1KW power - what do you think?

CSlee · 19th January 2010, 02:44 AM

Where do I begin..?

So I have a plan to build a 1KW PA system in the next few years. I have been apart of the rave scene in England for years, and also run my own events and I am determined to build my own valve sound system.

So obviously a number of questions arise..

Can I build a 1KW valve sound system?

Well I can but is it worth it? Is it worth having 80 EL84s with transformers the size of a house, or big valves with very high HT? Im not convinced.

There is a 'supposedly' 100KW valve sound system in the UK, which I believe only uses valves in the small signal stage. Now im not sure that this is what im looking for. Would you really notice the difference of sound quality with valves only at the input? Im also not convinced...

So in my eyes ive only got one route to go down, bi-amping. So my suggestion is to use a solid state amp for bass, lets say up to 600Hz, and then valves running the middle and top. Would say, 200W per channel be enough for a venue for 1000 people? Maybe.... maybe if im running horns?

Anyway, I guess thats it for the moment. If anyone has any ideas, or if any one can help I would be very grateful.

Cheers guys

Charlie

pzung · 19th January 2010, 04:11 AM

you need to look into larger transmitting tubes like the sv572. a pair can put out 200watts. for a 1k watt amp you'd need custom wound transformers but totally do-able. you're not likely to find a schematic for the amp you envision so you're going to have to pick your power tube, find the load lines and break out a slide ruler.

approach this idea with caution though. tweeters and compression drivers will ruthlessly show off any and all noise in an amplifier and a dedicated midrange driver will make a loud clicking noise if your power amp clips at all.

MJL21193 · 19th January 2010, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie Slee

Where do I begin..?

Two words: "solid state"

Geek · 19th January 2010, 04:29 AM

IMO, you're better off with 5 x 200 watters than one big 1KW unit for reliability and portability reasons.

Cheers!

mosfetmaniac · 19th January 2010, 04:34 AM

1KW using 4 x 813 Transmitter tubes and a 2.5KV power supply.
Death in a glass bottle

Champ 1000 Watt Tube Amp

HighVividity · 19th January 2010, 04:45 AM

Get a solid state amplifier to address that 1000 people... and get yourself a 8W or 1W tube amplifier for yourself to enjoy.

CSlee · 19th January 2010, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geek

IMO, you're better off with 5 x 200 watters than one big 1KW unit for reliability and portability reasons.

Cheers!

Thanks to all for your responses.

Do you mean 5 amps each dedicated to a certain frequency range?

Cheers

CSlee · 19th January 2010, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJL21193

Two words: "solid state"

Ahh but where's the fun in that?

MJL21193 · 19th January 2010, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie Slee

Ahh but where's the fun in that?

You mean that a 1000 watt solid state amp would not be enough of a challenge?

I'm seeing the trifecta: cheaper, more reliable and better.

CSlee · 19th January 2010, 04:56 AM

A 1000 watt solid state amp would be a great challenge, but when your on a mission for a 1000 watt valve amp....

19th January 2010, 02:44 AM	#1
CSlee Clueless diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: London	1KW power - what do you think? Where do I begin..? So I have a plan to build a 1KW PA system in the next few years. I have been apart of the rave scene in England for years, and also run my own events and I am determined to build my own valve sound system. So obviously a number of questions arise.. Can I build a 1KW valve sound system? Well I can but is it worth it? Is it worth having 80 EL84s with transformers the size of a house, or big valves with very high HT? Im not convinced. There is a 'supposedly' 100KW valve sound system in the UK, which I believe only uses valves in the small signal stage. Now im not sure that this is what im looking for. Would you really notice the difference of sound quality with valves only at the input? Im also not convinced... So in my eyes ive only got one route to go down, bi-amping. So my suggestion is to use a solid state amp for bass, lets say up to 600Hz, and then valves running the middle and top. Would say, 200W per channel be enough for a venue for 1000 people? Maybe.... maybe if im running horns? Anyway, I guess thats it for the moment. If anyone has any ideas, or if any one can help I would be very grateful. Cheers guys Charlie

19th January 2010, 04:34 AM	#5
mosfetmaniac diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2009	1KW using 4 x 813 Transmitter tubes and a 2.5KV power supply. Death in a glass bottle Champ 1000 Watt Tube Amp __________________ all sorts of stuff

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19th January 2010, 04:11 AM	#2
pzung diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Graham,NC	you need to look into larger transmitting tubes like the sv572. a pair can put out 200watts. for a 1k watt amp you'd need custom wound transformers but totally do-able. you're not likely to find a schematic for the amp you envision so you're going to have to pick your power tube, find the load lines and break out a slide ruler. approach this idea with caution though. tweeters and compression drivers will ruthlessly show off any and all noise in an amplifier and a dedicated midrange driver will make a loud clicking noise if your power amp clips at all.

19th January 2010, 04:29 AM	#4
Geek diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004	IMO, you're better off with 5 x 200 watters than one big 1KW unit for reliability and portability reasons. Cheers!

19th January 2010, 04:45 AM	#6
HighVividity diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2006	Get a solid state amplifier to address that 1000 people... and get yourself a 8W or 1W tube amplifier for yourself to enjoy.

19th January 2010, 04:56 AM	#10
CSlee Clueless diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: London	A 1000 watt solid state amp would be a great challenge, but when your on a mission for a 1000 watt valve amp....

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