Hello, my name is Mark Stephens, and I have a problem . . . TUBE CONSOLES KEEP FOLLOWING ME HOME ! If the 'adoption fee' is anywhere under $20, it magically hops into my car to be added to the stable.

The latest 'accidental' addition: Sylvania tube console with a funky preamp/tuner panel, and a little SEP 6bq5/12ax7 stereo amp. Based on it's styling, I'm guessing early 60's . . .

It's a good thing I have a big basement :D

Anyone else addicted to these red-headed-stepchildren of tube audio ? What's your favorite ? What's your worst ALBATROSS ?

My favorite: 1958 Maganvox MONSTER: precursor to the concert grande; two 150XX Biamp amplifiers, two huge 15's, two EV 8hd horns.

My (current) albatross: $5.00 ebay no-name phono console; bare-bones, no radio, no PT, but it's so cute, I can't stand to kill it! Cutest little 50c5/12ax7 integrated amp / TINY 6 inch fullrangers.

Yes . . . I have a problem . . .

Well, as I see it, you only have one problem.....it's your choice in vehicles. A car will simply not do. You need to acquire one of these in order to remedy your "affliction". You see, I too have this malady and a little pickup has helped me greatly in overcoming the angst experienced when one of these gems calls out to me in that siren song, "Take me home!". :D

I am pleased to say that I am down to one console (Mark adopted my penultimate one!), a Magnavox with a PP stereo EL84 amp. The amp sounds pretty durn good. I don't use anything else in the console, but I don't have the heart do consign the console to the landfill.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/mhardy6647/EL84PPstereoconsole.jpg

and this thing swallows consoles WHOLE ! Some other items it's eaten: stove, 1958 Seeburg jukebox, 7 ft X 3 ft rock maple table, 5 old radio consoles from CT radio Museum fire sale (that was intersting drive home . . . )

That's the best thing about cars like these - the only question you have to ask is how much is it ? Hell - I could probably fit a JBL Paragon if I left the rear door open :D

and yup - Mark's gifted console is a peach - little 6v6 PP mono with a beefy 15, and cone mid & tweeter. It's giving me much needed tube sound in the basement 'solder station currently.