b1 buffer preamp suitable voltage

[mass1363]

Hello everybody,
I was reading that the suitable voltage for the B1 buffer preamp from Nelson Pass is between 18V and 24V.
I'm wondering if I'll have catastrophic results if I power it with only +15V ...?

Thank for answers

 

[Zen Mod]

not catastrophic , but thd will rise

 

[AndrewT]

A 2.2Vac signal will be ~7dB below maximum output. That's still an adequate headroom to help avoid excess distortion.
Normal signals through the B1 will more likely be <<1Vac

 

[Superstrand]

No catastrophe here, except for the dining room

I have run mine with a single nine volt battery as an experiment, no catastrophe. I do run it at 18 volts, though, because that's what papa said to do. Here is a picture of the build, notice the empty Guiness and dinner in the crockpot. (This construction method is not recommended if your spouse is home).