electronic retailer to collect parts for RH84

[UltraLowFi]

Dear all,

I would like to start building my own RH84 tube amp. Is there any online webshop that covers all or most of the parts required for that?

European and international shipping are acceptable.

Not very sure if a recommendation for dealer by replying to this post is allowed, so please PM me if is good for you.

Thank you.

Best,

 

[OldHector]

It depends a bit on your pursuit of excellence. If good quality parts (as opposed to exotic output transformers and audio capacitors) and reasonable prices is your requirement, than Ask Jan First were great when I built my Baby Huey. I use Mouser or Digitec for the other parts. It is free delivery over €40., and once you have a choke in the package that is a great deal! TME.eu have also been a good supplier, and they carry Toroidy transformers.

 

[UltraLowFi]

@ OldHector​

Thank you so much for your reply.

 

[Logic800]

Not certain of the differences between a RH84 and a Mullard 3-3, but this maybe of interest: https://classic-sounds.co.uk/product/mullard-stereo-3-3-amplifier-full-kit/. No affiliation.

 

[UltraLowFi]

@Logic800 Thank you for your response and recommendation. It seems a nice kit with PCB.
From my side, I would enjoy the process of collecting the parts myself from scratch.

 

[Logic800]

I'd forgotten these articles: https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/search?q=RH84

 

[UltraLowFi]

@Logic800 The article is super NICE! Thank you!

 

[gerrittube]

Check https://conrad.nl as well

Regards, Gerrit

 

[Fuling]

TME, as mentioned, should have everything except for the tubes. Piemme Transformatori in Italy has good transformers and chokes.

 

[UltraLowFi]

@gerrittube Thank you Gerrit!

 

[UltraLowFi]

@Fuling Thank you Fuling. If I would like to try a different transformer, is it possible to order, solder, try and keep or return (feasible for some dealer or none?)? it is pricy to keep all transformers.

 

[Fuling]

is it possible to order, solder, try and keep or return

I doubt anyone would accept a returned item if it has been soldered?

 

[UltraLowFi]

@Fuling That is exactly what I am concerned. I can find B-stock for equipment but not for parts.

 

[Fuling]

Building tube amps is not a cheap hobby, until you compare it to restoring vintage cars or building a customized motorcycle or something like that🙂
Decent transformers are never cheap but the stuff from Hammond, Edcor etc cost pocket money compared to the audiophile stuff.

 

[UltraLowFi]

@Fuling Indeed. Have you ever compared Lundahl with Hammond OPT, regarding sound quality?

It is fair to pay more and get better quality.

 

[djn]

Are you looking for a kit?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2764220940...ar=578951671405&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[UltraLowFi]

@djn Thank you so much for your recommendation. It is a all-in-one solution.

I am trying to collect qualitative parts from scratch.

 

[OldHector]

Another option is to monitor the auctions and look for second hand parts either individually or as part of a construction that can be repurposed. Old tape recorders are a good source. Over here a Tandberg 74B is yours for €50-€70, and there you have 2 EL84s, 2ECC83s, an ECC82 and the OPTs, and probably a power transformer that can be repurposed.
It can be a waiting game but it can pay dividends.

 

[UltraLowFi]

@OldHector Indeed, vintage parts are also a feasible source. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

It would be a bit tricky process for me to do QC for the parts.

 

[Fuling]

You can build amps using parts from scrapped vintage equipment but it is not very practical unless you already have the parts. Power transformers and chokes can be decent but the output transformers from old radios and such are mostly suitable for small guitar amps and just for fun-experimenting.
The output transformers in old Tandberg tape recorders have a good reputation though.