Home » Audio » Thermionic Emissions » Seeking info - Antique Sound Usa ASUSA K2003 amp
Seeking info - Antique Sound Usa ASUSA K2003 amp [message #97031] Thu, 28 September 2023 12:38 Go to next message
Suhomeso is currently offline  Suhomeso
Messages: 2
Registered: September 2023
Esquire
Hello, I have an ASUSA K2003 amplifier from the early 2000's. I'm not the original owner, and never obtained the documents or schematic.

There were some posts here about 20 years ago regarding this little amp. I'm hoping someone hanging out here might have some information to share.

It sounds great, but the tube sockets are getting loose and intermittent, I'd like to replace them and give it a general health check, but I have nothing to go by. I'm an amateur enthusiast, but I can solder just fine.

Thanks for any help

/forum/index.php?t=getfile&id=3359&private=0

/forum/index.php?t=getfile&id=3360&private=0
Re: Seeking info - Antique Sound Usa ASUSA K2003 amp [message #97032 is a reply to message #97031] Thu, 28 September 2023 17:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18678
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

I think those sockets are available, and can be replaced with off-the-shelf parts. So you might call one of the tube amp parts suppliers like TubesForAmps.com or Antique Electronic Supply. Tell 'em what you have and ask if they have replacement sockets.

But we have some real tube amp heavy-hitters on this forum that probably will have better info for you. Might be worth waiting 'til they see your post and chime in.
Re: Seeking info - Antique Sound Usa ASUSA K2003 amp [message #97033 is a reply to message #97032] Thu, 28 September 2023 20:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gofar99 is currently offline  gofar99
Messages: 1903
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi, I believe before I replaced the sockets I would attempt to clean the pins. One thing that has worked for me is using de-oxit and a pipe cleaner (toothpicks can sometimes be used). Another trick is to get something like a really fine tip screwdriver (1mm or 1.5m tip) and push it into the pin sockets between the metal pin and side wall. Be really gentile as you want to "pinch" the connector and not squash it. Sometimes a pointed object like a needle can work . It depends on the construction of the pins. An alternative that might also work is to get some "socket savers" These are similar to tube bases but go between the tube and the original socket. The ones I have seen have slightly larger diameter pins and will make better contact in the existing socket than a tube would. Also verify that the tube pins are clean and not covered with oxide. That can be cleaned with steel wool, sand paper and so on.

Good Listening
Bruce
Re: Seeking info - Antique Sound Usa ASUSA K2003 amp [message #97034 is a reply to message #97031] Thu, 28 September 2023 20:45 Go to previous message
Suhomeso is currently offline  Suhomeso
Messages: 2
Registered: September 2023
Esquire
Thanks for the responses. I've found suitable socket replacements, I just wanted the schematic to double check the previous work, since these came in kit form. The really loose right channel is distorted and does clean up a bit when the tube is manipulated for better connectivity.

I've tried the things on your socket list already. Nothing has helped so far, the socket is really worn out. I have tube savers coming tomorrow to try, that'll be my last ditch effort. Tubes pins are clean/ brand new. Sockets cleaned with contact cleaner and look brand new on the surface. They're just way too loose, I can't get them tight enough with any pin, pick, or object, unfortunately.
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