I have bought some used transformers and chokes. Hammond 1650E, and some 193J and 193C chokes. Have built a Tubelab El 84 PP clone and am very happy with the sound. This uses the same output transformers that I have now bought. I want to build an amplifier where I can use the parts I have bought. Thought a push-pull with 6v6? Does anyone have any good advice regarding forms? I build with point to point soldering. Haven't bought a power transformer yet, but that will be done very soon. I have built a few EL 84 PP amplifiers over the years, but was not really satisfied until Tubelab's EL 84 PP was built. Have a lovely winter day! Yesterday it was minus 15 degrees Celsius here, maybe a little warmer outside today?
There is a very popular Dynaco amplifier, kits virtually everywhere, very simple:
http://www.r-type.org/articles/art-351.htm
Also Eli Duttman's El Cheapo, uses 12AQ5 but 6V6 should work there as well, obviously with a change in heater voltage.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/up-to-date-el-cheapo-schematic.108399/post-4256806
http://www.r-type.org/articles/art-351.htm
Also Eli Duttman's El Cheapo, uses 12AQ5 but 6V6 should work there as well, obviously with a change in heater voltage.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/up-to-date-el-cheapo-schematic.108399/post-4256806
I've built a PSE amp - listening to it as I write - and I chose E80L instead of EL84. This is a Special Quality tube with gold pins. I'm really liking it. It's a bit of a sleeper and came second to the EL3n (same as EL11, different base) in a shootout versus 6V6 and other high gain small tubes. Interesting reading - the reviewer is a professional violinist. I don't have the EL3n but I do have EL11 and E80L and I agree with this. Good reason to look beyond the 6V6 and EL84.
https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/manufacture/1108/
https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/manufacture/1108/
This is a nice sounding design. I haven't built it with 6V6 but I have one with 6B4G.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/6v6-music-machine-build-help.149211/#post1904511
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/6v6-music-machine-build-help.149211/#post1904511
Hello Stenak:
I can whole heartedly agree with @smoking-amp on the 6LU8. I have recently built a SE version and am currently building a PP version. The SE is is wonderful and pushes out a solid 3W. If you go for a PP version be thoughtful of the 1.5A heater needs. I chose a dedicated separate transformer for the heaters. Tubes are non common in audio and therefore reasonably priced.
Good luck with your journey
I can whole heartedly agree with @smoking-amp on the 6LU8. I have recently built a SE version and am currently building a PP version. The SE is is wonderful and pushes out a solid 3W. If you go for a PP version be thoughtful of the 1.5A heater needs. I chose a dedicated separate transformer for the heaters. Tubes are non common in audio and therefore reasonably priced.
Good luck with your journey
I am working off-and-on designing the PCB for a push-pull amp using 6LR8s, with the triodes operating in differential folded cascode configuration to drive the pentode outputs. The amp will also have a self-balancing circuit of my own devising. If the balancing circuit works out, it will go into other amplifier designs.
As per usual., I'll be using a beefy 24VDC switching adapter and special DC-DC converter to power the project - 280 VDC plate supply, plus somewhere around 140 VDC for the screens. I may use the Soviet equivalent of the 6V6, as it is light on the filament power, along with a pair of 8CG7 in differential folded cascode duty, plus a dropper resistor to soak up the extra 8V or so. I happen to have a pair of Hammond 1650Es that may get pressed into duty as the output transformers - ugly, but serviceable. Tubes on top, output transformers below decks.
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