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FS: LA-2A clone with vintage UTC iron (in 2RU chassis) *** REDUCED PRICE ***

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rascalseven

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 3, 2004
Messages
906
Location
"Tejas"
Built this many years ago and used it only in my smoke-free recording studio.  Unbelievable tone for vocals and bass!  I closed the studio a few years back and it has been in storage ever since.  Finally made the decision to part with it, so it can go to a better home where it can get the use it deserves.

https://flic.kr/p/2hTaV1khttps://www.flickr.com/photos/159032092@N07/

https://flic.kr/p/2hT9QCihttps://www.flickr.com/photos/159032092@N07/

https://flic.kr/p/2hT9QBGhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/159032092@N07/

https://flic.kr/p/2hT9Qxthttps://www.flickr.com/photos/159032092@N07/

https://flic.kr/p/2hT7ksLhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/159032092@N07/

https://flic.kr/p/2hT7kyHhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/159032092@N07/

This thing sounds sweet!  I built it according to original schematics using Allied 6K88VG power transformer, vintage UTC "HA" series iron and Kenetek T4B opto cell.  Only deviation from original drawings was the omission of "+4" and "+10" output function select for the meter (which I never used on other LA-2As), so meter is hardwired for GR only.  This is easy to alter for those who want the other options.  Also used balanced XLR connectors instead of barrier strip.

The UTC iron is a model HA-100 (not sure if 'X' or not) for the input and HA-113 ("HA" version of the A-24) for the output.  Both of these transformers were taken from parted out 1940's-era Gates vacuum tube "Speech Console".  UTC provided the iron for Gates during this era, and the windings, pinout and measurments are spot on for these models.  They are clearly HA series cans, though omitting the UTC badge, instead stamped with Gates internal part number). 

Meter zero-adjust pot and "limit/compress" switch are on front of unit for convenience.  Meter is VU meter taken from parted Yamaha PM-1000 console.  All tubes were  new when I built this, purchased from Antique Electronic Supply.  Also, tubes are accessible from the rear of the unit without having to open it up, but they are mounted in a recessed fashion to protect them from damage during handling.  T4B opto is internally mounted.  (see pics).

Unit is dead quiet and sounds fantastic -- glorious!! 

*** Price reduction, now $900 plus shipping from Plano, TX 75075. ***

The UTC "HA" transformers sell near that alone, and while these lack the "UTC" label (and, therefore likely wouldn't command that on the used market) they are still what they are and make this unit sound outright GORGEOUS... truly opulent.  Definitely murders the UA reissues.
 
This looks incredible! If I didn't have two LA-2A clones in the pipeline I'd be so tempted!

Glorious work man!!

Mike
 
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