Line-out on tubes

[off1]

Hi, again speaking of this preamp:
Guitar Preamplifier Schematic - All Tube - KBapps.com

Will the output be a line-level one as we know them today in the sold state world? I mean, can I hook it to my home stereo, computer audio card (line-in), etc. without being afraid of blowing my house in a thousand pieces? Or is the output of a tube preamp something different than that?

Thank you all in advance!


P.S. I'm learning a lot about tubes lately... such an exciting new (old) world!

[korey]

Line level is line level, regardless if its off of tubes or transistors. If a tube preamp has a line out option, it isn't going to be a voltage out tap, but just what it says, line out!

[pjanda1]

But that doesn't mean that all tube preamps are happy driving all solid state amps (well, those with low input impedances). In this case, I bet you'll be happy with the results, and you needn't worry about damaging anything.

Paul
Wild Burro Audio Labs - DIY Full Range Speakers

[Wavebourn]

That preamp as pictured has 1K output level pot, so it is fine to connect it directly to SS power amp.

[korey]

Originally Posted by pjanda1

But that doesn't mean that all tube preamps are happy driving all solid state amps

.......and vise-versa!

Point being, its not going to blow up anything!

[SY]

One thing to be careful of is turn on and turn off. Tube stuff can generate rather alarming transients because of the high voltages in the circuit. Some solid state equipment may not be happy about those pulses, and if your amp is on when the preamp is turned on and off, the speakers will definitely be unhappy. So make sure you have turn-on/turn-off order well-memorized and you may want to put some sort of over-voltage limiter across the input of your power amp..

[korey]

Tubes don't have that instant on "pop" factor, so it's probably irrelevant in his case! The schematic shows a .1 @ 200volt cap that prevents any DC getting to the input of the amplifier.

[Wavebourn]

Originally Posted by korey

Tubes don't have that instant on "pop" factor, so it's probably irrelevant in his case! The schematic shows a .1 @ 200volt cap that prevents any DC getting to the input of the amplifier.

It prevent DC, but does not prevent "pops"...

[off1]

You guys are awesome! Thanks!

[korey]

Originally Posted by Wavebourn

It prevent DC, but does not prevent "pops"...

Usually, it does! Any kind of pop you hear when powering up a tube preamp after the solid state amp is already powered up, usually comes from the preamps power switch contacts.

Aside from the power switch, you should hear no pops or thumps from a tubed preamp as the power supply is not in the audio path. It takes about 25-30 seconds before the power starts to flow.

But, rule of thumb, is to always power up the preamp (tube or solid state) first, followed by the amplifier, and the reverse when shutting down!