Hello Everyone and my best regards,
My interest in audio, especially tube audio, has reared its head once again. I am a former manager of R & D for Mega-Corp. I have since been working happily as a consultant for a few years now. With a little more time, and seemingly money on my hands these days, I have been ressurecting my old Hammond Organ, Leslies, and Guitar amps.
I have found this forum to be a great place to learn...
I am also looking for a new monetary pursuit... not looking to get filthy rich... just filthy.
Over twenty years or so, I have built transformers, caps, amplifiers of all types, precision analog, and more digital than I will confess to.
MY questions is this: If a new manufacturer/service provider was to come on to the scene, and their purpose was to support this crowd; what would that manufacturer provide?
It seems like some fairly priced coupling caps would be a good thing.
How about some online (not downloadable) transformer design software?
How about custom tranny winding at fair prices?
Please give me your ideas!
My thanks in advance and look forward to "meeting all of you!
The Poobah
My interest in audio, especially tube audio, has reared its head once again. I am a former manager of R & D for Mega-Corp. I have since been working happily as a consultant for a few years now. With a little more time, and seemingly money on my hands these days, I have been ressurecting my old Hammond Organ, Leslies, and Guitar amps.
I have found this forum to be a great place to learn...
I am also looking for a new monetary pursuit... not looking to get filthy rich... just filthy.
Over twenty years or so, I have built transformers, caps, amplifiers of all types, precision analog, and more digital than I will confess to.
MY questions is this: If a new manufacturer/service provider was to come on to the scene, and their purpose was to support this crowd; what would that manufacturer provide?
It seems like some fairly priced coupling caps would be a good thing.
How about some online (not downloadable) transformer design software?
How about custom tranny winding at fair prices?
Please give me your ideas!
My thanks in advance and look forward to "meeting all of you!
The Poobah
Hello!!!
- A complete tube amp design on-line software would be great. Something that (COMPLETELY FREELY - you only pay if you want to download the software) can draw load lines on signal and power stages, calculations, trannies design etc etc...
- A transformer winder in the USA... sorry, useless to me I'm in Italy, but I think that would be great. In the USA there are many used old equipment from which you can borrow dirt cheap OTs and PTs, here in Italy we need a cheap source of cheap trannies. I mean we have good OTs and PTs, but nothing cheap to experiment with. Something not hi-fi...
But I'd like that this community stays without profit!
- A complete tube amp design on-line software would be great. Something that (COMPLETELY FREELY - you only pay if you want to download the software) can draw load lines on signal and power stages, calculations, trannies design etc etc...
- A transformer winder in the USA... sorry, useless to me I'm in Italy, but I think that would be great. In the USA there are many used old equipment from which you can borrow dirt cheap OTs and PTs, here in Italy we need a cheap source of cheap trannies. I mean we have good OTs and PTs, but nothing cheap to experiment with. Something not hi-fi...
But I'd like that this community stays without profit!
And sorry, but you asked What does everybody really need.
My answer is: more music, more tubes, more diy, more beer (not too much) and more girls 😀 😀 😀 😀
(not to offend the women, I also say more boys for the girls! 😉 And not intended to offend gays...)
My answer is: more music, more tubes, more diy, more beer (not too much) and more girls 😀 😀 😀 😀
(not to offend the women, I also say more boys for the girls! 😉 And not intended to offend gays...)
It seems like some fairly priced coupling caps would be a good thing.>
Not when Russian Teflon caps are so cheap. Even their ex-military PIOs are good.
How about some online (not downloadable) transformer design software?>
Most of us buy transformers
How about custom tranny winding at fair prices?>
Already exists - many transformer outfits will wind stuff pretty cheap. Maybe chokes at good prices would be interesting. Plus it's always a hassle getting 2.5v trannies for 2a3s and the like. Iron costs a lot to ship, though.
