It's amazing that the Matamp left the factory with the wrong rear faceplate and tubes installed. Glad you finally got it figured out!

I love how your chopstick looks like something out of Harry Potter… “Audio reparo!” 😂😂

@RiftAmps

2 ай бұрын

They’re actually Ken Homm Signatures, I’m not joking !

Mike from Modulus must have weight of world on his shoulders, but always gives you his time, hes a good guy

@TheMorganOrgan

2 ай бұрын

Agreed, great company and brilliant service.

Thank you for an interesting and varied video. From a factory incorrect amp to an ancient Heathkit tuner - that's great content. It would be great to see you work on the Heathkit if you decide to record it. The twice a week, 20ish minute video is a great format for your channel, helps to keep the flow going.

@RiftAmps

2 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Good work with tracing down that "amp-bug". It turns out the bias resistors has never been correct from the factory. That can happen but still amazing hahaha :) Best regards from Denmark

I use xtronic soldering iron, ive used for 3 years, for hours never changed a tip yet, i did break one before i got these one, i twsited it to tighten it and the little ceramic tube inside snapped. But there like 25 buck replace the iron. The control works great aswell. 100 of hours of use.

I'd love to see you working on the radio receiver. It's a shame that Boris the spider lost his home though.

I love these videos, keep up the great work!

Thanks for nice channel, subscribed! Just a note from someone who's been on the lookout for new gear. As for oscilloscope I would go for the new Siglent SDS804x for about the same money and get it unlocked to 824x if that's possible (too new scope to tell). For the iron Aixun T3A with original JBC T245 tips is a killer for 140€.

Matamp section is a masterclass in good problem solving. I used to work in problem services for people with disabilities (I.e staff problems, unhappy staff, parents and users.). And your process was same. The other element that you may also use is spend time thinking about all the possible options (assumptions). Many people look at info and quickly go to a solution. Also cf line checking a large (24 channels+ eg) sound system. Fascinating stuff ✔️

Built one of the HeathKit transistor tuners in 1970. The ferrite cores arrived broken and so my girlfriend (later wife) glued them together. Had to send it back to HeathKit for alignment which they did but still using the glued cores! Tuner worked well. I wonder where it is now.

re: resistors.. I don't trust the colour bands and usually pop them on a meter before using each one. On my last build I used RN65D metal film resistors which dont even have colour bands, the value is printed on the resistor body. Bit expensive but very quiet...

You’re right! I thought “I DON’T BELIEVE IT”, then you explained and I thought “oh, that makes sense” 😀. I know many a Les Paul has a name, but I shall now always call the amp “Victor”. 🤣

That's a "go" from me on the radio service.

I'd like to see the Heathkit serviced.

@mbielman

2 ай бұрын

Me too! "Magic Eye" demo.

Chris, when it comes to 6v6 tubes, which do you regularly use? Thx.

I bet even " Colombo" could'nt have solved that Matamp mystery.

Good idea to actually sample measure before adding to stock

Would like to see the hearhkit service!

Was the owner of the Matamp the original owner? Or had it been bought used? I have a very similar amp, mine is a prototype. It has 6v6s and sounds fantastic but the back plate says it should have EL34s. I think they often used to make alterations on the fly at request from the customer so could be an after sale factory mod? Excellent content btw!

@RiftAmps

2 ай бұрын

It was originally owned by a Matamp dealer who kept it after his shop closed down, who then recently sold it to my customer. I suspect you're right but have no way of confirming. It's a great amp and my customer is very pleased with it

Did you measure the ratio of the OP tranny? That would confirm which output tube it was truly made for since 6V6 differs greatly from EL34. Bias is only half of the design story.

Either someone’s modified the switch, or they decided to change the design/ran out of ultra linear transformers, but already had “ultra linear” silk screened on their chassis.

Any experience with the RS all in one digital soldering irons, or best to go with the digital station as you suggested for the extra £30?

@RiftAmps

2 ай бұрын

I haven't tried that one so couldn't give a recommendation. I only know what I know!

@tom_bluespower408

2 ай бұрын

No worries, thanks for coming back and for the content!!!

Please do a nice long vid on that Heathkit. I wish our young people of today would get off the brain numbing computer games, and get into hobbies like this. Besides being fun: they'd actually learn a skill and use their brains.

Sounds like someone had a brain fart in the factory and put the wrong backplate on….brilliant demonstration of the diagnostic process

Heathkit yes please

Heathkit +1

Factory Floor floor. Well spotted, AI would not be able to work that out

Hold the camera steady

@RiftAmps

2 ай бұрын

nah, I like the nausea

5 6V6’s?, where is the 5th 6V6? (14:50)

@RiftAmps

2 ай бұрын

“…he would convert it to BIAS 6V6s…” 😎

Would love to see the servicing and alignment of the Heathkit radio, please.