What amp to build? Push Pull, SE? thoughts?

tipetu · 6th January 2012, 09:14 PM

Hi there! I have a transformer, 300V with centertap, some ok OT, two EL84, and 2 12AX7`s.

Not sure what kind of amp I want to build!

Push pull?, SE? I`m leaning towards Single Ended because it seems simplest.. I think..

Something like this. (paint yeah...)

An externally hosted image should be here but it no longer works. Please upload images instead of linking to them to prevent this.

Anyone got a simple schem?

DF96 · 6th January 2012, 09:40 PM

SE has a simpler circuit, but may need a better power supply as it can't take advantage of a PP output to reduce hum. To some extent SE vs PP is a matter of taste, so only you can judge that. Other things are room size, speaker sensitivity, type of music, how loud you like it etc. Also, how much experience do you have at building electronics, and particularly mains powered valve electronics?

tipetu · 6th January 2012, 10:03 PM

Hi, I`ve been tweaking and building a handfull tube amps for some years now, but never actually designed one from scratch. Only kits and stuff. I`m an electrical engineer (high voltage) and are familiar with basic electronic theory and ofcourse dangers. I`ve found some basic setups regarding various resistors, plate, grid, and cathode on the el84 and 12AX7. Only thing I`m not sure of is wether it`s critical to match the impedance between the preamp stage and output stage?

tipetu · 6th January 2012, 10:08 PM

My First Tube Amplifier

This guy here explained tube theory very good! This is the preamp stage I`m going for. Then I`ll send the signal through a EL84

Cassiel · 6th January 2012, 11:29 PM

Quote:

To some extent SE vs PP is a matter of taste,

No, those who have taste like SE those who like music go for PP.

Whatever.

scott17 · 6th January 2012, 11:37 PM

Those who like SE know music and what it is supposed to sound like, those who like PP only care about loud and they obviously don't know music.

Build SE. It is what you want.

Whatever.

Cassiel · 6th January 2012, 11:44 PM

Yeah, I was expecting strong emotions. Guess you'll have to find it out for yourself.

scott17 · 6th January 2012, 11:46 PM

Ha! You knew that was going to happen. The twain shall never agree.

a.wayne · 6th January 2012, 11:56 PM

Why stop now guys ..

What about an class-a SS SE amplifier, for those who love reliability, music, can hear and understand the good things in life ...

If not .... I vote SE .....

scott17 · 7th January 2012, 12:00 AM

If the OP only has two EL84, as stated, here is a link that may help as a starting point.

http://wireless.ee.washington.edu/indep_study/ben.pdf

6th January 2012, 09:14 PM	#1
tipetu diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2010	What amp to build? Push Pull, SE? thoughts? Hi there! I have a transformer, 300V with centertap, some ok OT, two EL84, and 2 12AX7`s. Not sure what kind of amp I want to build! Push pull?, SE? I`m leaning towards Single Ended because it seems simplest.. I think.. Something like this. (paint yeah...) An externally hosted image should be here but it no longer works. Please upload images instead of linking to them to prevent this. Anyone got a simple schem?

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6th January 2012, 09:40 PM	#2
DF96 R.I.P. Join Date: May 2007	SE has a simpler circuit, but may need a better power supply as it can't take advantage of a PP output to reduce hum. To some extent SE vs PP is a matter of taste, so only you can judge that. Other things are room size, speaker sensitivity, type of music, how loud you like it etc. Also, how much experience do you have at building electronics, and particularly mains powered valve electronics?

6th January 2012, 10:03 PM	#3
tipetu diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2010	Hi, I`ve been tweaking and building a handfull tube amps for some years now, but never actually designed one from scratch. Only kits and stuff. I`m an electrical engineer (high voltage) and are familiar with basic electronic theory and ofcourse dangers. I`ve found some basic setups regarding various resistors, plate, grid, and cathode on the el84 and 12AX7. Only thing I`m not sure of is wether it`s critical to match the impedance between the preamp stage and output stage?

6th January 2012, 10:08 PM	#4
tipetu diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2010	My First Tube Amplifier This guy here explained tube theory very good! This is the preamp stage I`m going for. Then I`ll send the signal through a EL84

6th January 2012, 11:37 PM	#6
scott17 diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Florida Nature Coast	Those who like SE know music and what it is supposed to sound like, those who like PP only care about loud and they obviously don't know music. Build SE. It is what you want. Whatever.

6th January 2012, 11:44 PM	#7
Cassiel Account disabled at member's request Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Madrid	Yeah, I was expecting strong emotions. Guess you'll have to find it out for yourself.

6th January 2012, 11:46 PM	#8
scott17 diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Florida Nature Coast	Ha! You knew that was going to happen. The twain shall never agree.

6th January 2012, 11:56 PM	#9
a.wayne Sin Bin Join Date: May 2008 Location: Front Row Center	Why stop now guys .. What about an class-a SS SE amplifier, for those who love reliability, music, can hear and understand the good things in life ... If not .... I vote SE .....

7th January 2012, 12:00 AM	#10
scott17 diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Florida Nature Coast	If the OP only has two EL84, as stated, here is a link that may help as a starting point. http://wireless.ee.washington.edu/indep_study/ben.pdf