"the brick" vs. 1566 altec

[Kasey]

i have a choice between either a groove tubes brick or an old 1566 altec preamp.

can anyone help me out here? im leaning towards the 1566 altec right now... its tried and true. i dont think i could go wrong with it.

 

[chessrock]

If you go the Altec route, then be prepared to spend some time / money on getting it serviced.

I doubt there's a single Altec in existence that isn't in serious need of being re-capped, among other things. If you're good with electronics and don't mind a little science project (or if you have friends or connections you could send it to), then the Altec would be a great thing to have around after some routine maintenance.

Just be sure to factor that in to the total cost of the Altec.

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[ez_willis]

If you go the Altec route, then be prepared to spend some time / money on getting it serviced.

I doubt there's a single Altec in existence that isn't in serious need of being re-capped, among other things. If you're good with electronics and don't mind a little science project (or if you have friends or connections you could send it to), then the Altec would be a great thing to have around after some routine maintenance.

Just be sure to factor that in to the total cost of the Altec.

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I've sold 2 1566's for that very reason.

Oh, and I bought 'em for $5 each and sold 'em for a couple hundred each. Yes!!!!

 

[pohaku]

If you go the Altec route, then be prepared to spend some time / money on getting it serviced.

I doubt there's a single Altec in existence that isn't in serious need of being re-capped, among other things. If you're good with electronics and don't mind a little science project (or if you have friends or connections you could send it to), then the Altec would be a great thing to have around after some routine maintenance.

Just be sure to factor that in to the total cost of the Altec.

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Indeed. The primary consideration that has kept me from acquiring one off of E-Bay. Don't need any more projects.

 

[Kasey]

ill admit im not an electronics guru. (but i do indeed have a friend who is) what does re-capped mean?

 

[pohaku]

Older capacitors dry out, cease working properly and need to be replaced. It is pretty common to have to replace the capacitors in electronic gear of that vintage.

 

[Kasey]

well going by the sound of the unit alone in good condition, which would you guys recommend? brick or altec

 

[chessrock]

Probably Brick if you want something more transparent, or the Altec if you want something with more of a vintage vibe (albeit a little noisier). Personally, I think the Altecs just plain look cool. I just love seeing old stuff like that in racks.

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