A new custom build

I wanted to share some pics of M-125s I'm building for a buddy.  When finished, they will also have green LED bulbs underlighting the driver tubes, as another major manufacturer does.  I used Krylon copper metallic paint over primer coats.

More Pics added 6/4/2016

https://www.flickr.com/photos/121456711@N02/

.

Another outstanding job bill!

Beautiful!

Is there a trick to prep the stainless for paint?  

I had impression that it's fairly hard to get paint to adhere to SS and requires very acidic etching or etching primer to properly bond the top coat.

Well, this started as brushed, not polished SS. A good scrubbing with 320 grit followed by gray metal primer provided a great foundation for the Krylon paint.

I hated painting the stainless, but love the way they look.

Nice job, reminds me of some vintage Leak amps. Anybody would be thrilled to have those.

yeah, I'm really surprised you could get paint to stick to stainless steel!!
personally, I would use blue LEDs (or purple) under the tubes, not green

But Roy, my buddy said green!!!

love the look . nice job , enjoy .

Okay, I'll be the lone dissenter. The exposed green PCB is a distraction in my mind. If there was some way to hide it and expose the two tubes, it would look great. Never cared much for exposed circuit boards and their associated parts.

Captain Coconut wrote:Okay, I'll be the lone dissenter. The exposed green PCB is a distraction in my mind. If there was some way to hide it and expose the two tubes, it would look great. Never cared much for exposed circuit boards and their associated parts.

You're not alone :-) Would be nice to have an optional cover for the green board and having access holes for the bias posts well.

Roy used to sell a plexi, or something, clear cover that stood above the amp top plate a bit. More of a protector than a cover, it didn't obscure the view. Enhanced it, I'd say. For those who think the stock version looks unfinished, I'd say it contributed a finished look.

I dont know if this was/is available for the monoblocks, or just the st 70.

Tube Nube wrote:Roy used to sell a plexi, or something, clear cover that stood above the amp top plate a bit. More of a protector than a cover, it didn't obscure the view. Enhanced it, I'd say. For those who think the stock version looks unfinished, I'd say it contributed a finished look.

I dont know if this was/is available for the monoblocks, or just the st 70.

Having nothing better to do, I searched the archives here and found no evidence that a plexi cover was ever available for the M-125. Roy offered the covers for the ST-70/120 - they were made-to-order for about $45.

I'm also in the camp that prefers not to see an exposed board. I'm also not married to the Dynaco look. See attached pics/links. They came from Front Panel Express.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/91078393/009.jpg




https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/91078393/017.jpg

Back to this thread, all I can say is my buddy loves exposed boards. Very Steampunk.

Nice job!

And I would want orange LED's........

That's what this is all about-preference!!!

I really need to save up and build some M125's.

Jason

This glass panel was my solution to covering the PCB but still maintaining the general look of the amp.  
Personally don't feel comfortable leaving high voltage parts exposed to touch.  Was a total pain to fabricate and mount though.

audiobill wrote:Back to this thread, all I can say is my buddy loves exposed boards.  Very Steampunk.

Wouldn't point-to-point wiring be more appropriate for a steam powered audio amplifier?

Or pipe-pipe wiring!

Personally I like the exposed boards...it gives the m125 more character. 
That said there is more danger using a metal screwdriver for biasing...a ceramic screwdriver is a safer tool to use without any worries.
Also common sense...I read on another forum someone partaking of his choice cigar and a fine brandy after dinner only slightly leaning over his tubes (on the floor) giving a taste to his McIntosh.
BAD-ROBOT!

Captain Coconut wrote:Okay, I'll be the lone dissenter. The exposed green PCB is a distraction in my mind. If there was some way to hide it and expose the two tubes, it would look great. Never cared much for exposed circuit boards and their associated parts.

I would be concerned with any wiring or connections being exposed when the amps are in operation - what with cats, dogs, and grandkids wandering about the place much of the time. Not to mention hot tubes - but a high shelf will reduce that issue, except for the cats which do go onto the upper shelves quite often.

Just out of curiosity. There is no B+ exposed on that board?

Pure opinion follows:

As to LEDs, WHY? There is always the warm glow of the tubes, and a bilious green or blue would be a diversion at best. Lipstick on a pig at worst.

Customers have many tastes, and this one liked what McIntosh did with the green leds.. In the end, he decided against it.

Taste, like beauty is sometimes in the eye of the beholder.....