Gain Problems

allyourzigg · 12th December 2008, 05:07 AM

I recently replaced a can cap on my amp with new seperate electrolytic capacitors about twice the previous capacitance. I did this following advice in this post http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showt...06#post1253506
This along with a new tube socket has given new life to my amp. The problem is, it now for some reason has way too much gain and winds up amplifying static as well as the signal. The first tube that the signal goes through is an EF86. I think when I changed the socket I may have missed something. Maybe I wired it in pentode instead of triode? Very little input signal creates what I can only call a disproportionate amount of volume. At the previously normal input levels you'd now be able to hear this amp if you were deaf.

I also changed a small cap on the EF86 socket, I think this cap is affecting the sound. It is lacking in bass response compared to what it used to have, the mid-highs to highs are very pronounced and the amp sounds very forward and in your face. Previously it was very laid back and natural.

The last issue is oscillation in the volume control. I have to use a volume control on the input because changing the built in volume pot anywhere at all from maximum causes a very obnoxious high pitch squeal.

I don't have a schematic, but I have pictures of the amp if you need to look at the circuitry. The tube compliment is an EF86, a 12AX7 and a pair of 6L6GC.

allyourzigg · 12th December 2008, 04:31 PM

Here is a photo of the underside of the amp so you can see the wiring.

allyourzigg · 15th December 2008, 01:52 AM

Bump...

Come on, I know there are people here that can help me with this...

astouffer · 15th December 2008, 02:30 AM

Drawing out the schematic first would help.

ray_moth · 15th December 2008, 07:41 AM

allyourzigg, pardon me for saying so but I doubt if anyone can tell much from that photo, except that it's a mess. Something built like that could have all sorts of problems that are not directly due to the design. However, I suspect this is a variation of the Mullard circuit, which uses high gain tubes and can be very unforgiving of sub-optimal layout.

Another thought that occurs to me is that I doubt if a 12AX7, with its high plate resistance, would be a good choice for driving 6L6GCs.

allyourzigg · 15th December 2008, 03:49 PM

I understand, and I know that the photo doesn't tell too much. I will draw out the schematic when I get a chance...it's exam week now and time is limited. It does indeed use a 12AX7 to drive the tubes though. I have all new tubes in it, EF86, 12AX7, and two winged C 6L6GC.
When I get a chance I will attempt to redo some of the wiring, thanks for your comments.

12th December 2008, 05:07 AM	#1
allyourzigg diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2007	Gain Problems I recently replaced a can cap on my amp with new seperate electrolytic capacitors about twice the previous capacitance. I did this following advice in this post http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showt...06#post1253506 This along with a new tube socket has given new life to my amp. The problem is, it now for some reason has way too much gain and winds up amplifying static as well as the signal. The first tube that the signal goes through is an EF86. I think when I changed the socket I may have missed something. Maybe I wired it in pentode instead of triode? Very little input signal creates what I can only call a disproportionate amount of volume. At the previously normal input levels you'd now be able to hear this amp if you were deaf. I also changed a small cap on the EF86 socket, I think this cap is affecting the sound. It is lacking in bass response compared to what it used to have, the mid-highs to highs are very pronounced and the amp sounds very forward and in your face. Previously it was very laid back and natural. The last issue is oscillation in the volume control. I have to use a volume control on the input because changing the built in volume pot anywhere at all from maximum causes a very obnoxious high pitch squeal. I don't have a schematic, but I have pictures of the amp if you need to look at the circuitry. The tube compliment is an EF86, a 12AX7 and a pair of 6L6GC.

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12th December 2008, 04:31 PM	#2
allyourzigg diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2007	Here is a photo of the underside of the amp so you can see the wiring.

15th December 2008, 01:52 AM	#3
allyourzigg diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2007	Bump... Come on, I know there are people here that can help me with this...

15th December 2008, 02:30 AM	#4
astouffer diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, crumbling wasteland	Drawing out the schematic first would help.

15th December 2008, 07:41 AM	#5
ray_moth diyAudio Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Jakarta	allyourzigg, pardon me for saying so but I doubt if anyone can tell much from that photo, except that it's a mess. Something built like that could have all sorts of problems that are not directly due to the design. However, I suspect this is a variation of the Mullard circuit, which uses high gain tubes and can be very unforgiving of sub-optimal layout. Another thought that occurs to me is that I doubt if a 12AX7, with its high plate resistance, would be a good choice for driving 6L6GCs.

15th December 2008, 03:49 PM	#6
allyourzigg diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2007	I understand, and I know that the photo doesn't tell too much. I will draw out the schematic when I get a chance...it's exam week now and time is limited. It does indeed use a 12AX7 to drive the tubes though. I have all new tubes in it, EF86, 12AX7, and two winged C 6L6GC. When I get a chance I will attempt to redo some of the wiring, thanks for your comments.

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