Tube Amp Kits

[nikolas812]

I just bought a bare PC board from the Tube Lab. http://www.tubelab.com/

And I have absolutely know idea what i am doing.:) I just thought it would be fun to try and build a tube amp with the parts I want to use...

I have been reading at the Tubelab website for a few hours straight now. And I feel fairly confident I can build the amp. The Details and instructions are very good and seem fairly simple to follow.. Except for the Power side of things..

So I have pretty much sourced all of my parts except for.

Output Transformer ( I need two)
Power Transformer
Power Choke
Auxiliary power supply cap



I am wanting to run KT88's and pull as much power out of them as I can.

But I have no idea what to buy for the power side or if it even matters. I am totally lost.

I just bought the board today so it probably won't even be here for week.

But am trying to source all of my parts so I can get an idea of total money involved in the project..

So if anybody can point me in the right direction for the items listed it would be appreciated.. If I can figure out the correct ones to get I believe I would be able to bring the amp to 100% once I get all the parts. I just need to make sure I get the correct ones.:)







Nick

[nikolas812]

..............

[nikolas812]

If anybody has any suggestions I open to them.


But I just found this place that probably has an answer to anything I come across...:cool:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=135110&highlight=





Nick

[zingo]

You are a man who's not afraid of a challenge and I like that! If you have specific questions that you can't find the answer to here, DIYaudio.com is a great place to go and has given me tons of help.

I would try finding a schematic that uses KT88s that someone else has already designed and built. It will save a lot of headaches and dead ends. I would start with this website as it has the published schematics of many commercially available amplifiers: http://www.drtube.com/audioamp.htm The MC275 uses KT88s... :D

[nikolas812]

Thanks. But I couldn't read a schematic to save my life...

I took a look at the Mac schematic. It looked like some alien life form wrote it.:confused:



I need specific part numbers.:D


I'm pretty sure DIY forum has it covered though. There are TONS of people building these things over there. From mild to wild.....



Nick

[strider]

Are you tackling the Simple SE?

[strider]

Don't know if you caught this page (http://www.tubelab.com/Industrial1.htm) or not, Nick, but it's got a run down of output and power trannies, as well as choke and power supply cap numbers.

[fredv]

Nick,
You can search diyaudio or use strider's link to determine what components to use. Stuffing the board should be relatively simple. A couple areas seem to be problematic,
1. avoid using the solid state diodes, the IXY parts that is recommended doesn't seem to be he same and often shorted and kills the tube rectifier. In short, just use the tube rectifier.
2. The standby also seems to cause some current inrush issue that can kill the tube rectifier. So, don't use the standby switch.

To me, the hardest part is to build the chassis. It is taking forever, given the limited amount of tools (and skills) that I have :D I am making progress nevertheless ;)

[nikolas812]

Nick,
You can search diyaudio or use strider's link to determine what components to use. Stuffing the board should be relatively simple. A couple areas seem to be problematic,
1. avoid using the solid state diodes, the IXY parts that is recommended doesn't seem to be he same and often shorted and kills the tube rectifier. In short, just use the tube rectifier.
2. The standby also seems to cause some current inrush issue that can kill the tube rectifier. So, don't use the standby switch.

To me, the hardest part is to build the chassis. It is taking forever, given the limited amount of tools (and skills) that I have :D I am making progress nevertheless ;)



Yes. I am tackling the Simple SE.;)

I have also addressed all of the problems stated above. I found most of them with the extensive reading I did at the DIYforum. Plus I have a thread started over there and a couple of guys are walking me through the problems.

They have also showed me a good power supply that works good with the KT88's. Its got a lot of voltage and pulls about the most you can out of the KT88's.


The chassis is the about the most exciting part for me because of the my back ground. I have tons of material and resources and knowledge from working at a body shop for most of my life. The chassis I plan to make will be the balls for sure.:cool: I'm pretty sure the color will be a candy apple red or some sort..


Can't wait to get things rolling. I will keep this thread updated with plenty of pics...


Heres a link to my thread at the DIYforum...

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=138527


Cheers

Nick

[schwarcw]

If you are into DIY tube kits, check out Hagerman Tech Hagtech.com (http://www.hagtech.com/). He's an engineer with vast expereience. No snake oil here. His phono stage products can't be touched without dropping a whole lot of cash. The Coronet2 will cost you about $500 to build but you can't find a better phono stage for less than $3K. He also got a batter powered phono stage for about $40, fully assembled for about $150. Impressive specs and sound.

