06/56 pre-drivers are on order now. In the meantime, I was able to power and play with this amp. From the looks of it; on the scope - the amp is going to be fixed with a little more tlc.
Replace the stainless anode/cathode strap bolts with copper units, and add a touch of window defog repair paint to the PCB's exposed traces where the bolt will rest. This has helped in the past eliminate the fatigue in that area when running a orion properly, and by properly, I meant beat the bajebius out of it....
My car audio systems are 100% orion, Not a lot of gear I care for outside the old orion/zed gear.
My car audio systems are 100% orion, Not a lot of gear I care for outside the old orion/zed gear.
Do you think this Orion would have better sounding quality than a Hifonics Thor ZED (125x5) or a Soundstream MC140 (Bridged to 90x2)?
Thats what is running in my car, and, I was going to likely jst sell this Orion once I can restore it. its one of the few amps I actually own...
Whats a strap bolt? You mean the power wires? I've gone to a hardwired solution with screw-style end plates; since this amp was missing all the covers.
Thats what is running in my car, and, I was going to likely jst sell this Orion once I can restore it. its one of the few amps I actually own...
Whats a strap bolt? You mean the power wires? I've gone to a hardwired solution with screw-style end plates; since this amp was missing all the covers.
Yes, the power wires, sounds like you have them under control, Id advise you to not sell it, but I'm also a 100% orion user... so I have a positive bias for orion gear.. Heck care if we trade? i have piles of gear 🙂 lots of nice amps and such.
Run it against the Thor and let us know if there is a difference or not. 🙂 I would keep the Orion and swap out the Soundstream for it. Like Tubenutm, I have also been around the older Orion amps, and the older SX series (90-95ish) are some sweet amps.
I <3 my 250 sx's
Being a tube audio guy, I say don't trust any one's ears but your own, I look for different sound quality when im in my car's, or at my offices, or at my home, nothing counts unless it's your opinion, honestly, id keep this orion.
Being a tube audio guy, I say don't trust any one's ears but your own, I look for different sound quality when im in my car's, or at my offices, or at my home, nothing counts unless it's your opinion, honestly, id keep this orion.
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I know its not apples to apples, but this orion is using the same outputs as my old Precision Power PC275 Powerclass amp. That amp was OK but it was nothing special. I also had a PC2150 which used TIP35/56 outputs. Neither one of these PPI amps performed better than my Hifonics (Zed) Thor and Soundstream setup.
I know theres probably more than just the brand behind the components but I think it counts. I like the TIP102/107 sound better than the 6488/6491.
I'll see about this. This orion still needs a lot, even though I've found all the faults, its still going to need all power fets because I physically broke one, plus a half row of outputs and fabricated plates / backing. Im not sure how reliable its going to be, but likely going to cost another $30 or so.
I know theres probably more than just the brand behind the components but I think it counts. I like the TIP102/107 sound better than the 6488/6491.
I'll see about this. This orion still needs a lot, even though I've found all the faults, its still going to need all power fets because I physically broke one, plus a half row of outputs and fabricated plates / backing. Im not sure how reliable its going to be, but likely going to cost another $30 or so.
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Looks like I just fixed this amp with more spare parts. I found an MPSA06 in a parts Bazooka amp and put it to work. This amp it totally fixable and is now operating well on the workbench.
I'll need to order parts up properly so that this amp will become reliable:
1. 14 power supply transistors (This is painful. I only physically damaged one out of the 14 ~$30.)
2. 5 output transistors (I damaged three of them and need to replace the paralel set)
3. LM337 and LM317 (Already replaced)
4. One 35v 470uF Cap
5. MPSA06/56 set
This amp still needs some work with the covers, but here is what I've put together thus far to get this working without breaking the bank.
I'll need to order parts up properly so that this amp will become reliable:
1. 14 power supply transistors (This is painful. I only physically damaged one out of the 14 ~$30.)
2. 5 output transistors (I damaged three of them and need to replace the paralel set)
3. LM337 and LM317 (Already replaced)
4. One 35v 470uF Cap
5. MPSA06/56 set
This amp still needs some work with the covers, but here is what I've put together thus far to get this working without breaking the bank.
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You really want this amp dont you. Well, PM me with your intensions and what you want to pay in the current state. I was going to fix it to sell on fleabay thinking it would bring ~$200 in a fair but durable and repaired state, and obviously less in the current state. There is a 2150GS on eBay now for $300 buy-it-now, but the SX was stronger, more desirable, and bridgable. Let me know cause it sounds like you really want this in your orion collection. To me, this amp is just $ for the repair-hobby.
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your math looks good, How about a JL audio 6 chan? amp's clean, has bad outputs and output drivers (to-220 and to-92) worth about $200, plus the sound is quite nice!
I think I'll pass. Besides, this amp works! I accept paypal or Zed audio.
No seriously. I have not played around with the JL audio stuff; but if Im going to trade something like this I'd rather like to keep it old-school like SS, Hifonics... Anything Class AB from the 90s made in the USA.
I do need some $ for my other hobby. Can you offer anything via pp?
No seriously. I have not played around with the JL audio stuff; but if Im going to trade something like this I'd rather like to keep it old-school like SS, Hifonics... Anything Class AB from the 90s made in the USA.
I do need some $ for my other hobby. Can you offer anything via pp?
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Alas and since 807tubenut was interested, I've posted this amp on eBay disclosing the issues and what it still needs. Since I dont have the end plates I'm just going to let this one go.
Old school Orion 2150SX Car Audio Amplifier For Parts - eBay (item 150542714278 end time Jan-09-11 16:21:43 PST)
Old school Orion 2150SX Car Audio Amplifier For Parts - eBay (item 150542714278 end time Jan-09-11 16:21:43 PST)
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