[stretchphoto]

Hello, gentlemen.  This is my first post to the forum.

I have come across a fellow, apparently a very reputable individual, who is offering for sale a Dodd Battery Preamp for $1600 and a pair of Heathkit W5M monos modified in 2007 by Gary Dodd for $1000.

Is it possible that any of you would have some insight into these components, and for this price?

I run Apple Lossless files though a Squeezebox touch into a Grant Fidelity TubeDAC 09 and eventually to a pair of Polk LSiM-705's via MIT EXP S2 cables.

Thanks very much!

[S Clark]

The iron from the Heathkits would make a very fine amp and Gary is highly regarded as an amp designer.  He designed an amp for me using the iron from a KnightKit KB 85 that is top quality.  As to all the Dodd preamps, they are very high quality pieces, but value may depend on which model.  Pictures would help.

Scott

[stretchphoto]

Thanks, Scott.  Working on getting those photos now.

[Atlplasma]

The Heathkit W5M is considered very collectable. There are lots of positive comments about its sound quality. I image that Gary gave it a thorough check in 2007, but you might want to call him and have a conversation.

[rajacat]

I have a pair of Heathkit W5m's. They look stock on top but they've been extensively updated and modded.
They sound great.
I'd be very interested in seeing the guts of the Gary Dodd modified units.




Before:

After

[strider]

Hi stretch,

I've heard those amps a few years ago driving a pair of Quads. FWIW from a stranger over the internet, that system sounded phenomenal.

And yes, Troy is a stand up guy.

Take care,

Ben

[stretchphoto]

Thanks very much to everyone.  Here's the latest -

I spoke with Gary at length yesterday.  Really nice guy who's struggling with health issues.  I feel for him - I was born with a bad aortic valve and had it replaced 7 years ago when I was 43.  Thankfully, mine seems to have been a one-off surgery, whereas Gary's situation has sent him back under the knife a few times.

He had a few things to say about the gear I'm looking at which I'll share here:

1) His old battery pre is indeed awesome, but...

2) His new version is awesomer.  It has selectable gain and goes for a base price of $1200.  Resistor upgrade is +$300 and caps upgrade is +$300.  (Given that I'm a relative newbie he suggested going with the base model, saying I'd hear worlds of improvement over my current integrated Yaqin MC-10t.)

3) The Heathkits are great, but will sound "vintage" (obviously a subjective term and not quite sure what he means) so...

4) He recommended his new battery EL-84 17wpc stereo amp for $1200.

Batteries/chargers are extra.

Any thoughts from anyone?

My Yaqin is 40wpc so I wonder if Gary's 17 watts would do the trick for my LSiM-705's.

On the other hand, I'm also wondering if I really need /want monoblocks.  I can't put anything between my speakers due to the room layout, so...

Thanks, everyone.

[rajacat]

I too don't understand what he means by "vintage". If it means that they're a little loose and have the "golden age" pleasurable distortion, then my W5m's must not be vintage. My pair sound very clear and precise and they have a nice holographic presentation.

......Of course, I'm sure he'd like to build you some new amps.

...Roy

[Atlplasma]

I too don't understand what he means by "vintage". If it means that they're a little loose and have the "golden age" pleasurable distortion, then my W5m's must not be vintage. My pair sound very clear and precise and they have a nice holographic presentation.

......Of course, I'm sure he'd like to build you some new amps.

...Roy

Vintage can means things like the bass is either underwhelming or a big bloated. But as you said, some people like that sound.

[S Clark]

Vintage amps often lacked the bass control and speed that their more modern descendants are capable of.  Having said that, they can have transformers that are exceedingly well made and desirable even compared to their modern counterparts.
I know the sound of Gary's EL84 amp ( have an early variation of it), and it is better than my well regarded Moscode 401HR for imaging and maybe vocals, but it won't comfortably drive my big line sources (LS9) nor my sealed bookshelves (NX3) to the levels I listen to orchestral music.  Your speakers are a couple of dB more efficient than my NX3.  If your not a wall shaking listener, they would probably be a good option.

[rajacat]

Vintage can means things like the bass is either underwhelming or a big bloated. But as you said, some people like that sound.

I didn't say that some people actually like bloated or inaccurate bass.

BTW the W5m's have nickel core output transformers.

IMO many vintage classics can be upgraded by replacing worn out parts and doing various mods. This would do much to get rid of any loose, distorted sound. The original caps in my Heathkits were over 40 years old. All of the caps and resistors were replaced with better, modern ones. The original 12AU7's were replaced with 6cg7's through some minor wiring changes. New tube sockets, etc., etc.

[glynnw]

I recently purchased a 3 year old version of Gary's  battery EL-84 stereo amps (I was told 15 Watts per channel) and am in the process of comparing it to my Bottlehead 300B amps (w/nickel core output transformers, some upgraded caps, etc.) and they both sound excellent to me.  I am not sure I could tell a difference in A/B tests.

[Atlplasma]

I didn't say that some people actually like bloated or inaccurate bass.

BTW the W5m's have nickel core output transformers.

IMO many vintage classics can be upgraded by replacing worn out parts and doing various mods. This would do much to get rid of any loose, distorted sound. The original caps in my Heathkits were over 40 years old. All of the caps and resistors were replaced with better, modern ones. The original 12AU7's were replaced with 6cg7's through some minor wiring changes. New tube sockets, etc., etc.

Sorry. I wasn't clear. I meant that some people like (even prefer) a vintage sound--weak bass and all.

[dangerbird]

I too have heard these amps on Quads-- if you decide to buy them-- dealing with Troy is a safe as milk-- he is a stand up guy!!! Good luck.

[7x57]

The W5M potted power transformers will eventually blow if you play them for very long periods of time, like when I left mine on overnight when I fell asleep listening to music. I replaced both with Hammonds and they recommended not potting a power transformer. They would probably fit in the old potting cans and look stock, but I would drill ventilation holes if I went that route.

The main problem in the W5M is the phase splitter design which has unequal drive impedances to the driver tube. I thought about buying some Japanese phase splitter transformers which solve that problem, but they are pricey. The W5M came with two different Peerless output transformers depending on vintage. Make sure you get the right one if buying a second amp for an existing amp.

Mine are down for a complete rebuild.

WARNING: These old power amps were made when power line voltage typically ran 110V. If your voltage runs 120-125V like mine does, then you will have high power supply voltages that are too high. This is a big reason, beside the age, that the old vintage tube amps frequently blow their power transformer or something else. Switching to a modern Hammond power transformer solves that problem.

Also note that switching to a solid state rectifier in place of the tube rectifier will increase supply voltages even further. Sovtek supplies a 5AR4 tube rectifier at reasonable prices these days.