Dear Tube Freaks;
I have never built an tube amp before, ever. I have basic electronics knowledge and understanding. No more, no less. I am looking for a easy-to-build, moderate cost, single ended triode that would be suitable for a first-time DIY-tube project.
Any experienced suggestions on a well documented project that could suit me?
I have never built an tube amp before, ever. I have basic electronics knowledge and understanding. No more, no less. I am looking for a easy-to-build, moderate cost, single ended triode that would be suitable for a first-time DIY-tube project.
- Power is not an issue, a single watt is more than sufficient.
- Lower end extension (say below 200Hz) is of less importance.
- My preferred tubes would be the 45 or the 10Y, although I am open for suggestions.
Any experienced suggestions on a well documented project that could suit me?
Take a look at the Bottlehead (www.bottlehead.com) Paramour monoblocks kit. The Paramour is well documented and well supported. The PM ships with 2A3s, but has been tweaked to use 45s.
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1202/bottleheadparamour.htm 
According to review it has excellent performance... Exept in the low frequencies.. Just as I specified... Many thanks for your quick and percise reply. A kit should be perfect for me too. Unbelievable price..
According to review it has excellent performance... Exept in the low frequencies.. Just as I specified... Many thanks for your quick and percise reply. A kit should be perfect for me too. Unbelievable price..
Rocky,
The fly in the ointment is the fact that the PM's power trafo is strictly 120 VAC. Have Bottlehead confirm that 50 Hz. power is OK. You will have to acquire a step down autotransformer for the monoblock pair. Bottlehead carries "230" VAC power trafos, but they are fairly costly.
All SET amps have high THD numbers. That is nothing to fret about. The distortion of SET units is mostly 2nd order and a LITTLE 3rd order. Many people find it EUPHONIC.
The fly in the ointment is the fact that the PM's power trafo is strictly 120 VAC. Have Bottlehead confirm that 50 Hz. power is OK. You will have to acquire a step down autotransformer for the monoblock pair. Bottlehead carries "230" VAC power trafos, but they are fairly costly.
All SET amps have high THD numbers. That is nothing to fret about. The distortion of SET units is mostly 2nd order and a LITTLE 3rd order. Many people find it EUPHONIC.
http://webpages.charter.net/dawill/tmoranwms/Elec_50C5SET.html
Only....use a power transformer. Like, one half of the Hammond 269AX. (Not sure how you'll handle heaters without line operation though, so you might as well use like... a 6AQ5 design. lol)
Tim
Only....use a power transformer. Like, one half of the Hammond 269AX. (Not sure how you'll handle heaters without line operation though, so you might as well use like... a 6AQ5 design. lol)
Tim
It seems 50 Hz. power is not a problem for the PM power trafo. Ask Bottlehead to confirm that. It's only a question of how robust the trafo is. 50 Hz. service requires a little "beefier" construction than 60 Hz. only does.
Take a look at this URL (http://www.alliedelec.com/catalog/pf.asp?FN=616.pdf). It shows that a 100 VA step-down autotransformer costs about 40 USD. You should be able to source an equivalent item in the EU for about the same cost. Don't forget to allow for VAT.
Take a look at this URL (http://www.alliedelec.com/catalog/pf.asp?FN=616.pdf). It shows that a 100 VA step-down autotransformer costs about 40 USD. You should be able to source an equivalent item in the EU for about the same cost. Don't forget to allow for VAT.
Rocky,
Death and taxes will always be with us. April 15th, just past, is the most hated day of the year in the US. Income tax returns must be filed by April 15th. Regimes world wide would tax the air we breathe, if they thought the populace would not revolt. I know, I know, don't give the b*stards any ideas.
If you decide to order Paramours, search the Bottlehead Forum archives for info on the 45 tweak. You should find something. BTW, all sorts of help, from stock construction to MAJOR modifications, is available on the Bottlehead Forum.
Death and taxes will always be with us. April 15th, just past, is the most hated day of the year in the US. Income tax returns must be filed by April 15th. Regimes world wide would tax the air we breathe, if they thought the populace would not revolt. I know, I know, don't give the b*stards any ideas.
If you decide to order Paramours, search the Bottlehead Forum archives for info on the 45 tweak. You should find something. BTW, all sorts of help, from stock construction to MAJOR modifications, is available on the Bottlehead Forum.
Eli Duttman said:
The 45 tweak will be first on my tweak list, unless I find negative results on the bottlehead forum. along side with some resistor and capacitor upgrades probably, I'll decide when i've inspected the kit contents. I also have some fine 24 gauge teflon insulated round solid silver wire laying around, and I guess this would be a nice opportunity for it to prove itself useful..
Many thanks for your outstanding advices, they have been truly helpful!
Sch3mat1c said:
Similar to my 5-buck Amp but with an extra stage.
I have a buddy with the Paramours -- one of the 1st tweaks was a beefier pair of trafos... if i were you i'd buy the kit without trafos (and save on shipping at least) and buy some locally of the appropriate voltage.
dave
planet10 said:
Then I'll concider the kit without trafos nor 2A3 tubes.. I'll check what price i'll get it for.. Both for visuals and sound I fancy the "45 Premium Mesh Plate globe shape matched pair with 2.5V heater. Ceramic base, gold pins and strengthend plate structure." although it's $269 the pair at diyhifisupply.com.. But with some bucks off the kit retail, it might just fit my budget.
James D. said:
Very interresting page. I'll make sure to have a good look before I make my final desicion
slowmotion said:
Eg venta meg virkeleg ikkje å finne ein slik nettressurs tilgjengeleg på norsk sidemål!!
BTW the WE555 driver I mentioned to you earlier... It got busted by some freak for top $$$.. Even in the condition it was in it went for over a 1000$
Guess i'll have to live without compression below 500Hz 
Well, back on topic... Great to find a trafo source here at home
I've been requesting a quote on the Paramour kit without power trafos or 2A3s, I'm awaiting their desicion.. - Status
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