old Heathkit amp

samcataudio · 28th January 2012, 04:14 PM

Hi all, first post. I built a Heathkit AA-32 stereo amp which is about 40 years old. I haven't used it in years but have recently renewed my interest in audio and fired it up...works like it did as new! Question.. would it help extend tube life if I plug it into a variable power supply and slowly turn up the voltage? thanks
Jeff B

samcataudio · 28th January 2012, 04:22 PM

I forgot to add a pic of my Heathkit AA-32...looks new!
Jeff B

stratus46 · 28th January 2012, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samcataudio

Hi all, first post. I built a Heathkit AA-32 stereo amp which is about 40 years old. I haven't used it in years but have recently renewed my interest in audio and fired it up...works like it did as new! Question.. would it help extend tube life if I plug it into a variable power supply and slowly turn up the voltage? thanks
Jeff B

You've already powered it up to listen to it. What's the point of the Variac now?

G²

ODougbo · 28th January 2012, 04:56 PM

Pic?....I think I have some of that stuff, tucked away.

Quote:

Originally Posted by samcataudio

I forgot to add a pic of my Heathkit AA-32...looks new!
Jeff B

samcataudio · 28th January 2012, 06:47 PM

looks new!

tinitus · 28th January 2012, 06:51 PM

nice

rmyauck · 28th January 2012, 07:30 PM

Yes it wouldn't hurt! I think the it would be easier on filaments. Also helps with todays high line voltages. ICL's could be used too to help filaments and caps.
If it hasn't had all the coupling caps and PS caps changed you are risking your Transformers and sometimes tubes. Good to clean and tension tube sockets and check resistors too.

Randy

DF96 · 28th January 2012, 08:00 PM

With old unused valve amps the fragile component which needs to be carefully woken up is not a valve but the main electrolytic smoothing/reservoir caps.

Frank Berry · 28th January 2012, 08:07 PM

If you have "awakened" the old amplifier by applying full voltage, I see little need to use a Variac.
I would keep a close watch on the electrolytic capacitors. Because of their age, they are likely to fail.

rmyauck · 08:12 PM

Here's more on old caps:

Reforming capacitors, NOS and used - AudioKarma.org Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=416418

28th January 2012, 04:14 PM	#1
samcataudio diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2012	old Heathkit amp Hi all, first post. I built a Heathkit AA-32 stereo amp which is about 40 years old. I haven't used it in years but have recently renewed my interest in audio and fired it up...works like it did as new! Question.. would it help extend tube life if I plug it into a variable power supply and slowly turn up the voltage? thanks Jeff B

28th January 2012, 04:22 PM	#2
samcataudio diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2012	forgot to add pic.... I forgot to add a pic of my Heathkit AA-32...looks new! Jeff B

28th January 2012, 08:07 PM	#9
Frank Berry diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Midland, Michigan	If you have "awakened" the old amplifier by applying full voltage, I see little need to use a Variac. I would keep a close watch on the electrolytic capacitors. Because of their age, they are likely to fail. __________________ Frank

28th January 2012, 08:10 PM	#10
rmyauck diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Northern Manitoba	Here's more on old caps: Reforming capacitors, NOS and used - AudioKarma.org Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=416418 Last edited by rmyauck; 28th January 2012 at 08:12 PM.

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28th January 2012, 06:51 PM	#6
tinitus diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Nov 2005	nice

28th January 2012, 07:30 PM	#7
rmyauck diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Northern Manitoba	Yes it wouldn't hurt! I think the it would be easier on filaments. Also helps with todays high line voltages. ICL's could be used too to help filaments and caps. If it hasn't had all the coupling caps and PS caps changed you are risking your Transformers and sometimes tubes. Good to clean and tension tube sockets and check resistors too. Randy

28th January 2012, 08:00 PM	#8
DF96 diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2007	With old unused valve amps the fragile component which needs to be carefully woken up is not a valve but the main electrolytic smoothing/reservoir caps.

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