USED
This lever or paddle style knob is a "pull" from yet another amplifier in my audio equipment "maybe I will fix that one day" collection. I actually had a few of these V2's, some being used to service others and now I had just one left, destined to become an "organ donor"
Technics did build great front panels on their vintage amplifiers, something that other manufacturers would have done well to take notice of ... the front panel is all 3.2mm thickness Aluminium and adorned with three different types of knobs, all metal, hybrid metal and nylon only. This lever knob is the nylon, meaning that the whole body of the knob is moulded nylon with a lousy metallic Silver finish SPRAYED on. Not the best and certainly not durable over a long period of time, particularly those levers which are operated frequently such as the Power ON-OFF switch. Such a shame, overall the front panel is of a good quality but definitely let down by these lever knobs!
WARNING: This knob is not pristine, in fact the outer surface coating has largely been worn off - they look terrible! These are offered for a situation where "something is better than nothing" ... and actually these would not be difficult to get looking "like new" again - please read below for full details.
So easy to lose as they are just push on, pull off types.
You might be wondering "why did he turn his V2 amp into an organ donor?"
It's sad but after years of great service, the special original Technics ST8040 power blocks gave up the ghost (yes they were pushed HARD). You may see ST8040 blocks online, BEWARE! they are not as they seem - I have had nothing but trouble with blocks unless they are marked TECHNICS NEW CLASS A ST8040, also look for the batch code on the rear. Unfortunately these genuine ST8040's are hard to 'come by'. Added to that, there was also an intermittent issue with the preamp board slide switches so I decided that it was time to put the amp out for pasture and by extracting some useful components, giving "life" to another SU-V2 amp in need of tender loving care.
I am very big on sustainability, re-using or re-purposing equipment (no matter how old it is) because a LOT of EE (Embedded Energy) was used to create these items from our past and to throw something like this away, poison our landfill etc is just so irresponsible.
So I have tested and saved the known working and useful parts - here is one of those parts ...
If this V2 part is not what you are looking for, you might like to click HERE to see the other V2 spare parts I have had or that are currently available
TECHNICS Stereo Amplifier
Model: SU-V2 (Australian release)
Lever (Paddle) front panel knob
Function: POWER ON, SUBSONIC FILTER, HIGH FILTER LOUDNESS
Exactly as in the pictures and here is some more specific information (for those who may be considering using this knob on other equipment, Technics or otherwise)
KNOB INFORMATION:
Power, Subsonic Filter, High Filter or Loudness ON controls:
Nylon body without any metal work at all. Small rectangular slot at the rear which push fits onto the metal lever switch shaft.
The shape of the paddle is bevelled from the front to the rear, the front being the narrowest.
Length: 20.75mm
Front: 4.25mm x 10mm wide
Rear: 9.5mm x 10mm wide
Originally this knob had a spray finish using metallic Silver colouring
Fitting is simply push on and pull off
Behind this knob sits a diecut dust protection strip, this will be supplied with each lever knob.
Weight: 5g
COSMETIC CONDITION:
I have the set of four lever knobs, this condition report applies to any of the four - the are all in the same condition.
CLEAN
THESE ARE NOT PRISTINE, IN FACT FROM A COSMETIC POINT OF VIEW THEY APPEAR VERY POOR!
Extensive wear to the very delicate metallic Silver top surface, just normal wear n tear, which these switch knobs did not survive very well.
All is not lost however ...
Give the remaining Silver finish a clear up so that the whole knob is plain Nylon, set up a simple jig to protect the rear clamp and carefully spray paint them any colour you may choose. It would be a good idea to make absolutely sure the spray paint does not react with the nylon beforehand, it is unlikely but better to be safe than sorry.
The body of the lever knob is not physically damaged at all, no scratching and no cracks!
Carefully checked the rear clamp and this is also in great condition.
Since removal from the panel, these knobs and the dust protectors are now within a sealed clear plastic packet awaiting another amplifier to control.
