This really old piece of audio equipment I saw...

[Redbeard]

Okay I doubt anyone can identify what I am describing but I'll try anyways... I was at a thrift store earlier tonight and came across this really old (vintage i suppose should be the word.) piece of audio equipment. It appeared to be some sort of huge hub for other equipment to plug into. It is about 18" cube I think and it's metal all over with knobs and a meter or two on the front and two metal handles. It looked almost like it should be on a military sub or something. After I made it back from there it dawned on me how potentially awesome for a mod that could be but I wish I knew what it was first. The tag said $60.00 which is a bit much (especially for a poor college student) and so I wonder A. If it's worth that and B. What the heck is it? C. If I can talk them down. Sorry about the pitiful description and no picture... anyone know a good site took look things up by picture? Anyone who can help is greatly appreciated.

[OvRiDe]

Was there any sort of Brand name on it? or did it have heat sinks on it.. if not it sounds like it could have been some sort of preamp...

[tybrenis]

Give us a picture, maybe someone can identify it.

[Redbeard]

well I wish I paid more attention...I think I'm going back today so I'll find out... and I don't think they'll let me take my camera in there.

[onelegout]

By your description I would say either a preamp or some kinda old PA sys.
A pic would certainly help! :D
p.s. Im huddled in the corner of a chalet in the alps trying to get the best connection off the neighbors wireless broadband that im freeloading from :D:D

[DaveW]

If you can get photos, you might be able to identify it, and replicate it for cheap :)

Or, if you're sneaky, get a friend to break it then offer them $10 (cos it doesn't even work, see?)

No, don't be dishonest. Bad Dave. Sorry.

-Dave

[Redbeard]

yeah I guess I can ask them if I can bring my camera in...the worst that could happen is they say no

[DaveW]

I once got thrown out of a hospital for having a camera. My friend was giving birth, and we wern't allowed in. So we were outside, taking photos of each other, waiting to hear if it was a boy or a girl, and we got told to leave. (Ironically, it was a false labour, and she'd left 2 hours previously-no-one remembered to tell us!)

She had a little boy, by the way.

Sorry, this post was completely pointless.
-Dave

[Crimson Sky]

Do a J.Bond and use a cameraphone on the DL.

[Redbeard]

i wish I had one... :(

I may not end up going today anyways... I'll try to go sometime soon if I don't today

[Redbeard]

Okay I found something close to it...
Imagine this but a lot biger (especially taller) ..older...and I think the face on the one I saw doesn't overhang like this one... so okay now that we have a slight idea of what I'm talking about... does it sound Mod worthy? Any other thoughts?
http://www.oaktreeent.com/web_photos/Stereo_Amps_Pre/Pioneer_Spec_1_Stereo_Pre-amp_Preamp_preamplifer_web.jpg

[DaveW]

Hell yes that would look sweet.
Very 'mod-worthy' although it's probably going to be a lot of work. I'd elaborate but my girlfriend wants attention.

-Dave

[Redbeard]

okay I went back tonight... apparently it is a Singer brand... no model number or anything else to identify it. I decided that I wouldn't buy it (and it works, yes Dave I didn't break it and something surving that long should die of more natural causes) but it is definately some inspiration. Maybe someone will give me one that is broken in the future.

[Varock]

It reminds me of the old AMP that my dad had. Back then, the AMP did not include the receiver/etc that are now all built into one unit. All of the connections would be on the back with a buch of wire terminals. (No it did not have RCA plugs)

I could see it being a lot of fun setting each knob/switch to work a different aspect of the PC. Enjoy.

[Rankenphile]

Nice find, red.

One thing I'm kicking myself for was not grabbing a super-old vintage radio I saw at a surplus store that just recently closed near my house. It was gorgeous, and would have made a great mod case. It was similar to the picture below in style, but very different shape - this pic is the closest I could find off the bat. They only wanted $8 for it, too, but I wasn't looking for mod parts, I needed a new sink and some outdoor chairs when I was there.

http://www.homeaudiosuperstore.com/media/images/crosley/cr32o.jpg

[Redbeard]

Wow just 8 bucks and you passed it up? I'd be kicking myself too. :D

[Rankenphile]

It was three days before pay day and money was tight.

I still wish I would have picked it up. I'm going to keep looking for another one like it, it was such a neat idea.

[Hasbios]

Its pa system i have one there for rigging up mics and speakers throuh out a building. there pretty useless in these days with all the digital technology we have. but they are pretty nice because you can hook up some instruments to it with some speakers and have a little fun:) ;)

[jdbnsn]

I think that would make a really cool home theater PC, I am building one out of wood and metal. But the look I am trying to end up with is in the same era of shiny steel solid state. Just looking at it makes me want to push further towards the PA look. Too cool!