Heathkit MA12 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Edwar65 · 23rd Nov 2020, 12:31 am

Hi.
Can anyone offer any advice as to the value of these please?
A pair has come up locally which is being offered due to a family bereavement and the family wish to move these on. There is a tuner etc also offered but am only interested in the amplifiers. If anyone could offer advise as to their performance etc it would be greatly appreciated??
Many thanks

Edward Huggins · 23rd Nov 2020, 10:42 am

Well, I'd snap these up straight away. Great sounding amplifiers, they are based on the unmatched Mullard 5-10 design and, for their time, used good quality components.
Just imagine what two 12 watt Valve Ultra-Linear Monoblocks will cost you today!
Save the Tuner as well - these will have quite a following. Don't even think about it!

snowman_al · 23rd Nov 2020, 1:54 pm

I agree these are excellent amplifiers when restored. They do make a good stereo pair, just as good as the Leak TL12+.
Nice output transformers by Hinckley or Radford, only slight down side is the lack of 8 ohm output, just a choice of 3 and 15 ohm.
They are easy to work on too. If they have not been used for some time they will need the standard coupling cap replacement and output cathode bypass caps. The reservoir caps suffer too.

Price really depends on condition, originality and what valves come with them.
Just my suggestion, for really tidy (no rust or paint faults) ones with original caps and valves (Mullard EL84s and GZ34s) anything from £150 to £180 each.
For poor cosmetic ones with 'mods' and or no or non Mullard valves, then less than £120.
For fully restored working examples £230 upwards depending on cosmetics.
In the end price will depend how much you want them and how much you feel obliged to pay...

One final thing, if you can, check the output transformer primaries. A leaky coupling cap can cause a failure of one or other of the windings. Not a serious problem as Ed can rewind them for you.
Have a look here at a pair I restored last year: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=158310

Good luck, Alan

Boulevardier · 23rd Nov 2020, 2:02 pm

Just a caution - you may find the output level disappointing if using them with modern loud speakers. They will work best and with more than adequate volume if used with good quality 1960s or 1970s speakers.

Mike

Edwar65 · 23rd Nov 2020, 2:04 pm

Just had response from seller. Sold, never mind!!!

Thanks for input all.

23rd Nov 2020, 12:31 am	#1
Edwar65 Pentode Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Cardiff, UK. Posts: 211	Heathkit MA12 Hi. Can anyone offer any advice as to the value of these please? A pair has come up locally which is being offered due to a family bereavement and the family wish to move these on. There is a tuner etc also offered but am only interested in the amplifiers. If anyone could offer advise as to their performance etc it would be greatly appreciated?? Many thanks

23rd Nov 2020, 10:42 am	#2
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,328	Re: Heathkit ma12 Well, I'd snap these up straight away. Great sounding amplifiers, they are based on the unmatched Mullard 5-10 design and, for their time, used good quality components. Just imagine what two 12 watt Valve Ultra-Linear Monoblocks will cost you today! Save the Tuner as well - these will have quite a following. Don't even think about it! __________________ Edward.

23rd Nov 2020, 1:54 pm	#3
snowman_al Octode Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Llandeilo, West Wales, UK. Posts: 1,092	Re: Heathkit ma12 I agree these are excellent amplifiers when restored. They do make a good stereo pair, just as good as the Leak TL12+. Nice output transformers by Hinckley or Radford, only slight down side is the lack of 8 ohm output, just a choice of 3 and 15 ohm. They are easy to work on too. If they have not been used for some time they will need the standard coupling cap replacement and output cathode bypass caps. The reservoir caps suffer too. Price really depends on condition, originality and what valves come with them. Just my suggestion, for really tidy (no rust or paint faults) ones with original caps and valves (Mullard EL84s and GZ34s) anything from £150 to £180 each. For poor cosmetic ones with 'mods' and or no or non Mullard valves, then less than £120. For fully restored working examples £230 upwards depending on cosmetics. In the end price will depend how much you want them and how much you feel obliged to pay... One final thing, if you can, check the output transformer primaries. A leaky coupling cap can cause a failure of one or other of the windings. Not a serious problem as Ed can rewind them for you. Have a look here at a pair I restored last year: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=158310 Good luck, Alan Attached Thumbnails __________________ Never Leave Well Enough Alone...

23rd Nov 2020, 2:02 pm	#4
Boulevardier Octode Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Bristol, UK. Posts: 1,654	Re: Heathkit ma12 Just a caution - you may find the output level disappointing if using them with modern loud speakers. They will work best and with more than adequate volume if used with good quality 1960s or 1970s speakers. Mike

23rd Nov 2020, 2:04 pm	#5
Edwar65 Pentode Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Cardiff, UK. Posts: 211	Re: Heathkit ma12 Just had response from seller. Sold, never mind!!! Thanks for input all.