tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79038866829718917692024-03-18T21:47:51.448-07:00retro-thermionicRetro thermionic audio harks back to the golden age of sound, utilizing vacuum tubes and thermionic valves to craft warm, rich tones. These analog components, reminiscent of mid-20th century technology, impart a distinct character to audio signals. Engineers embrace the harmonic saturation yielding vintage vibes sought after by audiophiles and music lovers. This process involves designing circuits with artistic and aesthetic intuition.retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-73372294463866561682024-03-10T17:34:00.000-07:002024-03-10T18:33:16.697-07:00“Aspire” - Psvane 6SN7 globe preamp<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQ4_tqaseqR84BHg12MYVqzFbst3HMU3wEhKNS1HrvocMAE4erelH-VUyvnzy-LtmEPpARcOUnLktmnscY8fz3qc8ZpMLIVNBWTzmo853fJIsCRjhNCWXEbogIWfSV3JU4NYkXuvZGBYt8aLcpur_jtfq2d2krUGiNKqUgrpIDL41-oQyvOhO5yBssy4X/s3264/IMG_8391.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQ4_tqaseqR84BHg12MYVqzFbst3HMU3wEhKNS1HrvocMAE4erelH-VUyvnzy-LtmEPpARcOUnLktmnscY8fz3qc8ZpMLIVNBWTzmo853fJIsCRjhNCWXEbogIWfSV3JU4NYkXuvZGBYt8aLcpur_jtfq2d2krUGiNKqUgrpIDL41-oQyvOhO5yBssy4X/s320/IMG_8391.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5ktT8qH69_FugoswcmxPyPBc0FVoa5hyphenhyphenoFObKztkI9hHPdd8n2ITEry8C4YzAV1ORLzOCIV2w8o90tmoDVHQs1ZIQdL6XCpPkB_20S8mcB_Gs9N5z8okolA3U-4kHSRPJrNDVbOzya7Av8ibFzRd6u7Q5GhwOAJ81KkdzNNBvQfO8xGwgk0HA1ONg3qq/s3264/IMG_8390.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5ktT8qH69_FugoswcmxPyPBc0FVoa5hyphenhyphenoFObKztkI9hHPdd8n2ITEry8C4YzAV1ORLzOCIV2w8o90tmoDVHQs1ZIQdL6XCpPkB_20S8mcB_Gs9N5z8okolA3U-4kHSRPJrNDVbOzya7Av8ibFzRd6u7Q5GhwOAJ81KkdzNNBvQfO8xGwgk0HA1ONg3qq/s320/IMG_8390.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztC5zUyyOtZi75CmJNar8D_UuA0NTsA-G0xtXOyUDshBpa93WjBYaj7yw6LiZN0IBTFt92uStsEFeGANuzIzSERea-G1uaNiOW9GPG_SU9YUW9wQuH1w5pHlCEd3_heVB4QUnKinIzFwlbIkBGT1Uq0m1XXPqYq3HVGLKoOCDcwD7vi-jAbDw8q9q62J-/s3264/IMG_8389.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztC5zUyyOtZi75CmJNar8D_UuA0NTsA-G0xtXOyUDshBpa93WjBYaj7yw6LiZN0IBTFt92uStsEFeGANuzIzSERea-G1uaNiOW9GPG_SU9YUW9wQuH1w5pHlCEd3_heVB4QUnKinIzFwlbIkBGT1Uq0m1XXPqYq3HVGLKoOCDcwD7vi-jAbDw8q9q62J-/s320/IMG_8389.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoEI60YqOXMdc0NJ137U8P6oj-xzV2zjmyRZcJ9MZSHzjbmZZUA-GPkCUN5h86M9t8v3G903w-k-Ff7yr8iXy7yTvq5Jqbrr95wbgbAT6ccEkbfauSvWSHBLAXYWUnSp0gfhVXrTP_Xo8LHv64Axt6qdPA2C5hfPMz2FVHSKJoCan9BPF0HmMVVy-H6ue/s3264/IMG_8387.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoEI60YqOXMdc0NJ137U8P6oj-xzV2zjmyRZcJ9MZSHzjbmZZUA-GPkCUN5h86M9t8v3G903w-k-Ff7yr8iXy7yTvq5Jqbrr95wbgbAT6ccEkbfauSvWSHBLAXYWUnSp0gfhVXrTP_Xo8LHv64Axt6qdPA2C5hfPMz2FVHSKJoCan9BPF0HmMVVy-H6ue/s320/IMG_8387.