SSE first time build!

[johnzm]

almost all my parts are in,

Caddock MK132 for the signal chain with a couple kiwame resistors as well,

Jupiter coupling caps,

Jensen and nichicon electrolytics

just waiting on transformers now..

 

[johnzm]

i started assembly tonight.

if anyone spots any issues let me know!

 

[cbutterworth]

Why are you mounting parts onto both sides of the board? IIFC, mounting all parts on the underside allows the board to be mounted closer to the chassis.

Not the tube sockets though!

Charlie

 

[johnzm]

im mounting the smaller stuff on top, plan on putting the tube sockets up there too.

assuming that the smaller 1/4 watt and 1 watt resistors will run cool enough to not be a problem on top. the stuff on the bottom wont fit on top or i am guessing would like the extra airflow

 

[cbutterworth]

To ensure good airflow for all components, I simply mounted them on the bottom with only the tube sockets on top.

Hookup is a bit more tricky as the connections are reversed.

 

[mkane77g]

As we all know heat rises so keep an eye out for hot spots. Those big resistors create lot's of heat.

 

[johnzm]

As we all know heat rises so keep an eye out for hot spots. Those big resistors create lot's of heat.

i mounted them quite a ways off the board. do you think they should have been higher even? i had read in the past of some users saying the board discolors under those big ones after a few years from the heat, so i was trying to get them up off the board some to help prevent that.

 

[spendorite]

i mounted them quite a ways off the board. do you think they should have been higher even? i had read in the past of some users saying the board discolors under those big ones after a few years from the heat, so i was trying to get them up off the board some to help prevent that.

Looking at your photos you already have them mounted at sufficient height so they are okay as is..

 

[johnzm]

my transformers came in and they are massive.

this got me thinking. i have owned tube amps prior to this one. none have had transformers this large.

do most production tube amps typically use undersized transformers?

oh ya they are

Edcor XPWR035

Edcor CXSE25-5K

the csxe are rated for 25 watts. this is a little overkill i believe, but will it negatively impact sound quality?

 

[cbutterworth]

I think I used those transformers. Yes, the amp is heavy, but I think it sounds great for all that weight.

Charlie

 

[Sprags]

almost all my parts are in,

Caddock MK132 for the signal chain with a couple kiwame resistors as well,

Jupiter coupling caps,

Jensen and nichicon electrolytics

just waiting on transformers now..

What's so special about these resistors?

 

[johnzm]

What's so special about these resistors?

they are supposed to sound nice..

but i woudlnt know i wired it up tonight flipped it on, all the heaters come on, but i dont get any sound.

time to start troubleshooting i guess. ill post a couple pics for some help soon

 

[johnzm]

spent some time surfing around, and found that the icl,and diode connections near the rectifier require jumpers if not installed. i had not done that, and got music right after doing that.

now all i need is a chassis

 

[johnzm]

well i wrapped it up on friday night and after an hour troubleshooting, found some posts about the jumpers required around the rectifier to make it work.

added those and got music. i did have a CL90 i believe for TR1. and the leads are too thick for the holes. i went ahead and just put it on the surface and its been playing good

now, i just need to get a case made.

but one question.

what differences would i hear between tube and SS rectification? i have not yet installed any diodes, and im curious if it would be worth my time.

 

[Sprags]

I have a VTA ST-120 from tubes4hifi.com and I installed a Webber WZ68 SS rectifier in the rectifier socket. Sonically I didn't hear any difference. But I'm sure others will make claims that they can hear an improvement with a tube rectifier.