• WARNING: Tube/Valve amplifiers use potentially LETHAL HIGH VOLTAGES.
    Building, troubleshooting and testing of these amplifiers should only be
    performed by someone who is thoroughly familiar with
    the safety precautions around high voltages.

New Suppo Audio EL34 amp

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warnings

Dear all,

Firstly, I would like to thanks tubesteve and his team's testing with very professional method.
Secondly, Steve point out several points that could be risk for users.

So we sum up this warning. please read carefuly to ensure you are using these equipments safely. I believe safe is the most important issue we should bear in mind. so everyone bought our amps will receive a email of warning soon.


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warnings:

Make sure, the mains cord is properly connected also to the protective earth (GND) when using this amplifier.

Keep the protective cover on the amplifier.

Don't cover the heat ventilation openings. Keep enough space around it when using in a bookshelf.

Don't put anything on top of the amplifier

Use it only indoors, and not next to hot places or explosives, flammable substances

Never let it work alone without attention.

Keep children off it.

Don't put things into the amplifier through the ventilation openings.

If there is an unexpected noise, switch it off immediately. Let an experienced technician check for problems.

If a DiYer repairs the amplifier, it’s on his own risk. This amplifier came without any warranty.

For DiY: change the G1 minus voltage electrolytic capacitors to higher voltage types. (the rating from PT is 35V AC , the cap is 270uf/50V. should use 100V capacitor)
 
Hmmm, other than raising the specs on those caps most of this stuff seems to be standard precautions for any tube amp. I was afraid there was something terribly wrong with the amp.

These are probably all things that could be included with a manual for this amp just for legal reasons.

Tubesteve, did you mind any major issues that are specific to this amp?
 
Suppo EL34 (6CA7) amp

Joe holds the whole report. This report is based on the EN60065 european safety standard for audio/video devices. We just did a basic test bcc. a complete testing will last much longer: climate chamber testing, specific transformer testing, temperature testing, abnormal operation, etc. etc. It is Joe's task to handle this report and its content, and possible consequences. Our testing was not as an official test performed. Performance therein was not jugded. Only some hints were given about possible audio improvements and others. If questions, please contact Joe.
 
email from Joe

Hmmm, other than raising the specs on those caps most of this stuff seems to be standard precautions for any tube amp. I was afraid there was something terribly wrong with the amp.

These are probably all things that could be included with a manual for this amp just for legal reasons.

Tubesteve, did you mind any major issues that are specific to this amp?

Joe sent sent me (and I suppose other buyers of his products) an email yesterday. The email contained some additional remarks that were not listed here. It's the same general safety remarks as above with a few addional technical remarks:

  • Power transformer filter cap is 270uf/50V. should use 270uf/100V capacitor since the the rating from PT is 35V AC. should use higher volage to be safe.
  • The Output transformer can hold only 370V max. but the standard require 1750V. main power transfomer is ok.
  • The solder eyes and wires on PCB between high voltage and low voltage is too narrow. should have more gap to ensure save. standard require 3mm wide.
  • Grounding should not use sharing wire on PCB. Should have a individual wire for grounding.
  • the switchs, fuse do not have a official UL/TUV.... marked approval.
  • The thin wires for the negative feedback should have more insulation protected
  • There is no warning labling of ventilation, keep out of child etc.
The list may not be extensive.

I think his remarks that the amp should not be sold as a product but only as a DIY kit says enough.

The Suppo website says: "High quality does not definitely need high price".

But I think that you get what you pay for...

Maarten
 
I know this is a old thread, but to those who have this amplifier, how is it performing. Does it still work, and have you had any problems with it.

I was thinking of buying one, but i guess it would only be safe for me to use, not the wife hahah.
 
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