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After checking the expensive tubes of one of my preamps I'd sold to another one came up bad. I purchased the one good tube and helped the owner acquire replacements. I had a few parts on hand including the enclosure, most passive parts, ceramic socket, remote control Alps pot and the power tranni. Inverting the enclosure made assembly much easier and after some masking I sprayed back and top for good visual effect. The front is a natural silver frost, untouched. </div><div><br /></div><div>A mix of carbon and metal film make the resistive compliment and 5W wire wounds on the 4XPi HT filter. Two 1A diodes rectify the HT then 350uf of high voltage caps do the smoothing and storage. Cathode bi-pass caps are NP types and are bi-passed by 0.1uf polies. Output caps are high grade audio polies and always sound excellent. Three inputs can be switched from the front and the preamp is silent in operation. Hookup wire is fine silver plated copper wire and WBT silver solder is used in the signal path. As always with these retro looking sphere/globe 6SN7s the sound is full bodies and transparent. Yet another well performing simple tube preamp and a good used of parts I've had for way too long. </div>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-44417274054632184942024-02-12T15:06:00.000-08:002024-02-12T15:11:01.725-08:00"Clarity II" - LJM Class AB power amp<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8L0yj09-qN62dLEhazR_uCwEmqv-pjv9mYCtmKC2nYVrOfXcEbSYC15_0_4_h7aZJLIw0cunjieTGur7essEIZ34AHO6zq9j-5VcJjpClh0NcnxIyyHp-bH-b_RzDbJTL4ico9aGDZWYrjhM-IkYl3fUKA4Tffxtcf_XxnYkiUD71XZkAH0tgNJB_osXC/s320/Clarity%20front%20II.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8L0yj09-qN62dLEhazR_uCwEmqv-pjv9mYCtmKC2nYVrOfXcEbSYC15_0_4_h7aZJLIw0cunjieTGur7essEIZ34AHO6zq9j-5VcJjpClh0NcnxIyyHp-bH-b_RzDbJTL4ico9aGDZWYrjhM-IkYl3fUKA4Tffxtcf_XxnYkiUD71XZkAH0tgNJB_osXC/s1600/Clarity%20front%20II.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CM5JfRoUOdJfeVwHzm2Do6Pn9riDrwSm5oFPSpAU10hkxgjFHB_b1UbMfBIfVSIkw4pdYaJKGr5UpjQF5-M8A4wm5LGrYxB_VmQCf1GBJxXqrZ_ZUGgtjRMLOkls-kC1iPlNkJXXapqEPeGE6DDQgtT8th44yxEIjtN4Yg-RWeqHxXWOrCnE712KiCbj/s320/Clarity%20Front.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CM5JfRoUOdJfeVwHzm2Do6Pn9riDrwSm5oFPSpAU10hkxgjFHB_b1UbMfBIfVSIkw4pdYaJKGr5UpjQF5-M8A4wm5LGrYxB_VmQCf1GBJxXqrZ_ZUGgtjRMLOkls-kC1iPlNkJXXapqEPeGE6DDQgtT8th44yxEIjtN4Yg-RWeqHxXWOrCnE712KiCbj/s1600/Clarity%20Front.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_scercdvGGcNIV94AJggRkFl3_4taUqGj689IPxM8rnwh2kNSY_Oe6h1orsK0z78eZHCWPChee4KQ6WCZUlNl78FOc84kNbSBKoF2kRiF5fpCrbplotrL7A09pbd2q19h1NsZXOp3V08g0PRsGlY7QVKhzqrz99emVjquvkJcABVISqlQWsq2gYKU0ZA/s320/Clarity%20top.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_scercdvGGcNIV94AJggRkFl3_4taUqGj689IPxM8rnwh2kNSY_Oe6h1orsK0z78eZHCWPChee4KQ6WCZUlNl78FOc84kNbSBKoF2kRiF5fpCrbplotrL7A09pbd2q19h1NsZXOp3V08g0PRsGlY7QVKhzqrz99emVjquvkJcABVISqlQWsq2gYKU0ZA/s1600/Clarity%20top.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVZ-i9CaIcGSkP3a0RnziKHS8bleaPl_3WatG7-veeuzlODRLrobggRDzszJnrjg1h11jVbn_qqZjnSWSj37nF-NfDabJCCRH3WFtUArttdMk7wHaDVZhl07abgFk8dL-cGr53asmBjC0v5hzG639Sk7wQVho7e8gylkDDbev1RO4L9LKpUIGeFCFQXel/s320/Clarity%20under.