with Saul Marantz taking on the challenge to better it. The famed Marantz 10 & 10b sprang out of this. To this day both the FM1000 and the Marantz 10b are by most accounts the best two Stereo FM tuners ever built!.. Stay “tuned” as I begin a photo documentation of a full restoration on this rare component. Updates will be posted at various times. You will not want to miss this!…. in the end I will actually do a side by side listening comparison with my Marantz restored 10b

Dr. “Tubeology”

UPDATE

See our page “Tech Stuff” for a gallery of photos I have just added on the restoration progress of this famed Fisher FM-1000 tuner.. it’s moving right along. http://classictubeaudio.com/blog/tech-stuff/

Dr “Tubeology” at it…If you have a need?

Pictured the innards of a Fisher 500C, they use a similar design too Fisher 400 for the MPX FM Stereo decoder. The problem here was the MPX stereo diode decoders were not functioning correctly, solution “built my own” improved decoder. Here you see it being tested and the O’scope pic of the input to the decoder. It sounds pretty darn good after tweaking the alignment and getting finally stuffed into the chassis

Pat~

A special audio experience “The Classic McIntosh C20″

Pictured a McIntosh C20 pre-amplifier. Note the full compliment of Telefunkin tubes all NOS test! It came in with an intermittent noise in both channels. A few caps later along with some proper contact cleaning and a bit of “Tubeology” work with selection/match of the Telefunkin’s and our proprietary tube socket and pin contact enhancing process (DNA) It’s sounding  stunning! In audiophile terms, “fast, transparent, detailed, deep and layered sound-stage, engaging”front of 20c mcintosh pre-amp