Opinions on this '74 103?

[OldSchoolDave]

I haggled the store down to $1600.00 CAN, shipped. That's about $1348.00 U.S. right now. Seems like a pretty good deal, but what do I know? If it sounds sub-par I'm sure I can at least break even if not come out a bit on top.

The 4 caps on the top need to be replaced ASAP (note the bulges & leaking spuzz). The silicone "goop" is not original. Not sure what went on there. That said, most of the solder joints appear untouched.

The transformer endcaps *may* have been a Canadian (safety) thing. Is this officially a DR105?

Regardless, there are enough good pieces remaining to resurrect. I think that's a good price. Might have to stick a couple hundred (US) and some time into it, but you'd have a solid amp when you were done.

Dave

[JC103]

Sounds like a fair deal for a 74, I'd play it! I wonder if those strange brackets on the transformers are heat shields to protect them from the tubes??? Man CSA had some funny requirements for imports in the 70's...

[OldSchoolDave]

I wonder if those strange brackets on the transformers are heat shields to protect them from the tubes??? Man CSA had some funny requirements for imports in the 70's...

I think Klynnis (sp?) had one with endcaps like that. Seems to me it was a CSA thing - before all Partridges came with end caps (my '79 DR105 has the standard ones).

Dave

P.S. You'll get to play through a '74 DR103 soon enough !

[Olsvik]

Well, I bought it! I ended up paying about $1325 U.S. shipped, and the store is removing the line-out mod free of charge. Hopefully I'll have it by the end of the week or early next. Which brings me to my next question: what current production tubes are best? I usually buy JJ's or Electro Harmonix. I don't really want to fork over the cash for Mullards...

[Dr.HI-TONE]

Congratulations! That is a good price!

I would avoid EH tubes as they are not the most durable. I like the GT EL34M's the best! They sound pretty close to real Mullards and seem fairly durable. Winged C's are very good also and are known for their good sound and durability.
JJ's are OK as well.

I would rank them:
1. GT EL34M
2. Winged C
3. JJ E34L
4. JJ EL34

Of course this is just my opinion, but they are good tubes and a good starting point.

[OldSchoolDave]

I would rank them:
1. GT EL34M
2. Winged C
3. JJ E34L
4. JJ EL34

Haven't tried the GT's, but I agree with the rest of your rankings. I have not liked EH tubes - pre or power - in any amp so far.

Congrats on the acquisition, Olsvik!

Dave

[mikhailwatt]

I got a pair of post-Rosnov "Black Eagle" Teslas from Tubetramp for my DR504, very reasonable $$, especially for NOS. Killer sound.

[Olsvik]

Thanks guys. Thetubestore.com doesn't seem to have GT's , oddly enough. There are Mullard repro EL34s listed that are made by New Sensor, anyone have any experience with those? I think I am gonna go with the Winged C's for now.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

the new sensor mullards are just EH el34's

There are plenty of good places to buy tubes besides the tube store!

http://www.tubesandmore.com
has the GT's..........VHR can probably sell you some too, we just don't want to be a big player in the tube game.

[OldSchoolDave]

I think I am gonna go with the Winged C's for now.

Winged =C='s:

http://www.tubesandmore.com/scripts/fox ... T-EL34--WC

GT's:

http://www.tubesandmore.com/scripts/fox ... L34M-MP-GT

Antique Electronic Supply (tubesandmore) is a good outfit.

Dave

[Olsvik]

Thanks guys. I may try Tubesandmore.com in the future. I tend to use the Tube Store because they are based in Canada, so shipping is usually a lot faster and cheaper.

[OldSchoolDave]

I tend to use the Tube Store because they are based in Canada, so shipping is usually a lot faster and cheaper.

Didn't realize they were North of the Border. That makes sense.

Dave

[JC103]

Yep, I think they are in Windsor, Ontario. Right now with the exchange I'd go with the =C='s from the tube store.

[Olsvik]

Yeah, I bought a quad of the Winged C's. They should arrive tomorrow sometime, along with the amp. UPS tried to deliver the amp today, but no one was home.

[Olsvik]

Well, the Hiwatt has landed! Unfortunately I don't have a cab at my house, so I won't get to plug it in for a test drive until rehearsal tomorrow. Serial #7165. It is labelled as a DR-103 on the tag, but it has the Ontario Hydro sticker. I'll get some really good photos of it soon, and you guys can tell me if it has any "Canadian" mods internally. Oddly enough, it has a quad of Winged C's in it already, so now I have an extra set. Who knows how much life they have left in them, though. The line-out mod was removed at the shop, and the hole in the chassis on the back was plugged. As far as preamp tubes, there is one EH 12ax7 that I will be replacing post haste, a JAN Philips 12aT7, another tube with red lettering that has faded beyond my ability to read and it has a gold coloured W with a circle around it. I know jack-all about most tubes, is that a Westinghouse perhaps? The final tube has yellow lettering with the world GOLD and a larger M beneath it; everything else is faded off. Any ideas on that one?

Thanks guys!

Craig.