Great American Sound and SUMO Specialists
RESTORATION REBUILD OPTIONS
Available Options:
1) IEC Power connector installation. This option provides the ability to experiment and use the aftermarket power cord of choice. We recommend this option because it provides a solid improvement over the 30+ year old appliance grade power cord hard wired at the factory. Involves chassis modifications and labor to hookup. Installation cost is $35 on both preamps and amps.
2) Instrumentation grade power cord. A quality cord that is a solid performer and provides excellent sonics. Power amp cord is 14-gauge, 6.6ft length with a cost of $36. The preamp cord is 16-gauge with a cost of $24.
3) Dual Binding posts: Dual binding posts for replacement of speaker output connectors on the amplifiers. We offer two versions. Both provide great long-term performance. First is an HH Smith 20 amp model. Second is a Superior Electric 30 amp model for 200 watt amps. Both models are hex-head tightening with nickel plating. We find the nickel plated instrumentation posts superior to similarly priced, commonly available connectors with cosmetic gold plating. Costs: HH Smith, $50; Superior Electric $92, installed
4) Preamp input connectors: We supply two styles. Both are physically better connectors than the originals, with great contact metals for firm long term contact and thick, hard gold plating. The first option is physically similar to the stock connector. It is made by a European company so the chassis holes need to be enlarged a little bit to fit the metric sizing. The second connector is a Tiffany style which is physically bigger and stronger, allowing it to support the weight and forces imposed by modern heavy cables. These also use a Teflon insulator. The chassis holes need to be enlarged a bit more to accommodate their larger mounting foot print and there are modifications to both the motherboard and signal pins for proper installation and clearances in both Thoebe and Thaedra. Thalia and Sumo preamps require a new designed mounting plate of our design. Cost: European connectors are $12./pair; Tiffany-style are $18./pair. Installation is $10/pair, For either connector style. If you replace more pairs, we cut the install price to a total of $25 because we’re already tooled up for the modification.
5) Component upgrade: This option completes the parts upgrade begun in the Restoration Rebuild. The critical components are replaced in the Restoration Rebuild, while this more thorough upgrade takes the parts upgrade to its logical conclusion (resistors, capacitors, low-level transistors and diodes). It does provide the last measure of long term reliability and a boost in the resolution of the circuitry when complete. Cost Amps: $65 Preamps: $75
6) Calibration control upgrade: As part of the Restoration Rebuild, all calibration adjustment potentiometers are tested, cleaned and replaced as needed. This upgrade replaces the adjustment pots with new Cermet models. It provides a more stable calibration over a wider range of environmental elements. The Cermet controls are quieter with lower distortion. Cost $24- $40. Depending on model.
7) Meter circuit rebuild: This option extends the rebuild work into the meter drive circuitry. It involves spending the time to overhaul the meter switch assembly, replaces calibration controls and passive components where required, solders crimp connections in bulb sockets and replaces bulbs with American made bulbs. We also replace the reflector shields (in Son of Ampzilla) and polish the meter bezels to minimize scratches and scuffing of their faces. (While it’s impossible to make the bezels like new, there is a large improvement in most meter cosmetics). Cost: $65.00
8) Dim meter lights: a meter circuit modification allows the meter lights to provide a more subtle glow than the stock circuitry. Cost $35.
9) Chassis cleaning and polishing: A very common problem with the GAS preamps is the beginning of rust and the deposition of surface films on the back panels and bottom covers. This option spends the time needed to disassemble chassis components and remove surface films, minimize the effects of rust and finish with a polishing of automotive wax to seal the surface. Primarily this option applies to the GAS preamps, although the amps take on a fresh look when dismantled and thoroughly cleaned and sealed. Caveat: While it is impossible to perform miracles on some heavily rusted or damaged pieces, in most cases the amps and preamps come back looking a lot better for the time spent. Once we get a look at the piece we can offer an opinion on what the results will be. Labor and materials, Cost $32.50
10) Hardware replacement: We typically replace hardware as needed, replacing rusted or damaged screws, feet when broken, fuse caps and all missing or incorrect hardware from bench stock. This option replaces all external hardware, speaker fuse caps and feet from new stock. Parts cost only. Cost: $36
11) Power Switch for Son of Ampzilla: We can install a rear panel power switch on the Son of Ampzilla. We locate it near the top of the chassis to the left of the fuseholder so it can be simply accessed by reach from the top to operate. . We use an excellent quality switch made by MicroSwitch and the installation looks like it came from the factory alreadyinstalled. Cost: $85
Feel free to choose from among these upgrades to suit your budget and priorities.
Our Reference Rebuilds include most of the following list of items. On Restoration Rebuilds, these are offered as options.
Parts Options
We can install any style of connector or component parts you like as long as we are certain they will not compromise your rebuild. You can purchase such items directly and have them shipped to us for installation during our work on your equipment.
Please discuss your preferences with us prior to purchasing to determine physical clearances and compatibility. We will subtract the cost of our unused components from your final invoice.
Parts quality and the selection criteria:
All parts selected for our rebuilds have been chosen to offer the best combination of sonics, reliability, consistency, cost and compatibility for the circuit requirements. We have been using most of our component parts for years based on these reasons. They’ve been road tested and provide the best combination of sound quality and value. We are confident our choices are well made and that the results present a very solid improvement over the stock components at a cost that doesn’t require a second mortgage to afford.
Upgrade parts Info:
The parts chosen for the listed upgrades are instrumentation quality components developed for use in laboratory and medical equipment. These provide the best price to performance ratio when balanced with our comprehensive efforts restoring your gear. They also allow consistency in our results.
Parts Options
Although we are aware of the wide variety of aftermarket connectors, power cords and high performance component parts, we have chosen to focus our efforts on a balanced blend of improvements to the circuit components and internal connections while not spending a disproportionate amount of your budget on only a few expensive, trendy items.
First a couple of comments on our parts choices considering the wide variety of Audiophile Grade parts currently available today!