I don't know of any real gap in the market. If it were me I'd sell kits - less hassle getting approval from the authorities. Have a website selling PCBs for various things - power supplies, constant current sinks, preamps, amps etc. Of course this already exists, but then everything else already exists. The new area is digital amps, but they're so technical it's another story.
Not when Russian Teflon caps are so cheap. Even their ex-military PIOs are good.
How about some online (not downloadable) transformer design software?>
Most of us buy transformers
How about custom tranny winding at fair prices?>
Already exists - many transformer outfits will wind stuff pretty cheap. Maybe chokes at good prices would be interesting. Plus it's always a hassle getting 2.5v trannies for 2a3s and the like. Iron costs a lot to ship, though.
I don't know of any real gap in the market. If it were me I'd sell kits - less hassle getting approval from the authorities. Have a website selling PCBs for various things - power supplies, constant current sinks, preamps, amps etc. Of course this already exists, but then everything else already exists. The new area is digital amps, but they're so technical it's another story.
Speaking for myself only I'ld say iron - OPT, chokes, interstage - either as finished product or as a well documented self-wind kit. It's far and away the bulk of any amp's cost I've built and driving the prices of old organ and jukebox amps higher every day (just bought a Rowe on E-bay myself.) Market choices vary between the big e$tabli$hed names, low price but high shipping East Asian iron of generally unknown quailty, or 'OK' product such as Hammond. After getting stung on the flawed 1628SE and being singularly unimpressed with the power units I bought, especially compared to the old stock Hammond stuff I see at work every day, the latter are a choice made more of availability than desire.
Re: transformer kits, there are some very good sites and software packages but it's still a tall learning curve and effort. There might be a market opening for truly DIY iron.
And andyjevans beat me to it re: caps, agree completely.
Re: transformer kits, there are some very good sites and software packages but it's still a tall learning curve and effort. There might be a market opening for truly DIY iron.
And andyjevans beat me to it re: caps, agree completely.
a good (and I mean really good - with mosfet gyrator and non-existing ripples) very high voltage SMPS constant current power supply
How about some affordable, easy to modify chassis/cabinet/cases that we can assemble our projects in? I've done a pretty good job recycling old amp chassis and cases, but some of us may not be really good with a sheet metal bending brake or a dremel.
Both aluminum and steel.
Both aluminum and steel.
Thanks guys,
Where do I find these Russian Teflons?
I don't see DIY tranny "kits" working... per se... machines wind better coils. Could DIY mean "DESIGN It Yourself".
1. Get on the website and design your own transformer... strictly by parameter.
2. Get a computer generated and human reviewed appraisal of said design.
3. Pay a modest sum for a complete build spec... turns, layering, lams and all that.
4. OR... order a transformer built to that spec.
It does seem as though people are designing around available Iron instead of the tube curves.
Also, trannies that roll off at 20 kHz don't allow for quality feedback loops... hance the bad rap that NFB is always getting.
I value your thoughts,
Where do I find these Russian Teflons?
I don't see DIY tranny "kits" working... per se... machines wind better coils. Could DIY mean "DESIGN It Yourself".
1. Get on the website and design your own transformer... strictly by parameter.
2. Get a computer generated and human reviewed appraisal of said design.
3. Pay a modest sum for a complete build spec... turns, layering, lams and all that.
4. OR... order a transformer built to that spec.
It does seem as though people are designing around available Iron instead of the tube curves.
Also, trannies that roll off at 20 kHz don't allow for quality feedback loops... hance the bad rap that NFB is always getting.
I value your thoughts,
Hello agent.5,
Interesting, I get it... but tell me why?
1. Power sups are a nagging pain in the rear?
2. People would rather play in the signal path?
3. Save weight?
4. Save dollars?
5. Conserve energy?
Would the most extreme let mosfets and ferrites in their house?
Thanks for your input,
Interesting, I get it... but tell me why?
1. Power sups are a nagging pain in the rear?
2. People would rather play in the signal path?
3. Save weight?
4. Save dollars?
5. Conserve energy?
Would the most extreme let mosfets and ferrites in their house?
