Presto 6N amplifier recommendation?

[mattvon]

Hello!

Anyone have a recommendation for an amplifier for use with a Presto6N?

I have a 500ohm 1-D cutter head.

Looking to build around a decent amplifier, Need lots more of equipment. Hoping to begin with this.

Thanks!

Matt

[markrob]

Hi,

The best bet is to have the head re-wound for 8 ohm operation. That lets you use any modern power amp with the head. If you keep the head at 500 ohms, you have two choices:

1. Use a transformer to match the head to a modern amplifier (8 ohm to 500 ohm). This has been discussed here. Do a search any you'll find the answer.
2. Purchase an older vintage amp that has the proper output impedance to interface to the head. Presto certainly had these. Many tube based power amps produced from the 1940's to the 1960's had 500 ohm output taps. If you go that route, you'll likely need to have the amp electrically restored (new caps , tubes, etc).

Hope this helps

Mark

[mattvon]

Thank you Mark! I also have a Presto 1-C cutter head that is stamped ' 8 ohm ' ...So I actually have both.

It's funny because I just figured 500 seemed like it might outperform 8 ohm's.

I have to choose now. I'm leaning toward a modern amp setup with a transformer. It just seems more attainable and easier than vintage Presto or similar equipment.

I do not know if my cutter heads work- either of them. So there's that mystery as well.

[markrob]

Hi,

The 1D and 1C are almost identical. The big difference was in the damping material used and the fact that the 1C was in production back in the pre-RIAA days. So it was wound and setup for a 250 hz low frequency turnover. Both were specified for use with a series resistor used to set this turnover frequency. Search here for the download of the manual for the 1D (I don't think I seen a manual for the 1C). It has all of the details on drive levels and the external resistor.

Mark

[tragwag]

Marks' got it spot on.
I would add that 500 ohm amps are hard to come by and a lot of work.
My presto 92 amp is in the shop for it's third time now.
BUT my original heads far out perform the one's I've had rewound.
(I mean no disrespect to the tech who rewound them)

My 8 ohm heads work ok, it might be the solid state amps as well, but they've never had the same clarity and volume as the original heads.