I like that idea. As long as what you want is at the right price for something that's 90% certain to need a serious overhaul if not major repairs too. Re-caps are expensive but simple enough for any DIY to do if they have the cash and a source of suitable grade parts.
Assuming you find a decent amplifier with discrete semis, it may not be so easy though. Usually amps are recycled for an obvious reason - blown output and driver transistors. Otherwise, unless you have a proper ESR meter to check them, it will at least need a full overhaul of the electrolytic capacitors.
Don't make the big mistake of simply plugging it into the wall socket to see if it works though - build yourself a DBT (AKA light bulb limiter) to protect it and you from further, destructive failures. Some failures, such as transformers, simply mean the end as these will seldom be replaceable.
Having worked in a recycle centre part-time, I'm aware of what people actually do with their problems and how ugly a nice-looking big Japanese amplifier from the 1070s-80s can be inside, particularly after the family fix-it has minced about with a spanner and blowtorch in there. Take the cover off and check for original condition by all means but don't just power up with fingers crossed.
Assuming you find a decent amplifier with discrete semis, it may not be so easy though. Usually amps are recycled for an obvious reason - blown output and driver transistors. Otherwise, unless you have a proper ESR meter to check them, it will at least need a full overhaul of the electrolytic capacitors.
Don't make the big mistake of simply plugging it into the wall socket to see if it works though - build yourself a DBT (AKA light bulb limiter) to protect it and you from further, destructive failures. Some failures, such as transformers, simply mean the end as these will seldom be replaceable.
Having worked in a recycle centre part-time, I'm aware of what people actually do with their problems and how ugly a nice-looking big Japanese amplifier from the 1070s-80s can be inside, particularly after the family fix-it has minced about with a spanner and blowtorch in there. Take the cover off and check for original condition by all means but don't just power up with fingers crossed.
Easier to spend $50 + shipping for a 40 to 80 watt ready amp.
Mosfet or chip amp.
Sony had some sets in the 70s with vertical FET's....just an example of what to expect.
You can make a cheap 1875 based amp for just 20 dollars, 2 modules at $2.5, FM module at $2, transformer $10, housing, pots and labor maybe $2.5. Chinese chips or Mosfets, shipment extra.
Brand new, and you can upgrade as you go along.
Unless you are into salvage and restoration, most sets become a waste of storage space, missing parts take a long time to find, and are expensive. You end up spending much more than planned, and they are not so reliable as a nice new one.
Mosfet or chip amp.
Sony had some sets in the 70s with vertical FET's....just an example of what to expect.
You can make a cheap 1875 based amp for just 20 dollars, 2 modules at $2.5, FM module at $2, transformer $10, housing, pots and labor maybe $2.5. Chinese chips or Mosfets, shipment extra.
Brand new, and you can upgrade as you go along.
Unless you are into salvage and restoration, most sets become a waste of storage space, missing parts take a long time to find, and are expensive. You end up spending much more than planned, and they are not so reliable as a nice new one.
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