Triplex HIGH-FIDELITY AMPLIFIER

Well noted as the ultimate in modern amplifiers, the Triplex model contains the finest of components, the newest ultra linear circuit design by modern electronic engineering, ever encased in one unit. This hi-fidelity amplifier achieves the widest possible range of true tone reproduction.

This versatile amplifier has two complete, independent preamp sections. This enables several musicians to plug into the same amplifier and still control the volumn and tonal color of their own instruments without interferring with each other.

The only musical instrument amplifier on the market designed to produce Binaural Sound: the latest development in electronic sound reproduction.

The triplex is easily controlled by the musician from a handsomely chromed control panel. The instant response, the extreme reserve power, the wide range tonal color, and the striking design of the accoustically correct cabinet are the achievements of long range planning by MAGNATONE'S top engineers, many fine musician consultants, and MAGNATONE'S skill craftsmen.

Ben sent these photos of the Triplex model 180. It is the 2nd version (see 1st version below). It still has the original warranty card, owners card, tube layout chart as well as the original cover. Note the wrap around leather corners, similar to the ones used by present day Mesa-Boogie. The model 180 has 4 inputs. The microphone inputs use half a 12AX7 for preamp. the other half is used for summing. The instrument inputs use a whole, both sides of a 12AX7. Next is 2 gain sections using a 12AU7. The phase inverter is a 12AU7 driving twin 5881 power tubes. The output transformer is an ultra linear type with 40% screen taps. A 5U4 is used for the high voltage rectifier. The model 180 original list price was $279.50. Accessories available were a cover for $7.50. Two different extension speakers were also available. The #15 Standard Remote cabinet for $109.50 and the #15-B Binaural cabinet with Foot control.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Free floating rubber mounted chassis
• 2 Separate Pre-Amp Sections, each with volume, treble boost and bass boost controls.
• 2 Dynamic and Extended Range Tone switches with Light Indicators.
• Satin Chrome Top Mounted Panel
• 2 Speakers: 15-inch Jensen Extended Range and 8-inch Jensen Special Tweeter
• Power Output: 35 Watts
• 4 Inputs (2 in each pre-amp section)
• Stand-by Switch
• Pilot Lite, Fuse, and Power Switch

For more Information contact: Magnatone-Valco discussion group Vibroworld has Magnatone Parts

For Sale Contact: Stan Kopczynski
Stan received this amp 8 years ago from a coworker who's son had become partners with a local Bowling alley bar. The original bowling alley bar owners had a stage and equipped it with amplifiers, drums, guitars and P.A. system, for anyone who would want to play music on Fridays and Saturday nights, (kind of like the older version of Karaoke). After a few years of the equipment collecting dust and some of it being put in the closet, he decided to give it all away to anyone who wanted the equipment, so he gave Stan the model 180 because no one wanted it. Stan's oldest son had used it and loved the sound! Stan's son said he didn't have to crank it to get the sound he wanted. He had been striving for crystal clear clarity. Both speakers are Jensen PM Concert series, the 15" is model P15N C5786-2 and the 8" is model 308Y05-H2. Made in Inglewood California, this is the 1st version with 10 tubes, 5 - 12AU7's, 1 - 12AX7, 2 - 5881's, and 2 - 5Y3's. It has a seperate volume control, tone control and a crossover control on each channl. It also has the "Binaural System" jacks, one for a footswitch and one for external speaker.

Serial Number: Not Available.
Owner: Stan Kopczynski, For Sale.
Photo: ©2003 Stan Kopczynski. Used by permission.

For more Information contact: Magnatone-Valco discussion group Vibroworld has Magnatone Parts

Mike sent these photos of another version of the Triplex model 180. Made in Inglewood California it has a 6 preamp tubes and a 5U4 retifier. The 2 crossover switch controls have been redesigned into a single 3 position rotary. This seems to be in between the 1st and 2nd versions. Mike says that one of his steel guitar heros is Vance Terry. Vance told Mike that Magna Electronics gave his band, Billy Jack Wills Western Swing Band, free Magnatone amps as a promotion. Mike says they were a hot band, really swinging western outfit from Sacramento in the 1950's.

Serial Number: 1009.
Owner: Michael Black, Not For Sale.
Photo: ©2003 Michael Black. Used by permission.

For more Information contact: Magnatone-Valco discussion group Vibroworld has Magnatone Parts

Gary bought this model 180 in 1988 from an old accordian player on the south side of Chicago. He went to a Polka Hall of Fame to pick it up. Unfortunately, someone had painted black over the original covering and replaced the grillcloth. The faceplate says "Magnatone Triplex" and has "model 180" on it as well. It has "Magna Electronics Company, Inglewood California" on the tube chart. It is powered by 2 - 5881's, and preamp'd with 2 - 12AX7's, and 2 - 12AU7's. It has a 5U4G rectifier. The speaker configuration is a 15-inch blue Jensen (date code: 220618) and a 8-inch Jensen. The amp has two channels, 4 inputs total, along with the additional 2 jacks labeled "Binaural System", one for a footswitch, one for an extension speaker. Each channel has a loudness, treble, and bass control. This 1st version of the model 180 has the crossover switch (see close-up below) for each channel, giving you the choice between extended (amber light) or dynamic (blue/green light).

Serial Number: 23155.
Owner: Stephen Talkovich, Not For Sale.
Photo: ©2003 Gary Goodlow. Used by permission.