Looking for a Tube Guru to help compare a 1948 Farnsworth Capehart 114N2 Phono preamp


I recently had this magnificent example of what American engineering can do with deep pockets entrusted to me.  I am particularly proud in that I share Philos last name.

I  have copies of the extensive service and parts manuals.  The service manual goes into great detail as to the design philosophy with complete schematics.  

The phono stage for this was the best offered.  The tuner is top notch as well as the amplifier.  The manual states that  post WW2 tube technology had filtered into the civilian market.

This beauty cost 1750 when middle class income for 4 was 3300 a year to give some perspective on how much went into one.  First year for the Jensen JHP-52 5"/15" coaxial speaker.

Check the Incomparable Capehart website to see what was  the precursor to high end home stereo such as it exists now.

So I am looking for someone who would be able to judge  just how well it would stack up against modern gear by circuit analysis.

Thanks and  Happy Listening 

guscreek

As far as I can tell, the Farnsworth Capehart 114N2 was a mono console radio w/ 78 RPM record changer turntable. Do you have the whole enchilada or just the amp electronics?

In either case it was a mono only unit and the phono amp section was probably rigged for a crystal and/or ceramic cartridges, not modern MM or MC. Looks like it takes a sh#tload of tubes: 25 in all: 6SK7 x6, 6J5 x5, 6SA7 x1, 6AF6 x1, 6H6 x2, 6AG5 x2, 6C4 x1, 6SN7 x2, 6J7 x1, 6L6G x2, 5U4G x2.

Very expensive in the day. Worth it? You tell us. Have fun