Ampex 601/602 electronics

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Cathode_Ray

Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
10
Location
Atlanta
Seems a lot of ambivalence/distaste for these tube pres.  Input trannies, good tubes, standard architecture etc. What would set the sound quality of these apart from other tube preamps?
I am considering re-capping signal path - any reason to change cathode bypass caps?
Comments welcome.

Cathode Ray
 
I had a 601, aside from some hum, I thought it sounded great. 

A side note, many classical recordings that have been considered reference quality for many years were recorded with these Stereo Ampex Portables.  Then again, what do audiophiles know?
 
The input xfmr was optional; if not equipped with it, the noise performance may be far from stellar.
The structure is not very sophisticated, just basic gain stages in series, pentode input, no NFB.
And the output stage suffers from the presence of the meter.
Definitely not in the same league as the 351.
 
abbey road d enfer said:
The structure is not very sophisticated, just basic gain stages in series, pentode input, no NFB.

You mean all the good stuff! :)
 
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