Cheap way of making SS sound like a tube amp...

[nigelwright7557]

Hmmmm...

These hybrids sound interesting. The problem for me is that I'm young and restless - putting valves into the mix would mean lots of money spent replacing valves.Chris

Its usually output valves that dont last very long due to the high current.

Hybrids use a valve front end which doesnt use much current and so can last for a few years under normal use. You can pick up a 12AX7 for less than £10.

 

[Minion]

Believe it or not a Simple Tube preamp is pretty easy to implement and not expensive and probably easier than trying to make SS sound like authentic tube ....
Might even be able to be powered by voltages allready in your amp , at its very most basic you just need a Tube ($10) and a few caps and resistors and a tube socket ......

Cheers

 

[padamiecki]

...Chris

try this
Main page
http://gtlab.net/gtlab4/archives/216
http://gtlab.net/gtlab4/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/soldano1.jpg

 

[santonel]

Have you seen this:
The ValveLiTzer: Low-voltage Tube Booster

Thought you might enjoy it. I don't know how he even gets a triode to work with such low B+ voltages but it's cool as hell.

 

[chris661]

Now, that does look fun to try.
I shall listen later (eveyone else is still in bed...), but it's definitely going in my bookmarks.

 

[Test Electrix]

Have you seen this:
The ValveLiTzer: Low-voltage Tube Booster

Thought you might enjoy it. I don't know how he even gets a triode to work with such low B+ voltages but it's cool as hell.

That pedal needs a cover for the valve lol I can easily see it getting stood on with a chassis designed like that!

 

[chris661]

It certainly needs something. Though I expect you wouldn't stand on it on purpose - it glows...

 

[santonel]

Now, that does look fun to try.
I shall listen later (eveyone else is still in bed...), but it's definitely going in my bookmarks.

Here's some improved designs
ValveLiTzer Redux
ValveLiTzer Trifecta

I looked up those tubes (12FQ8). Apparently there's about 20 or so of them in an organ and they go in large lots on eBay for really cheap. Then again 12AX7s are a dime a dozen too which are better suited for the job.

I was wondering last night if these tubes were any good for OTL designs? Usually people parallel the tubes to get a lower impedance. 12FQ8s are a dual triode with dual plates (4 plates total). I wonder if you bought a set of 20 or so and paralleled them if they would be as good a tube for the task as what they usually use (I've heard 6SN7s are often used in OTL amps).