• 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.

EL84 SE advice for a beginner

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This is how the voltages measure right now!
 

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Oh, I completely ignored that I have a high value voltage devider (470k+22k) in the B+ supply. It goes from C2 to ground. It powers the on/off indicator LED.
Not sure if it could contribute to the overheating.

Thanks Soonerorlater, it is a very useful program.
I would need to change the choke to get the voltages up a bit. Would this lighten the burden on the PT?
Experiments with smaller chokes resulted usually in increased hum.
 
Oh, I completely ignored that I have a high value voltage devider (470k+22k) in the B+ supply. It goes from C2 to ground. It powers the on/off indicator LED.
Not sure if it could contribute to the overheating.

A useful way to bleed your caps.

I would need to change the choke to get the voltages up a bit.

A choke of 5-10 H rated at about 100mA would be my choice.

Would this lighten the burden on the PT?

Choosing a choke with a maximum dc resistance of less than 150r should run cooler than your 500r.

Also for good measure check capacitor C2 is not excessively hot ( again a relative thing ). Inspect for bulging of the body or top. :eek:
 
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