[nikolas812]

If you are into DIY tube kits, check out Hagerman Tech Hagtech.com (http://www.hagtech.com/). He's an engineer with vast expereience. No snake oil here. His phono stage products can't be touched without dropping a whole lot of cash. The Coronet2 will cost you about $500 to build but you can't find a better phono stage for less than $3K. He also got a batter powered phono stage for about $40, fully assembled for about $150. Impressive specs and sound.



I have checked out the Hagerman stuff. He didn't have anything I was interested in for a first time build.

I might be interested in one of his phone stages a little further down the road though...





Nick

[MillerLiteScott]

Nick

Look at the S-5 tube amp kits. Or if you want to spend a little more money look a the Dynaco ST-35 or ST-70 kits. I am terrible at linking stuff so just google them.

Scott

[nikolas812]

Nick

Look at the S-5 tube amp kits. Or if you want to spend a little more money look a the Dynaco ST-35 or ST-70 kits. I am terrible at linking stuff so just google them.

Scott




I've looked at all of them and didn't like any of them for one reason or another...

I didn't want to build an out of production amp. And UGLY one at that.

And the s-5 kits didn't supply enough power or options that I wanted.


I pretty much just want a PC board and build everything around it.


I don't know if you've read the whole thread but I have already bought the board and some tubes and parts already.

I guess I should have named the thread Simple SE Build or something like..


Thanks for the input though.

But I read and searched threads for 5 hours straight before I found what I was looking for...



So as soon as the parts start arriving I'll start taking pictures of the build and posting information about the build...




Nick

[MillerLiteScott]

Sorry Nick.

How much power are you expecting from the Simple SE with the KT 88's.

I would also like to build a tube amp, just to build one. I really don't have a use for one with my current set up(s).

Scott

[nikolas812]

Probably between 18 and 25wpc and the amp will be switchable between triode and ultra linear mode.

With the power trannys I am putting in it, it should be into the 20's for sure...:cool: Thats about the most you can pull out of a single KT88 I think..









Nick

[Hobbyguy]

So are you going to make your own tube preamp as well?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300281662130&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1123

[nikolas812]

Eventually....



But I will have a volume pot on this amp so I won't need one. It will be driven by a 5AR4 Rectifier Tube...






Nick

[Hobbyguy]

Very cool thread.
Will enjoy seeing the pictures.

[strider]

So are you going to make your own tube preamp as well?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300281662130&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1123

Just a word of caution regarding that Ebay seller, Audiotekxxx, there are multiple threads on diyaudio.com (http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=137913&perpage=25&pagenumber=1) where they're being accused of all sorts of unsavory practices. I've had no experiences with them so it's hearsay to me, just wanted to give a heads up.


edit: post #4 in the thread linked to above has links to other threads regarding this seller.

[nikolas812]

Thanks!

I had no intention of buying anything from him...


But its a good heads up for anybody else reading the thread..




Nick

[fredv]

Probably between 18 and 25wpc and the amp will be switchable between triode and ultra linear mode.
Nick
Hi Nick,

In triode mode, it will be more like 10 wpc. UL will probably give you close to 18. A thing to keep in mind, it is not the PT the factor limiting the power (both the Hammond 374BX or Allied PT's will do, I have both). It is the tube and the OPT. The Transcendar link I posted to you at Diyaudio is only SE, no UL as Chris pointed out, and is only 10W. I have the TT-018-OT which has 4 and 8 ohm taps, 50% screen tap for UL, and 15W rating. To me, the dual secondary tap is more important as I would like to use different speakers for fun :-)

[nikolas812]

Hi Nick,

In triode mode, it will be more like 10 wpc. UL will probably give you close to 18. A thing to keep in mind, it is not the PT the factor limiting the power (both the Hammond 374BX or Allied PT's will do, I have both). It is the tube and the OPT. The Transcendar link I posted to you at Diyaudio is only SE, no UL as Chris pointed out, and is only 10W. I have the TT-018-OT which has 4 and 8 ohm taps, 50% screen tap for UL, and 15W rating. To me, the dual secondary tap is more important as I would like to use different speakers for fun :-)



I wasn't going to get the ones on ebay. I am inquiring about a pair from Transcender with optional UL taps..

The Model is - Transcendar SE 5k 8ohm 10w. These are the ones I am inquiring about.