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVZ-i9CaIcGSkP3a0RnziKHS8bleaPl_3WatG7-veeuzlODRLrobggRDzszJnrjg1h11jVbn_qqZjnSWSj37nF-NfDabJCCRH3WFtUArttdMk7wHaDVZhl07abgFk8dL-cGr53asmBjC0v5hzG639Sk7wQVho7e8gylkDDbev1RO4L9LKpUIGeFCFQXel/s1600/Clarity%20under.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p></p><div>This was a slow burn build. I had completed the amp section but no PS. After completing two commission jobs I could finally complete the amp. The compact enclosure for the amp was built around two heatsinks I had had for years and the enclosure for the PS the same. Caps standing out of the top of the PS I was given years ago and are Nippon Chemi-com. Total capacitance is not large but is well snubbed and the amp is quiet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two fast diodes provide rectification and four 3.3uf polies snub the bigger caps which are 3900uf each. Tranni is 160VA so the amp is capable of 80Wpc. The LJM Class AB modules used are rate 120W and are all bipolars. I like the sound of bipolar transistors and these modules contain nothing else and are very inexpensive. </div><div><br /></div><div>A local metals provider cut the plates for the amp to my specs and after a lot of drilling and tapping came together well. Three large gold plated brass cones balance the amp and add to the looks and improves the sound. An umbilical cord connects PS and amp using a large XLR connection. DC offset for these modules does not require adjustment and is extremely low.</div><div><br /></div><div>The sound is super clear, detailed and expansive. Bass extends just beyond 30Hz the limit of my speakers. Regardless of type of music played it comes through, clear and uncluttered. After hours of listening the amp is still cold. I believe the amp would have no problems driving low efficiency difficult speakers. Very pleased with both the looks and the sound. </div>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-82994138059312565272024-01-29T15:04:00.000-08:002024-01-29T16:37:46.058-08:00German made EL3N - “Puissance” - triode strapped amp<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqg3HGMAinYVzl24QbrpR-HoojtdMuz6C_7_FVxSRK0gqg_htX6dVtOldywOx-Pyd4bdB_xdyodwZ0qeNnHQmkAVdsnv9s1Rd8X0EM6FsagSOVb94IKr9ObTpXU4YDbJdCWQSffo4lxAO2BK488ZSpXi-mTSvz_2wb-sUYii_ZgfbrgCAeXuD2vYY4ZFv/s3264/IMG_8242.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqg3HGMAinYVzl24QbrpR-HoojtdMuz6C_7_FVxSRK0gqg_htX6dVtOldywOx-Pyd4bdB_xdyodwZ0qeNnHQmkAVdsnv9s1Rd8X0EM6FsagSOVb94IKr9ObTpXU4YDbJdCWQSffo4lxAO2BK488ZSpXi-mTSvz_2wb-sUYii_ZgfbrgCAeXuD2vYY4ZFv/s320/IMG_8242.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtAyE0iofPondFlvOUrZblK77XXL8OY3nyrukU23l6pNm95A9AyFZJ1MBb2XU4nFk2CkqqDZtXPw0Upow1PtBva5g-N54C8pR8ilTvK48dwwWQfBb_4Gru3s3VDGV1_h5jrn5g7c6ygXHPaJodwMcB9xYJZEr0a-DYUykejnEDeA62QpJ6TQyPMuXyFZs/s3264/EL3N.