It almost seems there are as many recipes for great sound in a tube amp as there are models of tube amps. The recipe on offer in the Classic 60 is a bit unusual in featuring a hybrid FET/6CG7 based front end and a fan-cooled quad of 6550s per channel to deliver 60 triode watts of power in a reasonably compact, 63 pound(!) stereo footprint. The build and parts quality are to the usual very high ARC standard, including some really clever design niceties like cross coupling the cathodes of the hot and cold halves of the circuit to give automatic compensation for individual tube characteristics. ARC states outright states that replacement tubes needn't necessarily be matched, though matched pairs will offer "slightly better performance." In my experience, the Classic is about answering what it sounds like to marry the nuance and detail of a medium powered triode amplifier, with some genuine authority and control. To this day, I can insert it in a variety of system contexts and it's never less than a rock solid, compelling performer. This Classic is in the less common black finish and I would grade it 7/10 cosmetically. There are some obvious scratches in the paint on the power transformer end bell. There is also some minor rash along the top upward facing edge of the front panel (the top left corner is very slightly dog eared) and a screw is missing on the 16 ohm tap for the left channel. Not imagining many are using the 16 ohm taps, but if so the screw would be easily sourced. That's all frankly minor to the point that if someone were enterprising in taping off or removing that end bell to repaint it, the grade would then be an easy 8+/10. The front panel and handles are nearly perfect. Functionally it works perfectly as originally designed, with the note that, depending on the system, there is a very faint to ultra faint 60Hz buzz (not heard unless your ear is within a few inches of the speaker) as the amp comes up to operating temperature and then it goes away completely. Asking $1250 + shipping/PayPal (if applicable). I DO have the original factory double box and owner's manual. So shipping is definitely manageable, with the caveat that the boxed weight is north of 70lbs somewhere. Will only ship within the continental U.S. to the buyer's verified PayPal address. Local buyers are welcome to come and see/hear it before purchase (with appropriate virus precautions), and am also willing to meet within a ~90 minute radius of Columbus to transact.
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| Payment and Shipping |
| Pay By: |
Personal Check after it clears, Paypal |
| Ships From: |
43065 (Powell, OH) |
| Ships To: |
USA Only |
| Shippers/Payer: |
FedEx, Postal / Paid by: Buyer |
| Shipping Notes: |
(none)
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