These are the ones Ty used and I thought he said somewhere in his thread he was getting around 21.4 watts?? Maybe he was guessing?? He said it was about the max for the tube...


Nick

[fredv]

The ebay link is indeed SE 5K 8ohm 10W except no UL. I thought that was what Ty had, no?

Unless Gery (owner of Transcendar) is really really conservative, it is hard to believe you can get 21.4W from a 10W OPT. The OPT will be well saturated before approaching that output. I can be wrong and certainly hope so. If so, my 15 watter from Gery can be good for 25W :-) If I interpret correctly, the 21.4 watts might be the max that can be squeezed from the tube which probably not the case for most of the time. Quite frankly, I seldom crank more than 2 watts per channel even with some not too efficient speakers. Just for comparison, attached is a picture of 3 SE OT's that I have:
- The biggest, Hammond 30W
- Mid-size, Transcendar 15W
- The smallest, James, 10W
All have dual 8/4 ohm taps and UL. The irons are the most important and expensive of all the parts. Take your time to research what you want, don't rush.

[nikolas812]

Thanks

I wasn't debating it. I have no idea. I just thought I remember reading about it somewhere..


Either way I think it will be just fine for my application. I do want UL taps though so the ebay OPT's won't work.

Those are also the exact same ones Ty has. Spec wise anyways minus UL taps. His are from Transcendar with UL taps. Which is probably where mine will be coming from..

Unless you have some for sale.:D



Nick

[fredv]

Sorry, if I sound like debating, I apologize. Just want to share what I know, and I am not always right either :-)

Gery is very responsive, I am sure you will get a reply from him shortly. In fact, I didn't buy my Transcendar's from him. I emailed him for the specs, and he replied me in half day.

I wish you were nearby that I could ask you to help painting the rough aluminum plate. For now, I probably will have to settle on spray paint. Any tips on what to use to patch the deep scratch of the plate before painting?

[nikolas812]

I have a thread started here offering my services to fellow polkies. You can send it to me if you like. And I I can fill the scratches primer and paint it..


Any tips on what to use to patch the deep scratch of the plate before painting?


Not really. If there not too terribly deep you can try and find a can of high build primer. And primer the heck out of it.. Then sand it smooth with a grit sand paper and spray paint it..


You might have to go to a auto paint supply store to get the high build primer in a can. But it might do the trick and would be a lot cheaper than me doing it...


Gery is very responsive, I am sure you will get a reply from him shortly. In fact, I didn't buy my Transcendar's from him. I emailed him for the specs, and he replied me in half day.


I emailed him a day or two ago and still have not heard back from him.. I thought maybe because it was the weekend?:confused:

I sent the email to the email address found on this page.. http://transcendar.com/



Nick

[nikolas812]

I've got about 90% of my parts now. Enough to start on my board and chassis.

I drilled some holes and mounted my bottom plate to my chassis and added some rubber feet..


A little bit after I did that my parts from Digi Key arrived and my tubes from the tubestore arrived.


Which was awesome because the Tubestore made and error and sent me the wrong tubes. They sent me Winged C's instead of the Sovteks I ordered. The winged C's are what I wanted in the first place but I didn't want to spend the money. The winged C's cost almost twice as much as the Sovteks. Needless to say I was VERY happy!


I stuggled at first with soldering. But after a few resistors were installed I started to fall into a groove. I still stuggled here and there. But for the most part I think they turned out OK.

If anybody sees anything wrong please point it out to me...

I took 21 pics of the progress today. But I'll limit this post to 8.


I also didn't install the FREDS or the Heatsink Diodes. I didn't install the Heatsink and diodes because there wasn't a screw and nut with my parts. So I'll have to go to the hardware store tomorrow before I can install them..


It took me about 3.5 hours to complete the board....


Cheers



http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0477.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0481.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0482.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0485.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0493.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0495.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0496.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0497.jpg

[ShinAce]

Looking good.

Have a good look at R13. Doesn't look like there's much solder bonded to the lead.

[nikolas812]

Thanks.


I just took a look at R13. The pic is deceiving. Thats about one of the best looking solder joints on the whole board...


Thanks for taking a look...




Nick

[zingo]

That looks great! I love how those KT88s dominate that board.



Skoal special eh? :p

[nikolas812]

I love how those KT88s dominate that board.







Me too. I had never even seen a KT88 until today.


