I picked up a 50's McEachern (Licenced under patents of Northern Electric, Western Electric) tube amp on ebay. I've never heard of the make before but was impressed with the hefty power transformer and apparent build quality. The tube compliment is 2-6N7 pre and 2-6V6 power. The rectifier is a bit of a mystery, but at the moment, it is reputed to be a 5U4 according to the seller.
I had a peek under the hood and there is one replaced cap, the rest are original but appear in OK condition for their age. I know they should be replaced and if I keep the amp they will be. There is a choke.
I am getting quite a bit of hum and intermittant crackling on the amp and it is low on power as well. I tried replacing the original metal 6N7's with some glass 6N7's I had on hand and noticed that they did not light up.
The seller told me that he had just had the amp serviced and that the rectifier had been replaced. He also said that he had tested the amp and that it was working very well with no hum etc. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
I've held off trying a 5Y3 in the rectifier position as I don't know what the repercussions might be. It occurs to me that it might be a better choice than the "unmarked" 5U4.
I thought I would toss this out here at Ampage and see if anyone might have some suggestions or cautions. Much appreciated. Cheers.
I had a peek under the hood and there is one replaced cap, the rest are original but appear in OK condition for their age. I know they should be replaced and if I keep the amp they will be. There is a choke.
I am getting quite a bit of hum and intermittant crackling on the amp and it is low on power as well. I tried replacing the original metal 6N7's with some glass 6N7's I had on hand and noticed that they did not light up.
The seller told me that he had just had the amp serviced and that the rectifier had been replaced. He also said that he had tested the amp and that it was working very well with no hum etc. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
I've held off trying a 5Y3 in the rectifier position as I don't know what the repercussions might be. It occurs to me that it might be a better choice than the "unmarked" 5U4.
I thought I would toss this out here at Ampage and see if anyone might have some suggestions or cautions. Much appreciated. Cheers.
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