Using TSE 45 to drive a GM70 (or other big power tube)

[cotdt]

If I remove the output transformer on my Tubelab SE and connect the output of the 45 to a GM70 tube, would that work well? I would like a modular setup that I can swap around.

[tubelab.com]

You need a method of connecting the 45 to the GM70. The usual coupling capacitor / bias resistor will work but will not be optimum. Big tubes like the 211, 845, GM70, and 833A need a low impedance drive source, with a low DC resistance path to the bias source. These attributes are needed for low distortion and good overload recovery.

The usual method is to replace the OPT with a driver transformer that matches the 45 to the grid circuit of the tube being used. That works if a good quality transformer is used.

I chose to replicate the drive circuit that is currently in use between the 5842 and the 45 on a small PC board using larger parts to handle the higher voltages present. My circuit design is here:

845SE

[cotdt]

Can the TSE 45 PCB be used as driver stage for GM70/845? I would just replace the 45's 10ohm resistor with a CCS? GM70 would then just be a drop-in replacement for 845 in that circuit except with 20V heaters.

Is there a PCB for Powerdrive or a universal power supply that you sell?

[jrobson]

Originally Posted by cotdt

Can the TSE 45 PCB be used as driver stage for GM70/845? I would just replace the 45's 10ohm resistor with a CCS? GM70 would then just be a drop-in replacement for 845 in that circuit except with 20V heaters.

Is there a PCB for Powerdrive or a universal power supply that you sell?

Hi

I'm researching something similar... In another post George said he doesn't have any powerdrive PCB's.

Essentially yes you remove the OPT's, R18&R29 and plug in a powerdrive circuit at T2-2 and T3-2.
On the schematics the 845SE also has +150V going into both 2SK2700's, where in the TSE board it is connected to B+... This should still be ok I think? The second powerdrive 10M45's are set for 91ohms which is about 30 something ma...
Other than that you need a good power supply.... I've posted a GM70 one on another thread that you can use to get going...