Hence the reason for building a KT88 version.... I can't wait to hear them.



Nick

[fredv]

Any particular reason that you prefer the =C= KT88?
Out of all the KT88/6550 that I have listened, =C= is at the bottom of the heap to my preferences. They seem to be the opposite of the models in the magazines - no top and no bottom :eek: but the mid is quite fluid though.

[nikolas812]

Any particular reason that you prefer the =C= KT88?
Out of all the KT88/6550 that I have listened, =C= is at the bottom of the heap to my preferences. They seem to be the opposite of the models in the magazines - no top and no bottom :eek: but the mid is quite fluid though.






Nope.


I've just been wanting to try them. Last I remember they were getting stellar reviews??


Nick

[fredv]

Nope.


I've just been wanting to try them. Last I remember they were getting stellar reviews??


Nick
I came across one review also praise the mid which might be the reviewer's preference which is always subjective. The new reissue Genalex Gold Lion seem to get rave reviews. Some even rated them best the original. I will find out pretty soon. These have been bubbled up to the top of my shopping list :D

[zingo]

My next amp with be a octal socket amp, so I'm excited to hear your review of your build.

[nikolas812]

Update as of today.

Got about 50% of the chassis mocked up. It was a huge learning experience and I made a few mistakes. Getting the holes lined up for the tubes to come through chassis was a PITA!! The 12at7 tube hole was the first I one I did. Its a little off centered and a little big. But I think once it has paint on it. You won't really notice it.


I also made the hole a little too big for the IEC socket. Had to weld some of it back and grind it down.

Did the same thing on one of the switches. Welded it up and ground it down and then did it again.:mad: Decided it was time to call it a day. I was at the 5 hour mark when this happened. I might have to limit myself to 4 hours or less when working on the amp. Seems I start to get a little fatigued and start making mistakes after the 4 hour mark.

Oh well. You live and you learn. Luckily I had the ability to fix my mistakes..



Cheers


Nick



http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0499.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0500.jpg

[Face]

Very cool, looking forward to hearing your listening impressions.

Btw, don't those magazines belong somewhere else? LOL...

[nikolas812]

Thats twice someone commented on the Magazines.:D

Honestly I don't really even look at them.

They were used to hold my PCB while I was populating it with the resistors and such.. Or they wouldn't even be on the table..





Nick

[GV#27]

Lookin good ,great project ,is that a Hammond case?What are you planning on for paint?

[nikolas812]

Yes thats a Hammond case. I couldn't find the material I wanted laying around the shop so I just bought a case.


The color I decided on will be a Candy Apple Red Pealrcoat.:cool:



Nick

[SolidSqual]

Hey Nick,

I have some gold spikes that would look sick with a red case if want to use them instead of those stock rubber feet.

[nikolas812]

OH YEAH!!


KT88's are Lit and I am listenimg to some SWEET ASS music.



I'm tired as hell so more to come later..




Nick

[SolidSqual]

That is awesome. The Gold spikes should be at your place soon.

I can't wait to see the red paint job.

[zingo]

I'm glad to hear the amp is glowing. :cool: What do you think of those binding post you used?

[nikolas812]

I like them so far. They were cheap and seem well made. Good insulation on both sides to keep them away from the chassis.


Why? Did you have a bad experience with them?



Nick

[zingo]

No, just mediocre experience with them. I also think they are good for the price and they make a solid connection, but I couldn't get them to seat right and they ended up being a little loose to the baffle.

[nikolas812]

You have to get the hole drilled just right or they are a little fenicky...



But for the price I am happy with them. I would have much rather went with my usual Cardas stuff. But the amp was getting expensive quick!


I had to start watching my spending..



But so far from the sound I am hearing. It was money WELL spent! DEAD quiet, awesome bass, sparkling highs and Lush mid range. And it seems to be getting better and better. As I recall it took close to 500 hours on my sonicaps to break in completely. Not to mention everything on this amp is new. So everything is still breaking in. Its also only wired for Triode mode. Which is only around 5 or 8 watts a channel. Should come close to doubling that in UL mode.. Its driving a pair of AV123 towers with a 87db efficiency with no problems. I can't wait to get my driver for the other M5. They ought to sing with a 90db efficiency:)


I'm listening to right now and I might venture to say this is the best sounding amp I have ever owned.. Sounds like pure magic comeing out of it.:D



Oh yeah I forgot. I had a bad rectifier tubes that caused all kinds of problems during start up. So its running on the SS side of things right now also. I just put a order in for a couple 5ar4's. I'm expecting it sound even better with the tube rectifier....