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtAyE0iofPondFlvOUrZblK77XXL8OY3nyrukU23l6pNm95A9AyFZJ1MBb2XU4nFk2CkqqDZtXPw0Upow1PtBva5g-N54C8pR8ilTvK48dwwWQfBb_4Gru3s3VDGV1_h5jrn5g7c6ygXHPaJodwMcB9xYJZEr0a-DYUykejnEDeA62QpJ6TQyPMuXyFZs/s320/EL3N.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIs30-6NSzo1UpbZbpukx3rgODcmEJHvbNEozuQ-14YvTQV65Wnywvw39Bo2EOKexb37VjPtk-lxMEQCdXlW_CvhvYXRr08AMmhrqbfXdrlpWj_fYIz5a3flGtdjqE1SRU3Eq7XgGMIoUoVtHskjzH0qPX_2s6ne0RCUQRWgL54MmIrgWDFBQm5x3W-Ua/s3264/IMG_8243.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIs30-6NSzo1UpbZbpukx3rgODcmEJHvbNEozuQ-14YvTQV65Wnywvw39Bo2EOKexb37VjPtk-lxMEQCdXlW_CvhvYXRr08AMmhrqbfXdrlpWj_fYIz5a3flGtdjqE1SRU3Eq7XgGMIoUoVtHskjzH0qPX_2s6ne0RCUQRWgL54MmIrgWDFBQm5x3W-Ua/s320/IMG_8243.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIs30-6NSzo1UpbZbpukx3rgODcmEJHvbNEozuQ-14YvTQV65Wnywvw39Bo2EOKexb37VjPtk-lxMEQCdXlW_CvhvYXRr08AMmhrqbfXdrlpWj_fYIz5a3flGtdjqE1SRU3Eq7XgGMIoUoVtHskjzH0qPX_2s6ne0RCUQRWgL54MmIrgWDFBQm5x3W-Ua/s3264/IMG_8243.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIs30-6NSzo1UpbZbpukx3rgODcmEJHvbNEozuQ-14YvTQV65Wnywvw39Bo2EOKexb37VjPtk-lxMEQCdXlW_CvhvYXRr08AMmhrqbfXdrlpWj_fYIz5a3flGtdjqE1SRU3Eq7XgGMIoUoVtHskjzH0qPX_2s6ne0RCUQRWgL54MmIrgWDFBQm5x3W-Ua/s3264/IMG_8243.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p> <span style="background-color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">This time with a German made EL3N NOS NIB, new Svetlana 6N1P and Sylvania 5U4GB NOS NIB.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px;">Interstage caps are Mundorf Supremes which I have used in a number of amps. Big and expensive but sound good. Hammond power tranni and Asian OPTs. The OPTs were meant to have the UL tap but didn’t. This amp then is triode strapped. Base is heavy and of blonde fine grain timber. Top plate is 2mm Al.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.6px;">The EL3N sockets are made in Japan and are CNCed from a block of teflon with phosphor bronze contacts. Again expensive. PS is double Pi with 247uf of caps and a 5H choke. Total current drain is low and just over 20mA. The sound is big and warm with lots of drive. Though triode strapped it sounds very similar to my French tube SE UL version</span></span></p><p></p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-8073663456082948822024-01-04T20:23:00.000-08:002024-01-04T20:25:33.039-08:006N3 + TDA7294 integrated amp. <p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIoZA5dOfWWv9Irv8kk4zoc5SHjo87WxGjbfNhmQDU9PPY9htcgwPXsLra8lDjsr26e2sb0Zqgz-iPptJRJLB9Ya5K2AaC_ze7RycBfFjeRiCpmig7C0hj1LMjMM_qC3hzSh4ZqKhKJsu4-pHZ-djWKdrEP8XJyg1wNoq8Cu9QyD8zWrByQr8bOKEhhdi/s3264/IMG_8139.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIoZA5dOfWWv9Irv8kk4zoc5SHjo87WxGjbfNhmQDU9PPY9htcgwPXsLra8lDjsr26e2sb0Zqgz-iPptJRJLB9Ya5K2AaC_ze7RycBfFjeRiCpmig7C0hj1LMjMM_qC3hzSh4ZqKhKJsu4-pHZ-djWKdrEP8XJyg1wNoq8Cu9QyD8zWrByQr8bOKEhhdi/s320/IMG_8139.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOnBDbBh4C9vy04DHFRI30j45_j8tK6iCFaiutvhNgvtEL5lGu_aRE_6oBxzktVUqA-1dsxfYkiBBi9mXC5_-Lp1dZx0OnouJO5CfpLohjYTtxNmCkTX5vE7VRgEOWJtJZ-VQrpLbYIoMmD9hWMdjr141VwV5072lvn2JSSrbvYbQ25zeOcYr9dLd6704/s3264/IMG_8141.