Author Topic: Old F1-X ? (Read 555 times)

pierreyves · « **on:** June 20, 2007, 01:20:55 PM »

Hello everybody and Alembic staff. I bought this afternoon an old version of Alembic F1-X preamp. I know that because the front panel is not really the same, the buttons are red. I just want to know the approximately year of build (?), there is no serial number. It's a demo model from the swiss retailer, I paid a very low price!! There are some difference with the new one, tube quality ? Thanks for your help.

(Message edited by davehouck on June 20, 2007)

mica · « **Reply #1 on:** June 20, 2007, 01:34:03 PM »

The serial number has been removed, there would have been a sticker there to begin with.

There's only decorative differences between this and the current one. The artwork and the chassis are different from the current F-1X, but the functions are the same.

There's certainly a different tube as there isn't any manufcaturer that delivers the same quality over time. No doubt what was in this unit originally passed our quality test when it was made. I have no idea if the original tube is still in place.

You should be able to find a 4 digit date code scribed on one of the pots if you take the lid off. Make sure you don't have the unit plugged in and you've waited at least 10 minutes before opening to avoid an unpleasant lesson in high voltage and capacitors.

pierreyves · « **Reply #2 on:** June 20, 2007, 01:46:31 PM »

Thank's Mica. No idea for the year ?
I'm sorry, but may you translate : the pots if you take the lid off. Make sure you don't have the unit plugged in and you've waited at least 10 minutes before opening to avoid an unpleasant lesson in high voltage and capacitors.
My english is a little poor, I'm french... ;o)
Now, you use a 12AX7 tube really ? Other specifications to command this tube ?

keith_h · « **Reply #3 on:** June 20, 2007, 03:52:16 PM »

What Mica is saying is if you remove the cover you can look inside the F-1X. On the back of the controls (i.e. potentiometers) you should see 4 numbers. These are a code that can be used to determine the age of your F-1X.

The warning is to unplug the unit for at least 10 minutes before opening the cover to avoid an electrical shock.

The tube is a 12AX7. The only thing to be aware of is not all 12AX7 tubes will fit inside the metal sleeve used to keep the tube from falling out. If you replace the tube you want to take the sleeve with you to ensure the new tube will fit inside.

Keith

mica · « **Reply #4 on:** June 20, 2007, 04:10:44 PM »

Thanks, Keith.

We've always used 12AX7 tubes in the F-2B and the F-1X. Since the manufacturers don't always make them the same, we have to test for microphonic tubes and for the physical size as Keith suggests. Some of the tubes are too fat for the shielding sleeve to slide over.

There are some good links about F-1X preamps in the section that might help you.

bsee · « **Reply #5 on:** June 20, 2007, 08:10:18 PM »

Looks exactly like mine which was dated to 1991. Here's a link to the thread where I tried to figure out the same about mine:

http://club.alembic.com/Images/394/25458.html?1141072488

pierreyves · « **Reply #6 on:** June 20, 2007, 11:10:33 PM »

Thank's a lot to everybody for these precisions and many thank's to Mica for the precious link.
Mica, may I change the front knobs, and what price for all ?

Ok, I have 4 different numbers on the back side of the potentiom?tres:
volume: 475-001, 19-8830
bass: 8904
medium: 9002
treble: 8904
There is no specifications on the tube (?).

It mean that this preamp was built in 1990 with some pieces from 88, 89 ?

Last question: I see on the web that exist many 12AX7.
What is the best, what is your experience, and what Stanley use ?
12AX7 Mesa
choice 12AX7

On my tube, no inscription, nothing.

(Message edited by pierreyves on June 21, 2007)

mica · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2007, 08:22:17 AM »

First, make sure you read the post about when to change the tube. Unless there is some problem with the tube, you can keep the same one.

Now there is no best brand. We use the tube in the gain stage, and so the particular tube is not as critical as in other applications, though some players can distinuguish between them. The most critical part is the physical size of the tube. It must not be too fat to fit inside the shielding sleeve, so it's best to buy in person or from someone who will accept a return.

Our recent supplies are 12AX7-WB from Sovtek. There are boxes of tubes in our storage area we've collected over the years that are too big so be aware that it's a real concern.

The knobs are 1/4 shaft and you can change to another type if you like.

The date codes you are citing seem to be the manufacturing dates of the pots, stamped into them. What I was looking for was a handwritten date code, which indicates when everthing was assembled.

pierreyves · « **Reply #8 on:** June 21, 2007, 09:01:50 AM »

I no seen handwritten date code ... only your name Alembic and the stamped codes. I will inspect tomorrow a second time and maybe I will find one.
I will take picture from the inside, maybe it would be help.
At wich date you stop to built this artwork of F1-X?
Thank's for all.

pierreyves · « **Reply #9 on:** June 24, 2007, 06:48:43 AM »

Sorry, but we (two people) where looking inside, no handwritten number...any idea ?

bsee · « **Reply #10 on:** June 24, 2007, 07:28:33 AM »

I thought you were going to post pictures of the inside? Also, is there a location specified on the back of the chassis near the power cord? For example, mine says Santa Rosa, CA. Mica suggested that my F-1X was from 1990-1992 based on the combination of the old chassis and the location. If it says something other than Santa Rosa, it would have to be before 1990.

From what you have posted so far, it would seem that the preamp couldn't have been made before January 1990 unless it had some parts replaced after the fact.

Also, did you read from my other thread the following:

There is nothing hand written, but there appears to be a 9113 put on with a rubber stamp. It's on the long board right under the 170-048 label. I would guess that means this dates to the end of March '91.

Do you find a board with a 170-048 label on it? Are there any numbers in there that were put on by a rubber stamp in ink?

-bob

pierreyves · « **Reply #11 on:** June 24, 2007, 07:59:43 AM »

I will post some pictures tonight. I think (but I can see now because I'm at work)i'ts Santa Rosa CA.
But inside, no stamp...
I will have a look tonight !
Thank's.

pierreyves · « **Reply #12 on:** June 24, 2007, 01:09:17 PM »

Here they are inside's pictures:

On the back, you have: "manufactured by Alembic, Santa Rosa, CA, USA". (Message edited by pierreyves on June 24, 2007)

bsee · « **Reply #13 on:** June 24, 2007, 01:35:10 PM »

Looking at your photos, there is a shot with a blue cylindrical capacitor. I can see a rubber-stamped number ending in what appears to be 49 or 049. That text looks very much like the date code I found in my preamp. If the whole number is 9049 then the date of your preamp is probably December 1990.

Just a guess, though...

pierreyves · « **Reply #14 on:** June 24, 2007, 02:02:33 PM »

Ok, thank's !
On the picture under, you have 8949.
It would be seem to be manufactured at the end of 80 years.
The Swiss Alembic retailer sold this preamp like a demo model ... very oldtimer demo !!
But it was not expensive, just 480 USD !!
I changed the tube anbd it has a nice sound with my Yamaha P5000 S amp.