Nick

[nikolas812]

I laid down some primer today on the chassis. My Volume pot arrived while I was spraying the primer. Then I realized I forgot to drill the hole for it.:eek: Oh well. I'll do it tomorrow before I spray the paint.


I can't wait to get this thing together and see the completed package. It looks like a disaster laying on my make shift bench..

I hope to have it completed by Saturday. I figure I can spray the paint tomorrow. Let it dry over night. Wet sand and buff it the next day and start assembling it...


After its all together and everything seems OK. I'll wire it up for UL mode and see how that sounds.


Heres a couple pics of the primer chassis and my disaster of a work bench..




Cheers


Nick


http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0516.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0518.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0520.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0521.jpg

[zingo]

That's going to look great! What pot did you go with? I've been looking for one for my B1, and I figure if it's good enough for Nick... :D

[nikolas812]

I went with a ALPs Blue Velvet 100k pot.








Nick

[nikolas812]

:D




http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0526.jpg

[engtaz]

Looking great.

[fredv]

Looking great.
Of course, it is naked :D

[nikolas812]

The camera was haveing problems today so the pics aren't that great. When the amps completed I'll take it out side for nice beauty shots..:D


Primer

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0516.jpg


Sealer

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0529.jpg

Base

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0532.jpg

Clear

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0536.jpg




Cheers


Nick

[nikolas812]

The pictures never do my paint jobs justice. But here's another quick one as of today.

You never can see the metallic. Maybe once I get it outside in some natural light I'll be able to get some better pictures...



Nick


http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0540.jpg

[mmadden28]

Thats twice someone commented on the Magazines.:D

Honestly I don't really even look at them.

They were used to hold my PCB while I was populating it with the resistors and such.. Or they wouldn't even be on the table..





Nick

uh huh. sure. ;)

I was about to comment on the rocking solder station PCB propper uppers.

SWEET paint job!

[leroyjr1]

Nice paint job

[nikolas812]

I am still waiting for my volume knob to get here. But the amp is pretty much finished. It needs to be cleaned. The transformers are dusty from being in the shop. And I got a pretty good shock the last time I turned it off. Couldn't tell if it was strong static electricity or a ground issue. Might have to re check my grounds. I also have the volume pot in upside down. Oh well. Just a few little things to fix now. But at least now I can clean up my work bench and move the amp around. I hated having it all spread on the bread board...


If you look at the reflections on the amp. You can tell the finish looks like a peice of glass.:D


Big thanks to Mike for GIVING me the badass spikes. They really look good on there.


http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0544.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0546.jpg




Nick

[mmadden28]

Looks awesome!

Have you thought about painting the trannys?

[nikolas812]

Yes.

I think I will eventually. I ran out of the Candy Apple red on the chassis. And since I have to use left over paint from other cars. I'll have to paint them a different color. I just don't know what color to paint them yet. I was thinking maybe a dark metallic silver or a gray metallic... Not sure yet...



Nick

[SolidSqual]

Man that looks great Nik. Keep giving us pics.

[nikolas812]

Thanks.


And will do.





nick

[nikolas812]

I got my new rectifier tubes today. My previous rectifier tube was bad. So I have not been able to run one until the new ones got here today. So now the amp is fully functional and complete.

My dang volume goes the wrong direction. You have to turn it from the right to left to get volume.

Can somebody tell me how to fix this. I'm sure something is just wired back wards. But I don't know what..


Heres a couple more pics for you viewing pleasure. I'm quite proud of this amp for being my first build ever.:)




Cheers


Nick

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0548.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0549.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0550.jpg

[ShinAce]

[B]My dang volume goes the wrong direction. You have to turn it from the right to left to get volume.
[B]





Of the three wires to the pot, the slider(or middle pin) doesn't get touched.

Flip the other two wires.

[nikolas812]

Thanks!




Nick

[Face]

That looks really good!

[MillerLiteScott]

That looks cool. Very nice job.

Scott

[GV#27]

Very nice.May I ask where you scored the volume knob?it looks like similar to the ones Accurus used.

[SolidSqual]

Can we get a pic of the whole system?

You should spray the volume knob gold to match the spikes.