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOnBDbBh4C9vy04DHFRI30j45_j8tK6iCFaiutvhNgvtEL5lGu_aRE_6oBxzktVUqA-1dsxfYkiBBi9mXC5_-Lp1dZx0OnouJO5CfpLohjYTtxNmCkTX5vE7VRgEOWJtJZ-VQrpLbYIoMmD9hWMdjr141VwV5072lvn2JSSrbvYbQ25zeOcYr9dLd6704/s320/IMG_8141.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQGbG7mXP9DoG6DQYuUHJ6B3i_a5PDMhWGJzj9LyZIYuZaE_g4jx7kLu46pxE0xx91M-1ov05JpjYGVbPpVIbYUIuDt7bvfsZbIaM1kaBAarqdrzGP0iav7CrUhyphenhyphenKGExiSXhDbpgER4q982tD9Dj1RxkJhpfUsCbOexMTX4Xb1Lqzgr1wYFfHfxOPKydi/s3264/IMG_8143.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQGbG7mXP9DoG6DQYuUHJ6B3i_a5PDMhWGJzj9LyZIYuZaE_g4jx7kLu46pxE0xx91M-1ov05JpjYGVbPpVIbYUIuDt7bvfsZbIaM1kaBAarqdrzGP0iav7CrUhyphenhyphenKGExiSXhDbpgER4q982tD9Dj1RxkJhpfUsCbOexMTX4Xb1Lqzgr1wYFfHfxOPKydi/s320/IMG_8143.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span face="Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: black; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: white; font-size: 15.4px;">A completed tube and chip integrated. Fast and crisp. Absolutely dead, dead quiet thanks to CMRR. 80Wpc, 300VA power tranni, choked power cord, rodium RCAs, RFI/EMI power filter, heavy duty speaker binding posts and 2U 19” rack mount. At the members request a low filter switchable cut of 6db at 150hZ. Also a 24 step step attenuator. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-31841218663606556742023-10-31T18:50:00.008-07:002023-10-31T18:57:23.846-07:00“Piccolo Pro” - 6J1/5654W small tube preamp<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMzQKlyvqUP7hNYi0RnklLZKC6Mrt2BAfmw9PI2RqNQT84mMkdRF9bTexnjv0SxHtHC0J0MG5cU7IvTGAhV1P9C6Sy4fBGYQQGuTcQU2hyKaPKsTzP-sT-8_UiY7_-nouyfkLoj7UgZtd5ErnmDG5gBHlZh1tRV8vT6J6_CZs-GB4FhbIvS0OZZLVMm_w/s3264/IMG_7708.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMzQKlyvqUP7hNYi0RnklLZKC6Mrt2BAfmw9PI2RqNQT84mMkdRF9bTexnjv0SxHtHC0J0MG5cU7IvTGAhV1P9C6Sy4fBGYQQGuTcQU2hyKaPKsTzP-sT-8_UiY7_-nouyfkLoj7UgZtd5ErnmDG5gBHlZh1tRV8vT6J6_CZs-GB4FhbIvS0OZZLVMm_w/s320/IMG_7708.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGgxKPmFoSZdPPTgLm_SC1HRjTQeUlZW_B45mJ2ZCgJowu73XPzqqHIGWFmLvHt5IH-ZGSmmTTCB4uZhMjQA27WGW7mt9Br-O5TcT2r70S7au9GDQqgcJXrYaIGn1P4rqcMIwLdRXRlUUftGaRpCB18Vqhd2psO9NWyrMw-2ZJzJpXXcv6vn_gvKR05Rr/s3264/IMG_7707.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGgxKPmFoSZdPPTgLm_SC1HRjTQeUlZW_B45mJ2ZCgJowu73XPzqqHIGWFmLvHt5IH-ZGSmmTTCB4uZhMjQA27WGW7mt9Br-O5TcT2r70S7au9GDQqgcJXrYaIGn1P4rqcMIwLdRXRlUUftGaRpCB18Vqhd2psO9NWyrMw-2ZJzJpXXcv6vn_gvKR05Rr/s320/IMG_7707.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14H5uhnBa4IbjeJqVFufNk8xR_cU3DLw0bB6jz_JRI_QcNDJDJrhGLIJvmartjMCgyJYj8b4DVrEgjOv1E53HieQHbQDDPAQjWR0_Hl7BbOybMFHobA4QQoMscwxpCpbOm96Y5bKjTaxKWvXpJZjBPpxKlbJXMpCWQfGoPNiu4Dm6CaZb0MdXYCvyL8vz/s3264/IMG_7706.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14H5uhnBa4IbjeJqVFufNk8xR_cU3DLw0bB6jz_JRI_QcNDJDJrhGLIJvmartjMCgyJYj8b4DVrEgjOv1E53HieQHbQDDPAQjWR0_Hl7BbOybMFHobA4QQoMscwxpCpbOm96Y5bKjTaxKWvXpJZjBPpxKlbJXMpCWQfGoPNiu4Dm6CaZb0MdXYCvyL8vz/s320/IMG_7706.