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I was just looking for a record cabinet

markshan

markshan

Sir Thrift a Lot
So I went to a local reseller of donated home goods. I was looking for a nice looking cabinet strong and deep enough to keep my most prized records upstairs (most of my collection resides in the basement). I saw a cabinet that looked like it fit the bill. I got closer and it was marked $85. This took me back as most of their stuff is usually cheaper. So I looked inside to see how it was laid out and if it would work for me.

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I paid the man.

The stuff is actually even cleaner than it looks on these images. I did flash photography in the garage at night and it really magnified every spec of dust. I don't know much about tube gear, but I have the feeling I stumbled upon something very special here.
 
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beatcomber said:
Holy ****, lookit all those Mullards!
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I actually took that shot to show the badge.

Are you telling me that the tubes are what I should be excited about? I was kind of excited about the whole thing. BTW, every tube is a Mullard. I didn't know they were particularly sought after, but I reasoned that since every tube was the same manufacturer, then they must all be original.
 
Mullards are extremely sought after. However, the Leak amplifier is an amazing piece and is well worth restoring and keeping intact.

One last thing, DO NOT TURN IT ON! At least not until it's been checked by a tech. I see some bulging capacitors and what looks like some dripping transformer shellac, both bad signs.
 
Mullards are sought after enough. The tubes alone are probably worth more than you paid. The Miracord 10 (or 10H? or 40?) is worth more than you paid. But the Leak Stereo 20 is worth WAY more than you paid. You did good. I'd keep it all myself if I stumbled across it. Take care to have it checked out before running it.

edit: looks like some hot spot parts on that tag board. certainly needs some TLC but still... sweet. I see others keyed in on this while I was wordsmithing.
 
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RossW said:
Mullards are extremely sought after. However, the Leak amplifier is an amazing piece and is well worth restoring and keeping intact.

One last thing, DO NOT TURN IT ON! At least not until it's been checked by a tech. I see some bulging capacitors and what looks like some dripping transformer shellac, both bad signs.
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Yes, I did know that, but thanks for reiterating. There was a little oily spot in the cabinet under the power amp, so I am sure that your eyes do not deceive you.

BTW, unlike my Scott, this one is laid out so cleanly that I was thinking of recapping myself. All straight lines, point to point, I wish everything was made that way.
 
I will trade you 2 brand new Epxidit cabinets from Ikea for it.

Seriously, see what being a righteous dude does for you? Now you have plunged into the tube gear world in grand style. I have fought it off so far, but a score like that would drag me in as well. My congratulations, Mark.:thmbsp:
 
Assuming the damage hasn't already been done (shorted windings) it shouldn't be much of an issue. Often it is a sign that the transformer was running HOT, most likely due to excessive current draw from bad filter caps. I've seen way gooier transformers that still worked fine after a restore.
 
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