When you painting the speakers? ;)

[nikolas812]

Can we get a pic of the whole system?

You should spray the volume knob gold to match the spikes.

When you painting the speakers? ;)



There really isn't a system yet. I never planned to be getting into 2 channel stuff this quick again. It started with building this amp and now I am trying to sell my Kidneys on the black market to fund 2 channel gear.:eek:


I'm also undecided about the Volume knob. I was thinking of maybe painting it flat black. but I don't know. Its looks pretty good in there. Its a solid chunk of aluminum. Its identical to the one that was on my Odyssey Candela Pre amp.


Funny you should mention painting the speakers...... More to come..:cool:




Very nice.May I ask where you scored the volume knob?it looks like similar to the ones Accurus used.


Hong Kong.

Ebay. Search - Alps volume knob. And you'll find some. Its damn nice for $17.00 shipped. If you can wait 12-16 days.. Its a heavy solid chunk of aluminum...



Nick

[nikolas812]

Can we get a pic of the whole system?





You'll get a pic when it isn't so ghetto looking...





Nick

[george daniel]

looks very good from where I'm sitting

[SolidSqual]

+1, agreed.

[nikolas812]

Can we get a pic of the whole system?








http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0577.jpg

[Hobbyguy]

Wow! That is beautiful Nick.

[nikolas812]

Thank you.




I have new badges for the the Polks. And new grill cloth coming to redo the grills. They'll look a lot better after that. I'm also thinking of giving them a paint job. But haven't decided. I want to get the grills fixed up and see how they look after that.





Nick

[mewisemagic]

shit,damn you done a great job i think.how many watts does she put out?and what was you total cost too make it? again , thats a great looking amp you built

[george daniel]

Very nice, sir,, very nice indeed :)

[nikolas812]

Thank you all for the kind words.

I haven't ran the numbers yet. But it should be around 5-8 watts a channel in triode mode. Not a lot. But there sweet watts for sure.. I've never heard anything like it.

Once my other switches get here I will wire it up for Ultra Linear mode. I should be seeing around 15 to 18 watts a channel then.

The amp will have a switch for SS and Tube rectifier. A switch for Triode/ UL mode. And a switch for Cathode Feedback. This is going to give the amp a lot of tunablity for different music and different setups I think.

I wanted to get the amp wired up and completed before I started adding switches and different wiring.. Now that the amp is proven I am going to go ahead and finish it up with all the selectable switches and different modes..

The total cost was $750

A bargin if you ask me....





I'll be building a set of Frugal Horns with Fostex drivers for the amp very soon.:cool:


And I'll be building a another version of this amp with 300b tubes after that.:cool:


Can we say addicted to DIY.:eek:



Later


Nick

[nikolas812]

Update.


I have completely finished the amp. Its wired for UL and triode mode with or without Cathode feedback. It sounds the best to me in SET mode. It has a much much sweeter sound. I only use UL mode if I am watching a movie. The extra volume and power seems to help a lot while movie watching...


I can't get over how good this setup sounds. For once I think I am finally content. I don't think I have ever been able to say that. So that has to tell you something about the rig. I've been through 10 or more rigs in the past 2 years. And this one would blow the doors off every one of them musically speaking.


I love it!


Peace


Nick


http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0612.jpg

[W WALDECKER]

Update.


I have completely finished the amp. Its wired for UL and triode mode with or without Cathode feedback. It sounds the best to me in SET mode. It has a much much sweeter sound. I only use UL mode if I am watching a movie. The extra volume and power seems to help a lot while movie watching...


I can't get over how good this setup sounds. For once I think I am finally content. I don't think I have ever been able to say that. So that has to tell you something about the rig. I've been through 10 or more rigs in the past 2 years. And this one would blow the doors off every one of them musically speaking.


I love it!


Peace


Nick


http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0612.jpgYou should be very proud because you did a fine job young man. thanks....WCW III

[Face]

Looks great bud!

[SolidSqual]

Where are the Playboys? I thought they added acoustic treatment?

[MillerLiteScott]

Are the Playboys behind door #1 or door #2?

Looks like a great great sounding rig.

[Hobbyguy]

Did you ever find tubes that provide more bass?

[nikolas812]

Yep.


Genalax Gold Lion KT-88 reissues. End of story.:D



Nick

[fredv]

Yep.