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmIJA3Ovg02Bq4OqFONyoZGkKhf59bJO5iGv9aJ7KD1aGDAL1Lh6TfRBmWQaip-r5gaeMmdI7PPKSBfg5tb_gYZ9UWVn8aHKoJbqSleg-DCfxEv1H5dUSb76t48sM4edvO-vb8AEDlezU20AVNwSJR6HxmgszDIhdT-7d3czm1duOX5rrFHCR3k1TFaUj/s3264/IMG_7689.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmIJA3Ovg02Bq4OqFONyoZGkKhf59bJO5iGv9aJ7KD1aGDAL1Lh6TfRBmWQaip-r5gaeMmdI7PPKSBfg5tb_gYZ9UWVn8aHKoJbqSleg-DCfxEv1H5dUSb76t48sM4edvO-vb8AEDlezU20AVNwSJR6HxmgszDIhdT-7d3czm1duOX5rrFHCR3k1TFaUj/s320/IMG_7689.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 15.4px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">A new 6J1/5654W tube preamp nestled into my system. Sounds as good as the last one which sold. Upgraded this build here with wood cheek chassis, three inputs and remote control. Colour is Ocean Blue hammer tone. All silver plated copper wire for hookup. Called this one “Piccolo Pro” due to the upgrading from the original Piccolo. <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> </span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 15.4px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Perfect at first switch on. I have both 6J1 and the higher performing JAN GE 5654W tubes. Much better with the JAN GE 5654W tubes. Works with a 12VAC 1A wall wart. </span></span></p></div>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-1476344110778985092023-09-22T17:52:00.003-07:002023-09-22T18:05:27.493-07:00“La Technique” - French made 1957 EL3N power amp<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8xM1Pnem8Ynpqz56Gu3QFffeyD0qsLD8tRkMBE70dlpMCMcmOJKdHhiirCTNGI4hEGD1zsKrMfuB3YG8oENGXY4g2Ditd1mbvry-PmBng_lGKaKCPlAi8ncwRSZf31VpCiN67VyJfU3ALee56-JCi6-tfsmpuF5KDqwFNV46qWmP_F9zH2muthUEPte3/s3264/IMG_7459.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8xM1Pnem8Ynpqz56Gu3QFffeyD0qsLD8tRkMBE70dlpMCMcmOJKdHhiirCTNGI4hEGD1zsKrMfuB3YG8oENGXY4g2Ditd1mbvry-PmBng_lGKaKCPlAi8ncwRSZf31VpCiN67VyJfU3ALee56-JCi6-tfsmpuF5KDqwFNV46qWmP_F9zH2muthUEPte3/s320/IMG_7459.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rrz5rcywZqR7pujpTVHSXkJa5rnY2_BEnCvhQl6d0COwFt5gn6n83Xr9ptgs4bsbpKfnfQIQcm4jfE897hiiWQ4bk-SsxkaHvk-cYE0YLgQoqtMxLpuOw55wpTDRrJiMFbOzqNCtpsWGK1JSrAhnZQtRX7_S0_MRdt4T6hZATz71kUfCLiI7tYDAGK7i/s3264/IMG_7458.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rrz5rcywZqR7pujpTVHSXkJa5rnY2_BEnCvhQl6d0COwFt5gn6n83Xr9ptgs4bsbpKfnfQIQcm4jfE897hiiWQ4bk-SsxkaHvk-cYE0YLgQoqtMxLpuOw55wpTDRrJiMFbOzqNCtpsWGK1JSrAhnZQtRX7_S0_MRdt4T6hZATz71kUfCLiI7tYDAGK7i/s320/IMG_7458.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUXeQhC4VcC5OrR1PVF20THu6DjkkrsCsdK176KqB-PFHuA2KPMjFRuGBZB7GNGHrsuRNF01Gsd829wrAl8SgYWZgeHm70Mi2InkyxGovNLL4nWxoMJyLe3vRJ0K3Si4DjAbSuVTBQDD8lNjU3jIRAbGNb2wwl_akl3R798QTpQaLSbem7M4xdR9WGAhz/s3264/IMG_7467.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUXeQhC4VcC5OrR1PVF20THu6DjkkrsCsdK176KqB-PFHuA2KPMjFRuGBZB7GNGHrsuRNF01Gsd829wrAl8SgYWZgeHm70Mi2InkyxGovNLL4nWxoMJyLe3vRJ0K3Si4DjAbSuVTBQDD8lNjU3jIRAbGNb2wwl_akl3R798QTpQaLSbem7M4xdR9WGAhz/s320/IMG_7467.