Got offered a 1980's 100wpc tube amp trade for my Anthem avm 40

polkfarmboy

I will post all the details as I get them, here is what I have so far. I have requested pictures and stuff but this is such a rare kind of brand I don't know how to value it. 100 wpc is just crazy and it should handle my Martin Logans way better than most current amps thats reasonably priced. Most of you guys here are super smart and have great audio detective skills so hopefully you can help as I get more info


OK, the Amp is a Grant Lumley an English Hand made Amp,made in the 1980's
By Grant Lumley's stereo power amplifier Co.
This beast can put out 90 watts down to 20hz and still has more!
it's 100 watt output Amp per. Ch.
tubes are in great condition and the hold unit just sounds so fine
35-45 watts sounds like 100 but soft

gdb

How are you planning to break it ? JK ! :cheesygrin: Good luck with it !!!

gdb

Which one does yours look like ?

http://www.google.com/search?num=10&hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1105&bih=535&q=grant+lumley+amplifiers&oq=grant+lumley&gs_l=img.1.1.0i24l2.3002.10597.0.15018.12.10.0.2.2.0.54.496.10.10.0...0.0...1ac.1.coSiJr2KXcI

polkfarmboy

I am still waiting for a response with pictures of it but as soon as I get them I will be sure to load em up

decal

Ask yourself this, where am I gonna take this thing when I start having trouble with it. Just one of the things you should ponder.

polkfarmboy

Well from what I have been reading so far about these amp is that most of them got imported here to the states through Canada and that the caps on them go bad and are very hard to come by in small quantitys they are oil caps? I was looking at them google pics that gdp put up and none of them have the dreaded WAF

gdb

Lots of places are tooled up to repair tube gear these days, the trick is to ferret out one that's within driving distance so that shipping isn't in the equation, IMO.

Fongolio

Circuits in old tube gear are usually quite simple. I'm an amateur at best with electronics but I entirely by myself (with some kind suggestions from folks here) modded, replaced all caps and resistors in my 1961 Eico ST-70. Just have to work methodically and have a little trouble shooting skill. Almost two years later it's still going strong with daily use.

By the way, it's only about 40 wpc rms tubed and drives my SDA-1C's beautifully. You'll have lots of power for your speaks.

nooshinjohn

You can't even plug in an Emo without electrocuting yourself. :twisted: j/k...Use extreme caution as English electronics often requir a fire extinguisher close at hand.

Tankman

Does your AVM 40 have the upgrade?

thsmith

I forget what your asking for the Anthem but I would think that Brit tube amp is worth less than a grand, maybe $600.

mrbigbluelight

You didn't mention it, but what tubes are in this Lumley ?
And, as always .... PIX !

newrival

I recall reading something about a Grant amplifier that was highly praised, although I do not remember the model. paper/oil caps are not that difficult to come by if you needed to go that route. If it isn't p2p wired I might be concerned about delamination of ICBs or oxidation, etc, but I imagine it shouldn't be much trouble.

enjoy your new amp

polkfarmboy

Tankman wrote: »

Does your AVM 40 have the upgrade?

Yep I paid $800 for the upgrade

ViperZ

polkfarmboy wrote: »

Well from what I have been reading so far about these amp is that most of them got imported here to the states through Canada and that the caps on them go bad and are very hard to come by in small quantitys they are oil caps? I was looking at them google pics that gdp put up and none of them have the dreaded WAF

I was just going to ask if it was recapped. If it wasn't and you decide to get it, it's not hard. Or just give it to a reputable shop to recap. As Fongolio mentioned, tube amp designs are fairly simple and easy to work on, so there are enough reputable shops that can work on them (amps, not integrated or preamps, which are difficult to work on and very easy to screw up).

Whenever I get an old tube amp, I usually end up changing input and output connectors, power cord and electrolytic caps (you don't have to change non-polarized caps in 99% of cases).

polkfarmboy

Here is another reply

Hi,that's Ok on saying no,on the Amp, as I really really don't want to sell it,even at 2K but I don't have an extra grand to spend on up grading my sunfire2 this week, maybe next week or next Moth,but no ground hum on this baby and the caps are not dry,It had a check up back in 2001 at BOHO electronics Hillside,NJ. A good friend in Sound reinforcement.I take great care of it like the wife appeal factor,she been with me from 75' Marred 82 until now 30yrs she know how I'm am about audio and Ham Gear.But if you send me a phone# I will take a Picture with my phone and sent it from there Tonight when I get in from work,good to message with you best regards

tonyb

I would say no PFB. Your anthem is worth more plus in the tube department, you could do much better for the coin.