2. amps-preamps
  3. 150254-46

Need advice in Audio Research Classic C-60Amp

I just purchased a classic C-60 to pair with my old Vandersteen 2CE’s.

Right now I’m just using Blue Jeans biamped speaker cable terminated in spades on the amp end. The classic only excepts wire that are screwed in on the back of the app. This means I’m going to have to cut the ends off the spades, and because it is Bi-amped I’ll then have two positives wires and two negatives  going to one channel. 

So my options are to just not use one of each color (one red one black) or twist the two reds together and twist to blacks together.  My question is what is the best way to attach the wire to the amp. Do I need to buy a different type of termination or is it just the bare wire that gets screwed in. And how do you think I should go about doing this with the wire I have. 

Also one follow-up question, if I just cut one black wire and one red wire from the spade, and tape them up, is there anything I should be worried about, sonically?
last_lemming

Showing 7 responses by dweller

dweller's avatar
dweller
3,833 posts
 
Good job! Now enjoy the fruits of your labor.
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,833 posts
 
You can use small spades or something called "Pins". I owned this amp and don't remember using only bare wire. I'd try to find some budget speaker wire with small spades before I started chopping up my Bi-wire stuff. BTW, have those giant caps checked out (check for leaks, age etc.).
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,833 posts
 
Upscale knows what they're doing so I wouldn't worry (in the short term). At some point, those caps need replacing (I had mine done at the local ARC dealer). Anyway, enjoy that wonderful amp!
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,833 posts
 
I'm sure it wouldn't hurt and you need to do it when you install new tubes (tube life is about two years with moderate use). Also, probably a good idea to check bias every six months just to make sure tubes are still working. I traded my Classic 60 in on a new VT-100 Mk-I in the mid 90s. I got a call from the dealer who told me one of the tubes was dead and had blown some kind of resister. I was totally unaware of the problem and offered to compensate him but he graciously declined.
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,833 posts
 
The Classic-60 got rave reviews when released (around 1990) as did the SP-14 preamp (its natural partner). I think I remember blue caps so they may be original (I doubt it). As I stated, Upscale Audio are pros so you should be good in the short run. Did they test your tubes? These pups can run into money especially if you buy them from ARC. Have fun!
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,833 posts
 
Looks pretty slick! I always let the tech replace/rebias the power tubes so no first-hand experience. $50 will get you a nice multi-meter so you "makes your choice and you takes your chance" but I can’t see why this wouldn’t work. Keep in mind, this device will tell you your current bias but if they are high or low, you'll still need to find the trim pots and use a screw driver to make any adjustments. BTW, did you get the owner’s manual for the CL-60? It may have info you can use.
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,833 posts
 
Sorry, that's above my pay-grade...
More to discover