Encouraged by the good sound of the PP EL12n amp, I built a SE version. Fortunately it maintains the good sound of the PP version.
Right now I have the EL12n outputs going into a pair of nice Japanese Tomiko 5K OPTs. This is crying out for a DHT driver, since mu is 18 in triode and it doesn't need the 1:4 step-up on the input I use with 2a3/6C4C outputs. Dissipation is 18W stated max.
Driver at the moment is CV1135, a nice version of the 6J5 with 2 top-caps. Sound is good but will be much better with a DHT driving it. The 46 in filament bias will be one I'll be trying. The 2P29L is an easy build and would sound good too, as would the 112A.
I really recommend the EL12n or indeed the EL12. Excellent sound and it gives you a choice of drivers from mu = 5.6 upwards.
Right now I have the EL12n outputs going into a pair of nice Japanese Tomiko 5K OPTs. This is crying out for a DHT driver, since mu is 18 in triode and it doesn't need the 1:4 step-up on the input I use with 2a3/6C4C outputs. Dissipation is 18W stated max.
Driver at the moment is CV1135, a nice version of the 6J5 with 2 top-caps. Sound is good but will be much better with a DHT driving it. The 46 in filament bias will be one I'll be trying. The 2P29L is an easy build and would sound good too, as would the 112A.
I really recommend the EL12n or indeed the EL12. Excellent sound and it gives you a choice of drivers from mu = 5.6 upwards.
I've tried 4 different drivers so far for the EL12n.
The 112A ought to be next - it's a fuller sound than the 2P29L. The EL12n is on the neutral/lean side so benefits from a fuller sounding driver. I might even try a 26.
Looking for the perfect driver here.......
- The 6AH4 was disappointing - I'll have to revise the circuit because I've heard it sounding better.
- The 46 in filament bias was good - detailed but should have been better on piano and voices. I'll try a 47 in this stage next.
- The 2P29L in filament bias was a good sound, quite neutral with good voices and piano but could do with a fatter sound.
- The CV1135 was slightly my all round favourite - a fuller, smoother sound than 2P29L but good detail, voices and piano.
The 112A ought to be next - it's a fuller sound than the 2P29L. The EL12n is on the neutral/lean side so benefits from a fuller sounding driver. I might even try a 26.
Looking for the perfect driver here.......
i now have a 112A stage up and running. I like it. It's better than the 2P29L - smoother and fuller. Voices and piano are good.
I don't know if I prefer it to the CV1135 but it's close. At least I have 2 viable options now. Still need to try the 26 and 47.
A 10Y stage would be ideal - that's to come. I use the 10Y with my 2a3 amps, it might be overkill with an EL12n but we'll see.
I don't know if I prefer it to the CV1135 but it's close. At least I have 2 viable options now. Still need to try the 26 and 47.
A 10Y stage would be ideal - that's to come. I use the 10Y with my 2a3 amps, it might be overkill with an EL12n but we'll see.
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Finally - I've found the combination the works with the EL12n. Quite excited in fact. it's the 47 tube. This is everything I wanted, even a little magic.
This will be my daily amp for now in SE, very happy with it. The tonality is just right - piano and voices just how I like them, and all the other acoustic instruments very nice.
This was a very good Sunday's piece of work! The amp sounds lovely - this is in the same ballpark as the 10Y > 2a3. Didn't expect this.
This will be my daily amp for now in SE, very happy with it. The tonality is just right - piano and voices just how I like them, and all the other acoustic instruments very nice.
This was a very good Sunday's piece of work! The amp sounds lovely - this is in the same ballpark as the 10Y > 2a3. Didn't expect this.
Revised circuit for the PP EL12n amp. Sounds really good - the 6AH4 is now singing.
Cathode bypasses are Kemet DC Link for 6AH4 and AN Kaisei // Elna Silmic II for EL12n, after much A-B testing.
Cathode bypasses are Kemet DC Link for 6AH4 and AN Kaisei // Elna Silmic II for EL12n, after much A-B testing.
I would prefer it if you leave my schematics as I have drawn them. Otherwise they're not my schematics.
You are very welcome to suggest corrections, of course.
You are very welcome to suggest corrections, of course.