Projects...How does one decide ?

[jduffy]

I'm still crazy new at this and have been bumbling along but enjoying the ride.

I started with a kit integrated amp, then some full range speakers, then a guitar amp from a kit, a guitar from a kit, then a preamp from scratch using a schematic I found on the net, then refurbed a pair of old speakers which was really fun, and finally finishing up a tube phono pre right now.

Currently I'm considering another amp but this time monoblocks. Have found some nice ideas here in the forums.

I haven't followed a plan per se but have been building the component I thought I needed the most, next. I'm really happy with what I've built and refurbed so far. DIY makes audio much more interesting.

Good luck with your choice(s).

[Miles Prower]

Originally posted by Steven-H
All,
How do you all decide what project to move onto next ??? I mean; besides the obvious "Wow - that's a cool looking tube !", or "Well, I always did want an SET", how do you go about it ?

What I find interesting. That usually involves trying out designs with non-"audiphool" VTs, especially the much maligned TV t00bz, quite a few of which are outstanding audio performers. Much cheaper than those 2A3s and 300Bs, etc that are frequently used instead.

For example, I always liked the 807's from a looks standpoint - but Im not sure about their audio prowess.

If there's a better audio final out there, I sure haven't heard of it.

Ditto for the 829's.

Dunnow 'bout that one.

[richwalters]

Originally posted by Steven-H
I always liked the 807's from a looks standpoint - but Im not sure about their audio prowess.

Steve

During the late 1950's I remember when the EL34's were suddenly in short supply and a raft of quitar amps appeared on the market with 807's in 30W p-p o/p stages which with lower Ra-a, sounded way better. Anyone with tubes would immediately spot the RF equivalent of the 6L6 which it is. 807's pressed into real audio service can give 50W p-p but at this stage the 6550 series is better suited.
I find the EL34 a good tube but far, far too soft on the uppers, even on guitar... Everyone agree ?
The 807 is legendary in it's own element, like a 6L6 tame as a cat.

richj

[soundbrigade]

Now I have a heap of tubes of various kinds and also a some transformers, so I try to optimize by putting together a certain tube with a certain transformer. I have to look at power voltage and current ratings and of course the "imponator factor" of the tubes - a 829 is better that EL84 for instance.
I also try to find a sort of balance between look of tube and OP-power and simplicity of design.
This list which contains maybe seven future projects is constantly changes as I either get new tubes, nwe components of other type or get an design that looks interesting.

The projects that are "planned" for the future are the 6B4G-PP, 807-SE, 6P43P (like EL84) -PP, 829-SE, 832-PP, 6L6-PP, 6P36S-??

[ak_47_boy]

I find i like just building bench circuits, rarely actually putting it all in a chassis. Fun experimenting with overdriving, feedback etc.