Thanks for your input,
poobah said:
all of the above and then some more. Take a look at the active loaded thread. The idea is to replace all the transformers, chokes, capacitors, and CCS with one tested product. This way, people can play with the big bottles that use upward of 2000VDC without worrying about getting killed.
Moreover, if it is any good, there is opportunity for OEM sourcing.
I know its not exactly tube related (but it could be). I think the DIY world needs a a PS that can be used for building car amps. A SMPS can be difficult to design without the proper tools and an adjustable one for testing amps in car would be great. A high voltage one could even be used with tubes but I personally think that tubes in cars should only be used for inputs.
What about some high-precision, audio-friendly, affordable, American-made carbon film resistors? With Rikens being expensive and now discontinued, I think this could be a great opportunity. I've been dying to find some good carbon films without the stress of having to try 'em all. 1% tolerance, 1/2, 1, and 2 watt, and molded to look like carbon comps except gloss black in color (to differentiate between Rikens and common carbon comps) would be *very* appealing, for restorations and new products.
Of course, you would likely not be making such resistors by yourself, probably having another company do the work... so that may/may not be what you are looking for.
For capacitors, I think American hermetically-sealed PIOs will also be appealing as soon as the Russian cap supply starts to dry up. There are probably too many polypropylene caps on the market now.
Of course, you would likely not be making such resistors by yourself, probably having another company do the work... so that may/may not be what you are looking for.
For capacitors, I think American hermetically-sealed PIOs will also be appealing as soon as the Russian cap supply starts to dry up. There are probably too many polypropylene caps on the market now.
poobah said:
E-bay. Same with the PIO caps, usually means the K40Y-9 model. Prices have soared even since I've started looking so it may not be much of a factor in the long run.
Point taken, I guess it's where you want to draw the line between 'DO' and 'DESIGN' in a DIY project. Some buy complete kits, at the other extreme they make caps, resistors and wire. The business smarts are knowing where in the market the line of maximum return rests. That's your expertise, I'm a wage slave. 😉
Now that I'm home and re-read your original post though I see you specified manufacturer more than once. I'll stick with iron, even if it's as you put it "custom tranny winding at fair prices." For me there's a space between low dollar adequate and top dollar excellent few occupy, One Electron (reputedly) for example.
...plate chokes...grid chokes...interstage xfmr's...these are the least represented products that this incredibly small community needs. However, there is one caveat, you won't make a dime.
Hi Poobah,
I would like to second the post that suggested the availability of high quality customized chassis. For many of us, the metalwork is the hardest part of a project. Making a suitably-sized chassis, of sufficient gauge to support all the iron, and then getting it cut/punched/drilled for mounting all the components, is a major DIY challenge unless one has a suitable workshop and tools. I don't, and couldn't justify laying out the costs to equip myself just for the occasional project. But even if I could afford it, I would still need the requisite metalworking skills, which I lack.
Another gap, which I would like to see addressed, is for reasonably-priced, octal-based, 6.3v indirectly-heated low- and medium-mu output triodes, of about 25-35w dissipation and capable of class A2/AB2 operation. Triode-strapping a beam tetrode/pentode is OK; that's what I do with EL34s but I was told that the result is not as linear as a true triode. I think directly-heated triodes such as 300B pose a number of problems and are expensive. There needs to be an indirectly-heated alternative.
I would like to second the post that suggested the availability of high quality customized chassis. For many of us, the metalwork is the hardest part of a project. Making a suitably-sized chassis, of sufficient gauge to support all the iron, and then getting it cut/punched/drilled for mounting all the components, is a major DIY challenge unless one has a suitable workshop and tools. I don't, and couldn't justify laying out the costs to equip myself just for the occasional project. But even if I could afford it, I would still need the requisite metalworking skills, which I lack.
