Old/Vintage Whiteley Amp identification and speaker recommendations

[RooBoonix]

Hey there,

This is my first post, not sure if it's in the right section but feel free to move if need be

I am hoping some of you can help me, here's the story, when my dad was my age (14) he had an old valve amp, a speaker cabinet with three 6x9" speakers in it and some piezo tweeters. So now, he wants me to have the same system that he used to have, so I have got the amp but I have no idea what speakers would pair up with it (the amp is only mono, and I believe a crossover unit is not needed when using Piezo tweeters)

So, I have found some Piezo tweeters on ebay that he says were like his (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-X-100W-P...item1c28f4523c) and I now need some speaker recommendations so me and my dad can make up a cabinet for them, but I have no idea of the specs of the amp.

So as to help you identify I have some pictures of the amp (and pre-amp if that helps):

Pre-Amp (my dad modified the surround it is in so the pre-amp is the gold bit in the middle)





From the back:



and now the amp itself:







And the underside/inside of the amp:





Sorry for all the pics, but I thought I would try and make it easier for you to identify

Also, I have found a serial number on it, which is: WER1042 Not sure if that is of any use to you?

So if you have any ideas of the specs or which speakers I could connect up to it then I would be very greatful, and I would preferably like the speakers not to have a surround/cabinet already as I am going to make my own cabinet for them

Thanks in advance, if any more info is needed then just ask

Cam

EDIT: Also, there is a power connector in the back for AC 250V and I believe it is called a Bulgin connector?? I can't find the lead and they are very expensive on ebay, will I have to pay alot of money for one???

[steve 57]

I would say its a stentorian wb12 amp and control unit, its an unltra linear push pull el84 amp rated at 10 watts, from around the early sixties

their speakers are very good and highly regarded, dont know much about the amps though,

[Valvebloke]

If the amp has not been used in the last year (and maybe even if it has) then it will need attention before you run it. The capacitors will be reaching the end of their useful life and should at the very least be checked and almost certainly renewed. They're not expensive but there will be labour costs unless you can do it yourself or find a reliable local enthusiast to help. Not doing it can blow valves (expensive) or transformers (only replaceable with modern not-quite-the-same versions).

As far as the Bulgin connectors go, the price is the price I'm afraid. One option would be to replace it with a modern IEC connector, but that won't be 'authentic'. And again you'll be looking at parts and labour costs. It's worth saying that the cable grip arrangements on the Bulgin connector are poor and an IEC connector would be a big improvement in that respect.

VB

[RooBoonix]

Ok thanks for the help, so 10w, at least I know what speakers to go for now, so what sort of impedance rating am I looking at here?? Also, if it's only 10w, would I be better wiring say 3 speakers in series or parallel?

I am just going to count up what capacitors I need and see how much they will be, and labour will be free as I can solder myself!

Thanks,
Cam

[RooBoonix]

Also, does it matter which type/brand of capacitors I go for? Some of them say "Metalmite" or "Micromite"?? and also "Electrolytic"?? Does that matter? I will try and find the ones that have them words but if I can't then will the closest ones be ok??

And finally, there was one that was different to all the others and it said "100 MFD", what does that mean?? Just a different type??

Thanks,
Cam

[Hornucopia]

You need to find a local repair place that knows about old valve stuff I think. There are still a few about I think.
Check ads in relevant mags (Practical Electronic-types.)

[rabski]

Also, does it matter which type/brand of capacitors I go for? Some of them say "Metalmite" or "Micromite"?? and also "Electrolytic"?? Does that matter? I will try and find the ones that have them words but if I can't then will the closest ones be ok??

And finally, there was one that was different to all the others and it said "100 MFD", what does that mean?? Just a different type??

Thanks,
Cam

Unless you understand what you're doing, this is not a DIY job. Capacitors have a couple of important values, the first is th capacitance value itself (usually expressed as Farads, uF, mF, pF, etc.) the second is the voltage rating. Electrolytics also have a correct way of wiring (one side is positive). Get any of these wrong, and you may have a potentially bad accident on your hands.

The amp you've got there runs a valve-rectified high-voltage supply for the tubes. There is about 400 volts flying around in that chassis, which is more than enough to kill you instantly.

Seriously, it may sound half-decent when sorted and properly checked, but this is definitely not a thing to tackle without experience.

[Lokes]

Mr Rabski speaks a lot of sense, I got my hands on a valve reel to reel when I was your age , it was nearly the last thing I did,
Run everything by your dad first but best of all get someone who's very familiar with such restoration work to do it for you.

[Valvebloke]

Richard's right. 'Learning from your mistakes' in valve amp repair tends to be expensive in destroyed components. It can sometimes involve loud bangs, smoke and personal danger (you and/or loved ones). If you want to do it yourself then it's best to get someone who's done it before to look over your shoulder while you're doing it or, at the least, to look it over after you've finished but before you power it up. If you want to let us know which part of the country you're in you may find that one of us is close enough to help. There are also helpful specialists over on these fora http://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/index.php? and http://vintagetvandradio.myfreeforum.org/index.php.

VB

[rabski]

DIY and valves can be fascinating and it's a great learning experience. I really didn't mean to sound patronising at all. It's just that it really can be extremely dangerous and a little knowledge can lead to a serious mistake. I learned the hard way in my teenage years. It damned-nigh killed me and left me deaf for two days when a capacitor exploded because I'd got my figures wrong. Had I been looking at it at the time, I wouldn't be typing now.

If you want to learn, as VB says, there are plenty here who'd be willing to give a little time and experience. You could also sensibly do some reading first. Get used to it and figure out how it works, and there's a hobby for life.

[RooBoonix]

Hi,

Thanks for the help. I have asked a friend and he has explained everything for me. The fact its measured in farrads etc... and that electrolytic have polarity.

I will read up alot as we didnt realise it was going to be this expensive! I will quadrouple check what i buy and my dad will be with me whilst i do it. He knows alot about this stuff so he can help me.

Thanks very much for the concern I will look out for places where I could get it done, if need be and VB I will look on them links soon.

Thanks alot,
Cam

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[RooBoonix]

Hey,

Do you guys have any recommendations on speakers to use with this amp??? Fairly big and would sound good not too expensive (preferably)

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[slavedata]

Your best bet is to look on e-bay searching on Home audio and hi-fi, sub category speakers, for one of the well established brands for example KEF or Bowers & Wilkins, Mordaunt Short is a good choice as they are less well known. List in order of closest to your postcode and spot with your Dad something you fancy. Probably pick up only as they will be big and heavy. Get your Dad to bid for them (you have to be over 18) then arrange to collect. With a bit of patience and perseverance you should be able to get something that sounds great for under £50.
Best of luck.

[toprepairman]

Roo, wherabouts in the country are you?

[RooBoonix]

Thanks guys, found 4 5inch speakers for 18pounds which are full range. Not the best but they are an option. But i will keep looking

I am in Essex mate, north Essex

Also, this amp was supposedly designed for stentorian duplex speakers which are 15ohm. And $1400.... What sort of impedance rating am i looking for here? Around 8 to 16 ohm??

Thanks,
Cam

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[toprepairman]

Oh, Ok. If you're passing this way (M25 J9/10) you could drop by and I can give you some pointers as to choice of caps etc.

[RooBoonix]

Ok cheers buddy, not sure if I am gonna be but thanks anyway

Also, when buying speakers.. because my amp is 10w, if the speakers i like are in the 200-300w range, is it best to go for the ones closer to 200w ?? Or does it not matter??

Thanks,
Cam


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