I'm selling a freshly serviced Voice of Music model 1404 stereo integrated tube amplifier. This is a really neat little push-pull stereo amplifier that uses 6aq5 power tubes and 12ax7 preamp tubes with a 6ca4 rectifier tube. This amplifier was issued in 1960 and is the direct predecessor to the renowned Voice of Music model 1448 and model 1428 amplifiers that came out a few years later. This amplifier is compact but quite heavy for its size owing in large part to the relatively large power transformer. This is a 4 ohm amplifier. 4 ohm speaker taps but it can be used just fine with 8 ohm speakers. Sounded very good on some KLH model Six. Recommended for use with efficient speakers or maybe some horn speakers - Klipsch, Altec, etc. would be just the ticket.
This has had a few things done to it by a reputable tube technician to get it up to everyday use while also adding a few select modifications. Work completed in early 2023:
The original ceramic caps displayed no leakage and were within rated specs so they were left alone.
Recapped power supply including replacing antiquated dual B+ path approach to power the small signal tubes with a standard common supply, single supply approach. Replaced large can cap and and used discrete caps under the chassis to replace those in the two small cans. Small cans left in place for sake of appearance.
Removed loudness circuit PECs. The original PECs were saved and will be included if the new owner ever wishes to reverse this modification. Removing the loudness circuit opened up the sound immensely and made for much improved bass response.
Originally the amp had no fuse. For safety installed a CL-90 current limiter and in-line 2A slo-blo fuse.
The amp originally made a "pop" through the speakers when turning on and off. Installed a small cap inside the AC power switch rear cover which prevents arcing at the switch, and now any radiated energy is kept from entering the audio circuits when the unit is shut off. The unit is now noiseless when turned on and off.
The original volume pot had poor tracking between channels which could not be remedied by cleaning so this was replaced with a new ALPS RK27 dual gang volume pot. Now the volume operates in a smooth and balanced manner. I will include the original volume pot.
The original mono setting sent the left channel signal to both left and right speakers. This switch was wired so now when the knob is in the mono setting the left and right channels are summed providing a "true mono" signal being fed to the speakers.
Installed new speaker terminals on rear of unit.
Installed closely matched tubes. Extra matched and unused preamp and rectifier tubes will be included for future use. I will remove the tubes that are currently in the amplifier and pack them safely for shipping. You will need to install the tubes when you get the amplifier but I will indicate which position the power tubes should be installed for best matching between channels.
The original metal cage cover was in poor condition so I repainted it and the entire cage was sprayed with a durable clear polyurethane. The rest of the exterior - the front gray painted surround and the front faceplate - was simply cleaned. There are a few paint chips on the gray area as seen in the pictures. The faceplate is in very good condition as are the original knobs.
This amplifier was made before the widespread use of moving magnet or moving coil cartridges. In order to use modern cartridges with this unit you must use an external phono preamp.
For cd players or iphones or other line-level devices you can simply plug those in to any of the other "tuner" or "radio" rca inputs. There is no headphone jack but you can listen to headphones if you have a headphone amp. Just connect the headphone amp to the "Record" output jacks. You can then turn the volume to zero and whatever source you have will be sent through the amplifier to your headphone amp.
I think I have covered everything but please refer to the pictures and ask any questions you may have. Even though this amplifier has been serviced and is in working order it is still a 63-year-old piece of electronic equipment so it is understood that it is sold in as-is condition with no warranty, no returns.
Keywords: Vm-1404 vm-1448 vm-1428 1960s sixties stereo hifi mid-century vintage audio