As the title states, I am interested in doing a tube build with the Tubelab SSE. This will be my first tube project but I do have some expereince with building speaker crossovers and speakers. What I want to accomplish is a low budget Tubelab SSE Build for my highly efficient Klipsch Cornwalls (99dbs if I remember correctly).
Has anyone built this for their Cornwall's? If so what tubes xformers etc did you use. Post some schematics pictures etc thanks.
Has anyone built this for their Cornwall's? If so what tubes xformers etc did you use. Post some schematics pictures etc thanks.
I used a SSE with Klipsch Heresys happily for several years. I liked KT88s and EL34s the best but I don't think I gave the 6L6 a fair shake. Plenty of power in triode mode. I also liked a 5965 in the input, but 12AT7s are fine too. With the CCS load, differences are small (if not imagined). I built with GXSE15s and don't have any complaints at all.
I've since built several more amps. Eventually I also sold the Heresys and picked up a pair of Alpair 12p Super Pensils.
The SSE is still in my main system though and is still running in triode. It's a damn fine design and I'm trying my hardest to build something that can beat it.
I've since built several more amps. Eventually I also sold the Heresys and picked up a pair of Alpair 12p Super Pensils.
The SSE is still in my main system though and is still running in triode. It's a damn fine design and I'm trying my hardest to build something that can beat it.
Are you asking me, I have no idea yet. It's gonna depend on what iron I use and if I choose to use one or two irons.
BTW what determines if a tube amp is self biased or if you have to adjust it? I definitely would like tubes that are self biased if that is what decides it.
Using a cathode resistor to raise the cathode voltage above ground (with the grid referenced to ground) makes the SSE self biased. The other common way of biasing is to use a fixed bias (which may need adjustment over time).
If you plan on using various output tubes, make sure you choose a resistor value that will keep them all within dissipation spec. Or you will want a way to switch resistors. Tubelab has some very handy charts on his website to compare operating points and resistors.
If you plan on using various output tubes, make sure you choose a resistor value that will keep them all within dissipation spec. Or you will want a way to switch resistors. Tubelab has some very handy charts on his website to compare operating points and resistors.
The determination of self biased or "fixed bias" (a misnomer since you must adjust it) is made when the amp is designed. The TSE is fixed biased, and there are 4 adjustments, one for each tube. The SSE is self biased, and it is a build and play design. If assembled correctly it will work, no adjustments are needed.
As stated the SSE uses a resistor in the cathode of each output tube to establish bias. Within certain limitations you can swap tubes, even among different types without adjustment.
The TSE applies a negative voltage to the grid of each output tube to control the current. It must be adjusted on a live operating amp on initial power up and whenever a tube is changed. It should also be checked periodically particularly on a new build, or whenever tubes are changed.
The TSE uses DHT's (directly heated triodes) which are typically expensive (some are well over $100 each), and people who choose this route typically use higher priced OPT's to capture the most of the "DHT sound." It is not uncommon to spend over $1000 on a TSE build.
For high efficiency speakers most people will run an SSE in triode mode for 2 to 7 watts of power output depending on which tube and transformer set are used. The EL34 with a good quality OPT and a 375 - 0 - 375 volt power transformer is a good choice for about 5 to 7 watts of triode power. KT88's can be swapped into this design for a bit more power and a more dynamic sound with a slight loss of detail. I have one of these which saw daily use until it was destroyed during a 1200 mile move. It was my favorite amp.
While not well documented the same SSE design can be built with 6V6GT's for about 2 watts of power. A lower voltage power transformer is required (275 - 0 - 275 volts) and smaller OPTs can be used. This amp sounds very close to a $$$ 45 based TSE for about 1/3 the cost.
For more than 7w, you can run the tubes in ultralinear (10-15w depending on tube). I built my amp with the xpwr035, iirc.
I'm happy with the gxse15 transformers but went with them partially due to chassis limitations. I think the cxse25 transformers are a popular choice. 5k primary impedance is a good all around choice.
You can buy boards from George through PayPal (no shopping cart on his site). I think he has details on an order page somewhere.
I'm happy with the gxse15 transformers but went with them partially due to chassis limitations. I think the cxse25 transformers are a popular choice. 5k primary impedance is a good all around choice.
You can buy boards from George through PayPal (no shopping cart on his site). I think he has details on an order page somewhere.
With very efficient speakers such as Cornwalls, you won't need 8 - 10 watts. 2 - 4 watts may be all you need.
I believe you have the option of building a budget SSE, but you could also spend quite a lot on it just depends on the OPT and Tubes you use. Ditto with the TSE although it starts out at a higher cost than an SSE.
Just ordered my Tubelab SSE board. Now just to narrow down the In & OPT transformers and tubes.
This is fantastic advice!!
I do the same. When ordering from a list I cross the part of the schematic with a highliter. Having the board and double checking lead space and component footprint is essential in perfect part ordering.
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