Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

I was kindly donated this Vintage Pioneer amp by Frankn.

 

It has a couple of minor issues as can be expected of an amplifier made between 1973 and 1975, namely the volume pot was noisy and the knob had come unglued.

Other than dust it was in really good condition.

 

I am thinking this could probably do with a recap.

 

It sounds better than some amps I have heard and fairly similar to the NAD3020.

 

I was surprised to see that the headphones are driven by transformers.

 

Pictures:

 

 

post-109729-0-63391100-1434850221_thumb.

post-109729-0-62331000-1434850246_thumb.

post-109729-0-75492000-1434850259_thumb.

post-109729-0-97460000-1434850269_thumb.

post-109729-0-74806900-1434850281_thumb.

post-109729-0-99372000-1434850293_thumb.

post-109729-0-88138800-1434850303_thumb.

post-109729-0-50974600-1434850312_thumb.

  • Like 3

Posted (edited)

Nice one. Typical of the era. I do see a few quality parts in there. so she would sound good originally. Clean it up and will be real nice I think. I like these small amps..

Edited by The Fez
Posted (edited)

Hey Steve.

I've had a look at the schematic for your Pioneer.

 

Pretty simple dohickey.

 

Best I can advise is just replace the electrolytic's like for like.

Higher voltage units are never a bad thing.

I don't see raising the actual capacitance as being of any benefit.

Thats based on the elderly simple design and the fact (personal belief) that current capacitors are far superior to those of yester year.

 

In your situation, I'd get the replacement caps (panasonics) from element 14. (free shipping)

I wouldn't even worry about 105 degree ones as I don't see it getting hot enough to warrant them.

If you do want to spend more on 'better' parts, then go for panasonic 'FC' series of capacitors.

 

The only real issue you will have is replacing the volume control.

The original is a split/dual/concentric unit that will be near impossible to find.

Good news is it doesn't have a loudness tap.

So I would suggest replacing it with a standard 250k dual log pot.

 

Things like spraying whatever stuff into them is only ever a short term band-aid at best.

 

Any questions, Please, feel free to ask, if no one else has suggestions, I will answer to best of my ability :D

 

EDIT, Oh and wouldn't hurt to remove the transistors from the heat sinks and re-seat them with new insulators. ('Silpads' - that way no messy silicon grease needed)

Edited by Green Wagon
  • Like 1
Posted

Thanks for the advice.

 

The transistors look to have mica insulating washers fitted, I know these are very brittle so may replace tehm.

Posted (edited)

yes they do.

mica should be used with a smear of silicon compound.

 

but silpads have superseded mica/grease in all areas.

so just pull the transistors off, clean both mating faces with some metho and bolt back together with a silpad.

No grease needed.

and dont over tighten them or you might puncture through the new insulator (no more an issue than mica washers.)

Edited by Green Wagon

Posted

Do I get them from Element 14 too.

 

I also have a 1978 NAD 3020 that I'm going to recap, may as well do them both at the same time.

Posted (edited)

Yup.

 

If your starting out, do one at a time.

Bad enough having issues with one unit.

 

And just check your order, e14 used to be free freight. I just placed a smallish order ($50) and they hit me with $13 freight....................

Damn sure all my previous orders were free freight.

 

EDIT.

 

Ah ok...

 

The Company reserves the right to charge extra for delivery of certain items, for example those that are very large, heavy or hazardous, and the Company reserves the right to charge a standard delivery fee of $12.95 + GST for all orders under $45. For all orders over $45 where the weight is less than 20kg, delivery is free. Any such charge will be notified to the Customer at the time of establishment of its account or placing of the order to which such charge applies. Dimensional weight calculations may apply. For safety reasons, hazardous goods cannot be shipped by air. To discuss shipping options please contact us. The spend amount does not include GST or any other discounts.

Edited by Green Wagon
Posted

Just been through my cap stash, I have more caps for the NAD than I have for the Pioneer.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.




×
×
  • Create New...
To Top