• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Sixcats! Special Magnavox Amplifier base

markus

markus

Master Procrastinator
So I've got a couple tube amps that I'm working for friends:

Magnavox 185XX series stereo PP 6V6 amp for Sixcats!

Sylvania 6BQ5 PP amp for Birddog

Both Amps are waiting for the correct capacitors (coupling / power supply), and the sylvania has a weird chassis layout - kinda like outriggers :scratch2:

Soooooo . . . today, I got crafty with some birch plywood and birch 3/4 inch veneer tape to make a wood trim base for the (simpler) Magnavox.

Made a mitered base out of 3/4 inch birch plywood, with the front and back about 3 inches tall, and the sides about 2 1/2 inches tall. As I get further into the construction, the reasoning will become obvious, but suffice to say Sixcats! wants to maintain the integrity of the factory chassis - no extra holes. The plan is to run all connections out through the back trim piece. Also made a slot in the side so the base will slide on over the factory power cord.

Sanded with 220, then 600 grit, then 000 steel wool. Still deciding on a finish (teak oil ? minwax cherry poly ? all natural with shellac? :scratch2: )

The sides will have 1/2 trim which 'sandwiches' the chassis within the wood base. this will then appear to be 3 inches tall all the way around.

Plans also call for a transplant of a 'correct era' Magnavox emblem to the front, with maybe a pilot light :D

disclaimer: this is my first try at using veneer tape, and my mitered corners are getting progressively better with each base I make. Additionally, next time I cut the power cord slot, I WILL tape over the cut FIRST (damn chips! :grumpy: )

here's the progress thus far:
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2531.jpg
    IMG_2531.jpg
    50.8 KB · Views: 164
  • IMG_2532.jpg
    IMG_2532.jpg
    74.1 KB · Views: 1,171
  • IMG_2535.jpg
    IMG_2535.jpg
    79.2 KB · Views: 282
  • IMG_2530.jpg
    IMG_2530.jpg
    54.5 KB · Views: 157
Register to hide this ad
whats that cable going in and out from the top next to the empty tube socket?
 
Hey hey Markus!

Yea buddy! That Magnavox unit is really looking COOL! I also can't wait to see the final product! Hey...wait a minute...where's my TUBE ? lol Let me guess, it was part of that "down payment" on that SCOTT mono Amp lol ? Well Sir, I am sure looking forward to your visiting me here in Maine this coming weekend. Oooh, I've got to buy some BEER and ICE CREAM!
Talk to you soon.

Regards,
SixCats!
 
Wow! :drool: Are you giving the same treatment to my Sylvania? :yikes:

I'm not worthy! :ntwrthy:

Nice job, I can't wait to see what you do to the Sylvania! :yes:

Are you leaving the "Outriggers" on, or relocating the tube sockets? :scratch2:

Indicator light? :yes: Ah, hell, don't tell me, I want to be suprised! :banana:
 
SixCats! said:
Hey hey Markus!

Hey...wait a minute...where's my TUBE ? lol Let me guess, it was part of that "down payment" on that SCOTT mono Amp lol ?
Click to expand...

huh huh . . no no . . you'll be getting a little bag of goodies back so somewhere down the road, you can always return it 'to stock' :thmbsp:

goona try and do the other side pieces today or tomorrow, and wire up the switch, speaker binding posts, and fuse to the chassis . . .

birddog said:
Wow! :drool: Are you giving the same treatment to my Sylvania? :yikes:

I'm not worthy! :ntwrthy:

Nice job, I can't wait to see what you do to the Sylvania! :yes:

Are you leaving the "Outriggers" on, or relocating the tube sockets? :scratch2:

Indicator light? :yes: Ah, hell, don't tell me, I want to be suprised! :banana:
Click to expand...

I'm thinking of doing some wood 'blanks' on the four corners, to make it into a more managable shape . . which actually could serve dual duty to locate the bindign posts / switch / etc . .

OOOOORRRRR. . .

I'll just spend some quality time with my miter saw and make a primitive 'Manley Stingray' looking thang :scratch2:

either way, outriggers are staying - nowhere to relocate them tubes TO - it's cramped under there :D

I figure by the time I have your base figured out, I'll have the right caps to freshen up the under-carriage . . .

decisions decisions . . .
 
These Maggies are fun amps to play with. Here's kind of a crappy picture of one of mine that uses 6BQ5's. My Dad liked the sound of it on my Klipschorns so much he took it back to Idaho with him after a visit!

Jim Parker, AB0EZ
Tacoma, WA
 
Last edited:
ab0ez said:
These Maggies are fun amps to play with. Here's kind of a crappy picture of one of mine that uses 6BQ5's. My Dad liked the sound of it on my Klipschorns so much he took it back to Idaho with him after a visit!

Jim Parker, AB0EZ
Tacoma, WA
Click to expand...

NICE ! I want to do the same thing with the Magnavox Emblem . . .
 
Another one of my Magnavox Monoblocks. This one was originally the PPP 6V6 mono amp with 2 5U4 rectifiers. I have converted it to a KT-66 PP amp that is switchable between triode and tetrode mode. The power supply was reconfigured to use 6AU4 damper diodes. Very, very nice sound, if I say so myself!
 
Last edited:
It's Al I I I I I I I I I I V E ! ! !

haven't messed with the feedback circuit yet, but I've added the switch, fuse, and binding posts - have it playing with a little portable CD player through the KLH 7's :music:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom