***--Available for local pickup in Wickenburg AZ only --***For sale is a pair of original but fully restored Heathkit W5M tube amplifiers. They are now installed in a system and can be heard before purchasing. They sound fantastic with a full range sound comprising deep bass and extended high frequencies-when you hear them you really can't help but contemplate just how much has really been gained sonically in the past 60 years. With the bass set at neutral I have no desire to add a subwoofer, which can't be said of many tube amps costing over twice this price. The W5M amps are based on the famous Williamson circuit and have the exceptional and desirable original Peerless 16309 output transformers running in ultra-linear (a huge part of what makes them sound so full bodied). They will come with all the tubes including 6l6GC output tubes and JJ 12AU7 input tubes and 5r4 rectifier tubes, two IEC power cords, the WA-P2 pre-amps mentioned below, a Staco variac (as mentioned below) and the metal cages (shown on the amplifier in the images). This pair includes an associated pair of the WA-P2 tube pre-amps (the pre-amps built for these amps). They have a 12AX7 (EI) tube and 12AU7 tube per unit. I didn't install the other 12AX7 for the phono section since I don't have a working turntable. The phono section hasn't been tested, so that's something the new owner can test if so desired. The amps have been restored and the following updates implemented: -- The power supply was rebuilt with new high voltage 105 degree
quality capacitors. This is true for both the preamps and amp. -- All coupling capacitors have been replaced with lime drop caps for
the signal tubes (used on high end Jolida tube products), and
Metallized polypropylene on the driver tubes.
-- A fused IEC female input socket was installed.
-- The chassis is now earth grounded for safety (much safer than the
two prong system).
-- Modern RCA jacks and gold plated 5 way binding posts were installed
instead of those frustratingly tiny screw terminals.
-- A power switch was installed (the original amp was turned on by the
WA-P2 preamps). A bypass cap was installed to prevent turn on arcing thus extending the switch life several orders of magnitude.
-- During the production years there were several variants of bias. It was deemed that the original bias was too high ultimately damaging the output transformers over time. These have the most recent bias resistor value installed thereby protecting the transformers and ensuring a long healthy life for them. Various forums will tell you this is an essential update especially given the value of the 16309 transformers these days.
-- The original amp used pin 6 on the output tube sockets for a tie-in point making the use of pentode tubes impossible. These have been rewired so that a EL34, KT77 or even KT88 could be used along with the KT66 or
6L6GC (I realize the KT tubes are tetrodes). One caveat is that with the latter three tubes the current draw for the filaments is increased substantially over the .9 amps of the former tubes (KT66/6L6GC). The higher current draw filament tubes can be used but ONLY with an externally powered pre-amp NOT the WA-P2 pre-amp. The amps were designed with an additional one amp of current draw in mind from the WA-P2 so they can handle the extra current of the larger filament current tubes. Many people will likely already have a favorite pre-amp and even have some extra tubes so in that case the added flexibility of using those tubes is a major benefit.
-- Sections of the chassis were painted as well as the metal cages. They are now very attractive, with that cool retro tube amp look-essentially functional artwork! Additionally, the amps will come with a USA made 1.4KW Staco variac (it could run two pair of them at full output so there's plenty of overhead) and provide a lower voltage than typical modern line voltages. These amps were made for around 115 volts and at my house the AC line is near 125 volts. Not only does that push the B+ voltage up dangerously high, it also raises the filament voltage both contributing to shortened tube life. Using the variac solves that problem without needing to redesign the power supply. My asking price is the same as that of most unrestored/untested pairs in the marketplace which may or may not have burned out transformers, damaged tubes and would require about $100 each of new caps not to mention the time and effort involved in the restoration. With the additional WA-P2 amps you're getting a "turn key" tube system (you'll need RCA interconnects and speaker cables, a signal source and of course speakers). This is a great opportunity for someone who's been wanting a pair of vintage Williamson designed amps but doesn't have the time or inclination to restore a pair themselves. If you already have a pre-amp you could sell the WA-P2 pre-amps making this deal even more attractive. Incidentally, these are not finicky about speakers. I'm running them on 4 ohm speakers (they have 4, 8 and 16 ohm taps), that are not particularly efficient (KEF 104/2 from 1986). I might consider trades for some large 8 or 16 ohm high efficiency speakers. Otherwise they are sold "cash and carry". ***-- AGAIN THESE ARE ONLY AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL PICKUP IN WICKENBURG, AZ (about an hour West of Phoenix, AZ). I put them at 5/10 due to some discoloration, smuddges, general wear for example quite noticeable on one pre-amp but since they stack it is not seen. If you're looking at vintage gear you're aware of what happens from age, plus the chassis have not been painted entirely to preserve the silk screen images. For their age they would rate higher, but I want to under represent them. The power transformers and choke have been painted with black hammertone as well as the metal cage which looks very nice.
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