Another gap, which I would like to see addressed, is for reasonably-priced, octal-based, 6.3v indirectly-heated low- and medium-mu output triodes, of about 25-35w dissipation and capable of class A2/AB2 operation. Triode-strapping a beam tetrode/pentode is OK; that's what I do with EL34s but I was told that the result is not as linear as a true triode. I think directly-heated triodes such as 300B pose a number of problems and are expensive. There needs to be an indirectly-heated alternative.
How about offering your services as a hum locator to kit builders & DIYers? I'd have a lot more hair left if I could have called in such a guy.
Giaime, do you think there's actually a woman somewhere in the world reading this? I'm doubtful about that, I think this is a man thing only, sadly.
My wife's polite interest in electronics evaporated as she picked a resistor out of the ball of her foot last summer.
She now tells me that if there's a less sexy hobby a man can have, she doesn't know what it is.
Ed
Giaime, do you think there's actually a woman somewhere in the world reading this? I'm doubtful about that, I think this is a man thing only, sadly.
My wife's polite interest in electronics evaporated as she picked a resistor out of the ball of her foot last summer.
She now tells me that if there's a less sexy hobby a man can have, she doesn't know what it is.
Ed
My wife will tell you that my other hobby, muscle cars, has a lower WAF than electronics. Sometimes, I can get her to solder PC boards for me. I can't even get her to ride in the Challenger.
She doesn't understand the need for 500 horaspower, and I can't understand the need for 5 pillows on the bed that you can't use. OK we declared a draw.
Trust me, whats worse than your wife stepping on a resistor, her stepping on a 24 pin dip EPROM that was hiding in the carpet with its pins facing up!
What do we really need? Well, for those that build amps, the biggest obstacle is (for most of us) the mechanical aspects of building the chassis. I am sure there is a demand for some pre- punched chassis in the popular configurations.
I would also go for a well designed SMPS. Adjustable HV, say 200 to 500 volts, and the popular filament voltages. If done right it could work better than any linear power supply. I know that there would be a lot of initial resistance from the sandophobic crowd, but if it worked well it would catch on.
For the few that actually design and develop amplifier circuitry, there is a need for a prototyping environment similar to my "Tubelab". I use the Tubelab heavily during the design phase of an amplifier project. I built one for myself, but do not have the time to produce all of the different boards. I don't know if it would make a profitable venture though.
http://www.tubelab.com/The_Tubelab.htm
She doesn't understand the need for 500 horaspower, and I can't understand the need for 5 pillows on the bed that you can't use. OK we declared a draw.
Trust me, whats worse than your wife stepping on a resistor, her stepping on a 24 pin dip EPROM that was hiding in the carpet with its pins facing up!
What do we really need? Well, for those that build amps, the biggest obstacle is (for most of us) the mechanical aspects of building the chassis. I am sure there is a demand for some pre- punched chassis in the popular configurations.
I would also go for a well designed SMPS. Adjustable HV, say 200 to 500 volts, and the popular filament voltages. If done right it could work better than any linear power supply. I know that there would be a lot of initial resistance from the sandophobic crowd, but if it worked well it would catch on.
For the few that actually design and develop amplifier circuitry, there is a need for a prototyping environment similar to my "Tubelab". I use the Tubelab heavily during the design phase of an amplifier project. I built one for myself, but do not have the time to produce all of the different boards. I don't know if it would make a profitable venture though.
http://www.tubelab.com/The_Tubelab.htm
Thanks guys,
I am curious about the chassis thing. I guess I would need to know how it would work though. How do you envision it would work?
It seems that the possibilites are endless in the designs of chassis. Are you talking about a custom manufacturing service?
And remember... the worst resistor will complain less about the best wife stepping on it than the worst wife will complain about removing the best resistor from her foot.
I am curious about the chassis thing. I guess I would need to know how it would work though. How do you envision it would work?
It seems that the possibilites are endless in the designs of chassis. Are you talking about a custom manufacturing service?
And remember... the worst resistor will complain less about the best wife stepping on it than the worst wife will complain about removing the best resistor from her foot.
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