First Amp Build....!

benella77 · 20th March 2009, 08:24 PM

I am looking to build my first valve amp and have a keen intarest for the Mullard designs, primeraly because I have a 1962 record player that uses what I believe to be a 2w Mullard design with ECL86 and EZ80 tubes and it sounds great.

I would be looking for something around 20-30w max output. I have had some people suggesting the Mullard 5-20 amp but with modern alterations......

A full parts list and build list with schematics would be a great help..

Any suggestions please...?

baldrick · 21st March 2009, 01:32 PM

Mullard designed a classic 20W circuit using a PP ultralinear EL34 with an ECC83 (12AX7A) phase splitter and an EF86 input tube. Rectification is with a GZ34 and the power supply is choke regulated.

This design is easily adaptable to modern transformers and you could use modern inexpensive offerings from Hammond or DynaClone to end up with a nice sounding design.

I built one of these years ago and remember it sounding very nice.
Here's the schematic for it from Mullard:
Mullard EL34 pp amp

Eli Duttman · 21st March 2009, 03:45 PM

The 5-20 topology is "classic". However the small signal tubes shown yield WAY too much gain for use with a CDP. A 12BH7 or 6FQ7 section as the voltage amplifier and a 12AT7 as the LTP phase splitter provide: a sensible gain structure, a superb harmonic distortion spectrum, and higher gm to reduce exposure to slew limiting.

BTW, the PSU filter is CLC, not choke I/P, and exhibits the mediocre regulation associated with all modest value cap. I/P filters.

baldrick · 22nd March 2009, 05:21 PM

Perhaps there is a lot of gain in that circuit.

You're right about using a 12AT7 for a phase splitter. I've also been very pleased with a 12AU7 in place of the 12AX7.

There is lots of room for improvement in that circuit. I'd add fixed regulation for instance as a first "improvement". You could also increase the power supply capacitance from 2 x 8 uF to 2 x 47 uF for better regulation.

However it's a good starting point and a simple (and inexpensive) enough build for a first project.

I would leave the EF86 as the input stage. It's a very good valve....it doesn't get the respect it deserves.

Full Mullard 5-20 link

Eli Duttman · 22nd March 2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

I would leave the EF86 as the input stage. It's a very good valve....it doesn't get the respect it deserves.

A good case can be made for the EF86 being the very best small signal audio pentode of all time. It's better than many a triode is. Unfortunately, stage gain is simply too large, when a CDP provides the signal source. However, the EF86 makes a VERY nice triode and (in that mode) could be satisfactory.

bigwill · 22nd March 2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eli Duttman

However, the EF86 makes a VERY nice triode and (in that mode) could be satisfactory.

Seconding this!

pointy · 22nd March 2009, 09:41 PM

i think for an ef86 to work better in triod mode you run them very close to 76% of max anode working volts............i may be wrong

gingertube · 23rd March 2009, 03:46 AM

The "modern" Mullard 5-20
http://www.lundahl.se/pdfs/claus_byr...fier_30wpp.pdf

A lot of people have built this as their 1st tube amplifier project.
It has good construction notes an descriptions of the circuit etc.. You will note that the EF86 is run in triode mode. Oh and just because its on the Lundahl site does'nt mean you have to use Lundahl transformers (thou' they do have a good reputation).

Cheers,
Ian

baldrick · 23rd March 2009, 11:57 AM

The Lundahl version is a nice upgrade on the 5-20.
It's a shame that it is solid state rectified.
The explanatory article is excellent reading for a beginner, though.

A pair of GZ34 tubes for rectification would be a better choice in my opinion.

20th March 2009, 08:24 PM	#1
benella77 diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009	First Amp Build....! I am looking to build my first valve amp and have a keen intarest for the Mullard designs, primeraly because I have a 1962 record player that uses what I believe to be a 2w Mullard design with ECL86 and EZ80 tubes and it sounds great. I would be looking for something around 20-30w max output. I have had some people suggesting the Mullard 5-20 amp but with modern alterations...... A full parts list and build list with schematics would be a great help.. Any suggestions please...?

21st March 2009, 03:45 PM	#3
Eli Duttman diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Plainsboro, NJ	The 5-20 topology is "classic". However the small signal tubes shown yield WAY too much gain for use with a CDP. A 12BH7 or 6FQ7 section as the voltage amplifier and a 12AT7 as the LTP phase splitter provide: a sensible gain structure, a superb harmonic distortion spectrum, and higher gm to reduce exposure to slew limiting. BTW, the PSU filter is CLC, not choke I/P, and exhibits the mediocre regulation associated with all modest value cap. I/P filters. __________________ Eli D.

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21st March 2009, 01:32 PM	#2
baldrick diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2008	Mullard designed a classic 20W circuit using a PP ultralinear EL34 with an ECC83 (12AX7A) phase splitter and an EF86 input tube. Rectification is with a GZ34 and the power supply is choke regulated. This design is easily adaptable to modern transformers and you could use modern inexpensive offerings from Hammond or DynaClone to end up with a nice sounding design. I built one of these years ago and remember it sounding very nice. Here's the schematic for it from Mullard: Mullard EL34 pp amp

22nd March 2009, 05:21 PM	#4
baldrick diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2008	Perhaps there is a lot of gain in that circuit. You're right about using a 12AT7 for a phase splitter. I've also been very pleased with a 12AU7 in place of the 12AX7. There is lots of room for improvement in that circuit. I'd add fixed regulation for instance as a first "improvement". You could also increase the power supply capacitance from 2 x 8 uF to 2 x 47 uF for better regulation. However it's a good starting point and a simple (and inexpensive) enough build for a first project. I would leave the EF86 as the input stage. It's a very good valve....it doesn't get the respect it deserves. Full Mullard 5-20 link

22nd March 2009, 09:41 PM	#7
pointy diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009	i think for an ef86 to work better in triod mode you run them very close to 76% of max anode working volts............i may be wrong

23rd March 2009, 03:46 AM	#8
gingertube diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Adelaide South Oz	The "modern" Mullard 5-20 http://www.lundahl.se/pdfs/claus_byr...fier_30wpp.pdf A lot of people have built this as their 1st tube amplifier project. It has good construction notes an descriptions of the circuit etc.. You will note that the EF86 is run in triode mode. Oh and just because its on the Lundahl site does'nt mean you have to use Lundahl transformers (thou' they do have a good reputation). Cheers, Ian

23rd March 2009, 11:57 AM	#9
baldrick diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2008	The Lundahl version is a nice upgrade on the 5-20. It's a shame that it is solid state rectified. The explanatory article is excellent reading for a beginner, though. A pair of GZ34 tubes for rectification would be a better choice in my opinion.