Genalax Gold Lion KT-88 reissues. End of story.:D



Nick
Bingo ;)

Don't say I didn't warn you, one such success story will only lead to what is next, not necessary something better but something different :D

[bikerboy]

Nice job Nick. You are a brave man to tackle an amp build with your admitted lack of knowledge. Did you learn a lot while sourcing and building it? How does this amp compare to the jolida you had before? Or is that too far away to remember! I still have the SJ-502 and am thinking of new power tubes. I rebuilt the power supply completely and it sounds so much better its unbelievable. You like the new Genalax Gold Lion KT-88 reissues I take it. Can you tell me more! I am using Winged C 6550 now but have heard good things about the new Genalex.

[nikolas812]

Nice job Nick. You are a brave man to tackle an amp build with your admitted lack of knowledge. Did you learn a lot while sourcing and building it? How does this amp compare to the jolida you had before? Or is that too far away to remember! I still have the SJ-502 and am thinking of new power tubes. I rebuilt the power supply completely and it sounds so much better its unbelievable. You like the new Genalax Gold Lion KT-88 reissues I take it. Can you tell me more! I am using Winged C 6550 now but have heard good things about the new Genalax.




I learned a ton sourcing the parts and building the amp. And that was the purpose of building the amp. To gain common knowledge... Little did I know it would turn out so good.:)


This amp would make the Jolida its bitch any day of the week. And thats putting it politely!



Comparing the Winged -C- to the Gold Lions is like comparing Ford to Ferrari IMO. The difference is that big!. The GL KT88's are better every where, not just the bass. They Have a more refined and balanced sound compared to the Winged C's. Lush and Liquid is the best way to describe them. Or perfect.
If your on the fence you owe it to your self to try these tubes today!





Nick

[schwarcw]

Congratulations Nick! The amp looks beautiful! I'm glad that the project turned out so good for you. Enjoy:)

[Hobbyguy]

How quiet is the amp? Do you hear any hum...even close to the speakers?

[nikolas812]

Theres not a damn thing comeing out of the speakers.:) Its dead quite. Max volume or low volume. It doesn't matter. I've never heard anything so quite.


The only thing that is not dead quite is the transformer. It has a VERY slight hum. But you would have to have your head right by the amp to hear it.. It doesn't bother me one bit or take away anything from the music..




Nick

[strider]

Hey Nick,

Forgive me if I overlooked it in either of your threads, do have the model/part number of the Hammond chassis you used?

Thanks,
Ben

[ben62670]

Well Nick I have purposely not looked at your thread. I knew that if I did I would find a beautiful piece of gear that would leave me wanting. Well Jerry and I are going to do a tubed pre soon. Thanks bud:)
Again very nice indeed!
Congrats
Ben

[nikolas812]

Hey Nick,

Forgive me if I overlooked it in either of your threads, do have the model/part number of the Hammond chassis you used?

Thanks,
Ben



Heres a link to the one I bought.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hammond-1441-32-Steel-Chassis-Box-For-Tube-Amp-Projects_W0QQitemZ230302883275QQihZ013QQcategoryZ6 7815QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262







Thanks Ben.





Nick

[Kex]

Awesome ... awesome project! I wish I could find the time, energy and knowledge to do just what you did right there. That is fabulous! Congratulations ... it makes everything else seem plain stupid.

[nikolas812]

Thanks.:)






Nick

[nikolas812]

I blew a power transformer last night.:(


Which sucks. Because finally someone was coming by to pick up a part and have a listen to the amp. And the dang thing breaks down.


Oh well. Gives me a reason to get the one I wanted in the beginning anyway. I opted out for a cheaper transformer during the build to try and save a little money. I guess it got me in the end.


Oh well. You live and your learn..




Nick

[fredv]

Your Allied transformer should be under warranty. Call them up, they will replace it.

[nikolas812]

Your Allied transformer should be under warranty. Call them up, they will replace it.





I wondered about that. I'll give them a call today.





Nick

[zingo]

Bummer! It didn't damage any of the other components did it?

[nikolas812]

Bummer! It didn't damage any of the other components did it?




No.



I talked to Allied yesterday and they are sending me a new transformer free of charge.



I think the last one was a fluke. If it breaks down again I'll go to something better.




Nick

[nikolas812]

Yeah Baby! Were back in business.:D






Cheers




nick

[zingo]

Woo Hoo!

[GV#27]

I talked to Allied yesterday and they are sending me a new transformer free of charge.



Most excellent of them.