Alan and I have just come to that exact solution.To be honest with you I'd stick with transistor circuit was designed around unless there is something really wrong , sometimes we can miss how some little changes affect whole circuit , another option is to simulate it in Spice for example , saves soldering and de-soldering .
'
I believe what I gained from the 170's came from them being well matched. That is one area I haven't been able to compete with the BF861C's, as a jig for such things is a pain.
However, I have one on order and will then set about matching up some 861s I have and see if that provides the positives I got with the 170s
It's been a worthwhile experiment but ultimately some things just cant be improved on through no fault if their own

It shows a simple circuit with which you can select JFETs and also match them if necessary. The tester feeds current into the source or connects the source to ground to measure the essential parameters of the device. In position 1 (switch in counterclockwise position), the source is connected to −10V through a 1M resistor. This feeds the source with approximately a 10μA current, which you can consider the cutoff point VP for the JFET. (Data sheets specify lower values, but this gives you a more practical value for measurements.) The voltmeter now indicates the pinch-off voltage VP for the device.
The next two positions measure the VGS for the device at given drain currents. These positions give practical readings for design purposes, and you can choose the constant-current sources for the values you need. The push-button switch shorts the source to ground, and the mA meter measures IDSS.
If you wish to measure only VP and IDSS, you can permanently wire the source to −10V through the 1M resistor, which gives you VP, and then short the source to ground with the push-button to read IDSS.
No resistance between yellow/green and blue ones.Check resistance between yellow/green and blue ones - yellow/green to blue and yellow/green to the other blue , just to be certain
Thanks, it worked. Connected the board and measured the voltages without tubes. They are very wrong, actually same as mentioned by Marra:You can safely connect 230V to blue and blue
I wonder, if solution was found.I have connected the L/V side of things and my unloaded heater voltages across pins 4 and 5 are 6.49v. With the valves in place the heaters glow and the voltage drops below 6.3 volts. Using 6DJ8's with Craigs suggested mod.
With the H/V connected I have the following readings all measured to ground :- V1 pin 1 135.2V pin 2/3/7/8 0V pin 6 135.2V
V2 :- pin 1 149.9v pins 2/3/7/8 0v pin 6 150.2v
V3:- pin 1 236.3v pin 2 17.25v pin 3 16.69v pin 6 236.3v pin 7 17.17v pin 8 16.67v. I forgot to say the led's do not light up.
TIA
Thanks, put tubes on and they light up. Will check more tomorrow!Hi Neilsek, without tubes fitted those voltages are correct.
Thanks, it worked. Connected the board and measured the voltages without tubes. They are very wrong, actually same as mentioned by Marra:
I wonder, if solution was found.
I tried to reply to your pm but for some reason can't seem to send them.
With valves in my voltages seemed to be within range and I had nice sound for a few LP's. Developed a fault so is being for sent for sorting.
Is it correct that relays have to be only on top side?
I soldered them on bottom side, only tubes and JFET on top. Will see if I can manage to get them off and solder on top.
I soldered them on bottom side, only tubes and JFET on top. Will see if I can manage to get them off and solder on top.
Alan and I have just come to that exact solution.
I believe what I gained from the 170's came from them being well matched. That is one area I haven't been able to compete with the BF861C's, as a jig for such things is a pain.
However, I have one on order and will then set about matching up some 861s I have and see if that provides the positives I got with the 170s
It's been a worthwhile experiment but ultimately some things just cant be improved on through no fault if their own
Once you reverse it back to BF861 can you measure at the same points if not too much trouble
I will, wont be for a few days though.Once you reverse it back to BF861 can you measure at the same points if not too much trouble
No rush I need to travel to the other side of London and back every day next week means early start and late finish so not much time to do anything else
No worries.No rush I need to travel to the other side of London and back every day next week means early start and late finish so not much time to do anything else
I am just waiting on a jig to measure the fets.
As soon as that arrives and I am able to measure the Jfets, I'll be back to 861C
Is it correct that relays have to be only on top side?
I soldered them on bottom side, only tubes and JFET on top. Will see if I can manage to get them off and solder on top.
Yes relays also only on the top.
Bigman80. One can always edit the first post of a thread. Could you put this link in there please? It's the bom 😀
BOM MM-MC - Google Sheets
BOM MM-MC - Google Sheets
No, it wont let me.Bigman80. One can always edit the first post of a thread. Could you put this link in there please? It's the bom 😀
BOM MM-MC - Google Sheets
Maybe a moderator can add it as permanently at the top?
Oh nevermind then. Strange. In my first post of a build thread of mine. The edit button shows and I can use it.
I'm on Tapatalk so I'll try on the laptop later.Oh nevermind then. Strange. In my first post of a build thread of mine. The edit button shows and I can use it.
- Home
- Source & Line
- Analogue Source
- Bigbottle Phonostage Builders thread