New project; Musical Machine

[bigjppop]

So I am embarking on my next project (won't actually start construction for a little while) and have decided on Poinz' Musical Machine.

I've got most of the basic parts but have a quick question before I finish buying everything. I've read lots of talk about two different tubes in the driver slot, a 5965 or a 6GK5. I've got both, but have no idea why I should go with one over the other.

More questions to come, but that's a start.

[Poindexter]

The 6GK5 is much superior. 60% more gain, 15% lower Zout, more linear, and the predicament of finding a computer tube with 5% or better balance between the two devices in the bottle is neatly sidestepped.

Except for a couple pairs for my own clients, I gave my 5965s away.

Aloha,

Poinz
AudioTropic

[Cassiel]

Good choice, bigjppop.
You can't go wrong with a 6v6 PP triode amp. No 2a3 amp SE for me, I've tried those.

I started it with the Musical Machine, but nowadays I'm using a floating paraphase splitter stolen from a Leben integrated PP amp.

I agree with Poindexter, the 5965 triodes are rarely matched, but it is a good sounding tube. The LTP splitter needs another tube I guess, Poinz changed the tube, I kept the tube and changed the phase splitter.
Power supply and the output stage remain the same.

[Golana]

Are you doing anything different? Or going with the straight ahead game plan.
Interested, as I'm about to start my build.

[bigjppop]

Originally Posted by Poindexter

The 6GK5 is much superior. 60% more gain, 15% lower Zout, more linear, and the predicament of finding a computer tube with 5% or better balance between the two devices in the bottle is neatly sidestepped.

Except for a couple pairs for my own clients, I gave my 5965s away.

Aloha,

Poinz
AudioTropic

Well I guess straight from the horse's mouth is about as good of an endorsement as you can get. Is there an updated schematic/parts list for the 6GK5 version?

[JPeitzman]

Is there an updated schematic/parts list for the 6GK5 version?

[bigjppop]

Thanks for the schematic.

Originally Posted by Golana

Are you doing anything different? Or going with the straight ahead game plan.
Interested, as I'm about to start my build.

I'm not really sure what can be done "differently." I haven't seen much conversation around here of mods for this amp; it seems most are pretty happy with it just the way it is. I'll using the recommended Silk OPT's and (now) the 6GK5 tubes. Probably no input selector (I only use one source) and a somewhat decent volume pot (probably not the $200 flavor).

I'm definitely open to suggestions/ideas but it seems Poinz has worked this thing over pretty well over several years/iterations.

[bigjppop]

Oh, and stupid question... one 6GK5 per channel or two? If I'm understanding correctly, the 6GK5 is NOT a dual triode; right?

[JPeitzman]

the 6GK5 is NOT a dual triode; right?

correct, two per channel.

[Eli Duttman]

Probably no input selector (I only use one source) and a somewhat decent volume pot (probably not the $200 flavor).

A good deal more than decent and, at $32.42, rationally priced are PEC hot molded Carbon controls from DigiKey. Look here.