Restoring And Refurbishing Antique AHUJA ASE32B Tube Power Amp
Make and Model: Ahuja Valve Public Address Amplifier model ASE32B owned by me.
Condition: Dead when collected from a friend as a gift. Lying unattended for a few years. Opening only now.
Troubleshooting, rectification and refurbishing done: Opened and cleaned the inside thoroughly. Replaced all electrolytic capacitors, worn out resistors and high voltage fixed capacitors. Resoldered all joints. Replaced one of the volume controls with a new one, by grinding the extra length of spindle. Replaced a defective ECC81 valve. Bypassed the External battery vibrator connection (Vibrator was missing in the Amp). Replaced the old speaker connectors with the spring loaded connectors. Replaced the old input connectors (grid and ground) with two RC sockets, internally isolating the two input signals with a 0.1uF/400V polyester capacitor to make it mono input. Provided two 12V DC SMPS Cooling fans for both the Power Valves, for which I connected a 12-0-12 Step down transformer, rectification and regulator circuit for providing 12V. Provided a fuse holder and fuse at the input (there was no fuse connection in the primary!) Replaced the two mike input connectors with inserting type sockets. Took the cabinet top cover to a Car Body painter known to me and got it thoroughly scraped and repainted. Cleaned the brass emblem to make it shine like new. Provided new knobs for the Amp. Provided new steel cabinet fixing screws.
Thus the refurbishing and reworking on the set was completed. Powered the Amp and found it to be working perfectly well with awesome performance! Thus a bulging satisfaction jumped into its collection bag proudly! (This is our main Amp connected to our Video and Audio systems in the house, with four speakers in the hall, with selectable twin speakers for each bed rooms such that the audio can be diverted to any or all the three bedrooms!)
Some pictures showing the inside out of the set and job done:
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 70 years old and has more than 30 years’ experience in handling antique equipment like Valve Radio, Amps, Reel Tape Recorders and currently studying latest tech-classes conducted by Kerala State Electronics Technicians’ Association. He has done graduation in BBA degree, private diploma in Radio Engineering and retired as MD of a USA company. Presently working as Consultant to Hospital and other institutions.
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You may check on his previous repair article below:
https://jestineyong.com/transistor-failed-in-v-guard-stabilizer/
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Waleed Rishmawi
May 26, 2020 at 12:01 pm
Thanks for sharing your repair success with us. I never worked on such device. Have a blessed day my friend.
Parasuraman S
May 26, 2020 at 4:51 pm
Many thanks! Working on a tube amplifier or radio is a thrill by itself! When we touch a tube with our hands, it takes us to our childhood!
Albert van Bemmelen
May 26, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Seeing this great restore project I immediately believe you on mentioning the incredible sound quality this Tube Amplifier makes! And I love the way how in your country you are simply able to take the cabinet top cover to a friend who is a Car Body painter who got it thoroughly scraped and repainted for you. Just like the transformer rewiring service that exists in your great country!
Parasuraman S
May 26, 2020 at 4:53 pm
Many thanks! As mentioned by me above to Waleed Rishmawi, it is always a pleasure to work on tube sets. The audio quality is so superb, you won't feel like switching it off!
Yogesh Panchal
May 26, 2020 at 3:34 pm
Sir,
.......Clap! Clap! Clap!...............no words.....
Parasuraman S
May 26, 2020 at 4:54 pm
Many thanks, Yogesh Panchal! A clap is a real boost!
Henrique J. G. Ulbrich
May 27, 2020 at 4:29 am
Very good, Parasuraman. Like Yogesh Panchal, I send you several Clap...Clap...Claps. Electronic tubes also take me to childhood and to when I began to deal with electronics. Besides the work with electronics, I also dealt with music, playing on music ensembles, and joined the two things - as a musician and giving maintenance on the electronic equipment used. All happened in the years 1960-1970 and is unforgettable.
Parasuraman S
May 27, 2020 at 9:41 am
Many thanks! Working with Tubes is always a thrill!
Humberto
May 27, 2020 at 7:59 am
I studied valves in the University and I still like them. You did a full-job with the Amplifier.
Parasuraman S
May 27, 2020 at 9:42 am
Yes, it's a pleasure and a boon to get a chance to work on them.
Robert Spoon
May 28, 2020 at 9:30 pm
Great job, I always enjoy your repair articles especially your comment when repair is successful, the satisfaction is jumping in the bag!
Parasuraman S
May 29, 2020 at 1:45 pm
Many thanks! I started using it as a true replica of my mindset and became a regular jargon later as an added amusement!
Bass Buddy
June 4, 2020 at 11:16 pm
Amazing job. When I studied electronics loooong ago radio tubes were the most important subject of our education. I love the feel, sound and smell of tubes amps. I also have tube amp project to do. Yessss.
New man
June 7, 2020 at 1:13 am
Wow.
Superp work !
Weldone .
it' s Great and pleasure work !
Congratulations !
Parasuraman S
June 12, 2020 at 3:05 pm
Many thanks for your encouraging comments!