Crimson Electrik Amplifier - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

flyingtech55 · 13th Aug 2015, 10:39 am

Hi folks

I've just been given a Crimson Electik amplifier. It has 35-01B issue 5 output boards which is apparently the thing you need to know with the single bridge rectifier power supply. The most notable feature is the front edge is just a whole row of black heatsinks. There doesn't appear to be a model number but the toroidal mains transformer is rated at 250VA. The output devices are 2N3773.

Does anyone know anything about these amplifiers, what's the output rating and are they any good.

Thanks in advance

TimR

peter_sol · 13th Aug 2015, 10:51 am

I would think they are 100watts RMS as the 2N3773 was quite popular at the time a heavier rated 2N3055 device.

paulsherwin · 13th Aug 2015, 11:21 am

http://www.crimsonelectronics.com/about_us.html#history

flyingtech55 · 13th Aug 2015, 11:33 am

The amplifier in the first picture is the one I was given. There is no pre-amp; just the power amplifier. The date on the main electrolytics is 1980 so that's about right. I haven't tried it because I'm still in throes of clearing my late mother's house.

TimR

turretslug · 13th Aug 2015, 10:48 pm

It's been a while, but I recall seeing their ads that proclaimed that, for a bit more money at time of purchase, you could have some of the "signal path" electrolytics "upgraded" to tantalum bead. That might be coming home to roost nowadays.... And, of course, "signal path" is a contentious definition in itself.

mickyfinn · 14th Aug 2015, 7:01 am

I built one from new and the pre amp.My friend and myself were always competing against each other to have the best system.We both bought the kits.He could afford the full kit with metalwork and I couldn't but I worked at a coachbuilders at the time and had the cases made up from aluminium sheet and sprayed them satin black.They were well thought of and sounded great.Wish I hadn't sold it!
Mick

13th Aug 2015, 10:39 am	#1
flyingtech55 Octode Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ayrshire, UK. Posts: 1,096	Crimson Electrik Amplifier Hi folks I've just been given a Crimson Electik amplifier. It has 35-01B issue 5 output boards which is apparently the thing you need to know with the single bridge rectifier power supply. The most notable feature is the front edge is just a whole row of black heatsinks. There doesn't appear to be a model number but the toroidal mains transformer is rated at 250VA. The output devices are 2N3773. Does anyone know anything about these amplifiers, what's the output rating and are they any good. Thanks in advance TimR __________________ All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.

13th Aug 2015, 10:51 am	#2
peter_sol Octode Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Welwyn Garden City, Herts. UK. Posts: 1,906	Re: Crimson Electrik Amplifier I would think they are 100watts RMS as the 2N3773 was quite popular at the time a heavier rated 2N3055 device.

13th Aug 2015, 11:21 am	#3
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,962	Re: Crimson Electrik Amplifier http://www.crimsonelectronics.com/about_us.html#history

13th Aug 2015, 11:33 am	#4
flyingtech55 Octode Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ayrshire, UK. Posts: 1,096	Re: Crimson Electrik Amplifier The amplifier in the first picture is the one I was given. There is no pre-amp; just the power amplifier. The date on the main electrolytics is 1980 so that's about right. I haven't tried it because I'm still in throes of clearing my late mother's house. TimR __________________ All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.

13th Aug 2015, 10:48 pm	#5
turretslug Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrey, UK. Posts: 4,398	Re: Crimson Electrik Amplifier It's been a while, but I recall seeing their ads that proclaimed that, for a bit more money at time of purchase, you could have some of the "signal path" electrolytics "upgraded" to tantalum bead. That might be coming home to roost nowadays.... And, of course, "signal path" is a contentious definition in itself.

14th Aug 2015, 7:01 am	#6
mickyfinn Hexode Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 473	Re: Crimson Electrik Amplifier I built one from new and the pre amp.My friend and myself were always competing against each other to have the best system.We both bought the kits.He could afford the full kit with metalwork and I couldn't but I worked at a coachbuilders at the time and had the cases made up from aluminium sheet and sprayed them satin black.They were well thought of and sounded great.Wish I hadn't sold it! Mick