This is the David Bogen DB 130 mono tube preamp. An extremely handy and generally low cost piece on E Bay; this mono tube unit works very well for mono restorations.

This one was restored for us in 2001 by Russ Friend the curator of Russco Electronics. Turntable hunters, engineers, and audiophiles will recognize the Russco name associated with the manufacturing of turntables and other audio equipment for broadcast purposes in the 1950s and 1960s. Russco still continues to manufacture several pieces useful for radio broadcasters today.

Keep in mind if you have the tube audio bug; unless you have some background in electronics, hiring a troubleshooter can be pricey. Tracing hum when using tube audio can be time consuming. Unless you have an owners manual; getting one of these to work to the best of their ability can be a challenge.

You will note a lack of recording curve options on the equalization dial on this unit. It is very well suited for mono vinyl and has the basic 78RPM recording curves. We have found that fewer choices can make the process much easier when trying to milk the best sound out of mono vinyl and 45 RPM records especially if you do not have the exact turnover and rolloff settings that the 78 was recorded at. You could spend all day trying to dial the George Gott BIGG piece in for the best sounding recording curve setting and not get noticeably better sound than you would with the Bogen DB130.

For 78RPM records that require special and more refined turnover and roll off settings, naturally the Gott or a McIntosh would be your best choice in tube record compensation amplifiers.