ImPasse Preamplifier

I have a Krell SACD Standard for the Impasse/F4.

(The pic has a Matrix mini-i which I'm using as a D/A converter from the Krell's output (or USB input from my laptop) for playing with the amplifier in the foreground in this pic, as it has an optional digital volume control)
 

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To much equipment !

I have a Krell SACD Standard for the Impasse/F4.

(The pic has a Matrix mini-i which I'm using as a D/A converter from the Krell's output (or USB input from my laptop) for playing with the amplifier in the foreground in this pic, as it has an optional digital volume control)

Hi Luvdunhill,

I see to much audio equipment on the floor, you better send me a few (F4's) to cleanup the room :D
You can keep the KRELL I don't need that one :D

Nice built looks beautiful :)


Regards,

Audiofanatic ;)
 
So, with some 6SN7 tubes as they warm up I get some 60 Hz (sounding, not measured) hum. It is very strange. Some tubes start to do it and then cut in and out.. Any idea why this would be?

Also, nothing will blow up if you accidentally sub a 6BL7. It played music, but I quickly noticed and swapped it out. Heh.
 
I developed some noise on one channel after it warmed up so I replaced the tubes one at a time with no change. So I started looking elsewhere, even ordered up some new FETs. After much investigation I ordered some more tubes for spares and it turned out that the 6SN7 tube solved the problem:confused:. Its hard to believe the first new tube I tried had the same problem in the same channel. Now months later I have another noisy 6SN7 tube on the opposite channel. Maybe I'll have to spend a little more on another manufacturer. I have limited experience with these tubes?

BDP
 
Any commonalities between the bad tubes? I notice that 6SN7 seem to have a wide variety of plate voltage ratings for example.. The ones I was using were old 6SN7GT and the ones I'm using now are GTAs, which have a higher voltage rating... I'll have to pull the article out to see what SY used (something special gifted by Morgan Jones? Thats what my memory says)...
 
I think I have found my problem. I need more time to confirm...

Related Question: How do you determine if you have overloaded an isolation transformer? Is it total VA in each transformer divided by line voltage (perhaps with a fudge factor for losses and or headroom)?

My problem might be related to this.
 
isolation transformer?

Max continous load of a smaller transformer is usually around 90% +/- of the VA rating divided by secondary voltage. Larger transformers ( 1kW and upwards) usually have somewhat higher efficiency. The real ( as in complex phase angles) wattage is always lower than the VA rating -There's always both core and winding losses......
 
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I am planning on trying out my Sowter 3575 and am looking to tune the RC zobel to this transformer. First, it's not even close to the Cinemag values, much more capacitance is needed (note that this is a 10K:10K transformer, where the Cinemag is 15K:15K. I just realized that, and that fact might invalidate these tests?). So, what value would you choose (or what other values would you try). Datasheet:

http://www.sowter.co.uk/pdf/3575.pdf

Setup is Tek CFG280 (50 ohm output impedance, square wave of the Pk-Pk value show at 1kHz) into two wires of transformer primary, the sheild is connected to a secondary ground. There is a center tap, that I have just left loose (good idea? bad idea?).

Image #27 shows just 100K across the secondary, which represents my stepped attenuator (the last picture, sorry cannot reorder them).

Image #28 shows just 100K || 10k across the secondary, which represents my stepped attenuator in parallel with just a 10K resistor

Image #29 shows (6.8nF + 10K) || 100K

Image #30 shows (10nF + 10K) || 100K

Image #31 shows (16.8nF + 10K) || 100K
 

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While it's nice to eliminate the ringing, you have to, at the same time, be mindful of what compensation capacitance is doing to the bandwidth of the amplifier -- were the oscillographs you show done with the preamp "live" ? -- as you have to deal with the tube capacitances which affect BW. I tuned my pre with a 2x365pF variable capacitor -- and found that it was find without any compensation.
 
Nope, not live. I assume you still put a resistor across the volume pot in magnitude to result in the secondary inpedance of the transformer? I could definitely do it live I guess, but measuring bandwidth would be tricky as I don't have all the bits and pieces ready to do that. Good points of course, I appreciate that.