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZ-T6Lqda9YCmPcluF9eCyquq0RfzFK3DYaOcxwgnZcmz8a2l5Yy511KYZ67o_JVdM2XHDvHNhamSeq1EWQgutwcP1m12eOufduh4G8MqUN7_VEPs4rtK1Vke7d551sLBIi0dIHjmJ8ehBTgpuDmJCrlbVk9j1XWIqnSD46Hh25ni77t8tpJsEu7EAYZe/s3264/IMG_7460.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZ-T6Lqda9YCmPcluF9eCyquq0RfzFK3DYaOcxwgnZcmz8a2l5Yy511KYZ67o_JVdM2XHDvHNhamSeq1EWQgutwcP1m12eOufduh4G8MqUN7_VEPs4rtK1Vke7d551sLBIi0dIHjmJ8ehBTgpuDmJCrlbVk9j1XWIqnSD46Hh25ni77t8tpJsEu7EAYZe/s320/IMG_7460.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Inspired by the look of these vintage French made EL3N tubes - NOS NIB - with their red cumberbun and rarity I was compelled to build an amp. Also looking for something a little different I built on a Hammond wood cheek chassis. I already had the external PS with tube rectification from my “Xfi” amp and had listened to these new tubes in a 6L6 amp. </div><div><br /></div><div>Staying with a traditional black look with classic wood cheek sides and the showy tubes in black and red this amp was always going took stunning. The OPTs are 5K Asian and add that to German Mundorf Supreme interstage caps on a Canadian chassis you have a true international components mix. The driver tube is a new Svetlana 6N1P, resistor selection is carbon and metal film with wire wounds for Ck. Also a mix of NP and standard electrolytic caps with all Cat5 solid core hookup wire characterise the sound. </div><div><br /></div><div>Compared to my many SET amps, “Xfi” being a good example, this amp has a fuller, richer, bassier sound. As with all my other SE UL pentode amps this one has PRaT. I find drive and rhythm a hall mark of pentode based amps and “La Technique” no different. I love the look and are ecstatic about the full bodied sound. Add to this the amps heart is French made vintage tubes is a bonus. </div>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-2486201758957622302023-09-04T20:52:00.007-07:002023-09-04T20:57:48.967-07:00“Piccolo” - 5654W compact tube preamplifier<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwxIGVIiBUoBPkL3LW5vjaSlt4K9ZR2U89JmsLTaaNv1WMayl_jvYwyUgr_-su2hKL487_09sM0M5EtlTRbcgq2knjcq6ALo0oMEOYTc8pDcXd2nPK1ZMpWVv-9daeCZFGtgZYHO99uorARzZX6aB2KjsTRmHYaPxCQ8faRHDnlwVVVWOdQ3a0_rWaYMY/s3264/IMG_7363.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwxIGVIiBUoBPkL3LW5vjaSlt4K9ZR2U89JmsLTaaNv1WMayl_jvYwyUgr_-su2hKL487_09sM0M5EtlTRbcgq2knjcq6ALo0oMEOYTc8pDcXd2nPK1ZMpWVv-9daeCZFGtgZYHO99uorARzZX6aB2KjsTRmHYaPxCQ8faRHDnlwVVVWOdQ3a0_rWaYMY/s320/IMG_7363.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq6I7xTMsUCS79sEC34NvUSzcFJqMvFYPAPSLA9yyLUNdaOxejZIRlcTPx4E9NH_3RJVrhm__aMz7a0eS_Mau5-iZIM1_FBsCLfeGrrryoJd-HCYzGlII85h-IwPUHJGUn4tiIdPJ7YN-_lXmFtxZG0OPQTwxsCuL9Yjescvwic04f6TtsfU5fq8LC-ZB/s3264/IMG_7362.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPq6I7xTMsUCS79sEC34NvUSzcFJqMvFYPAPSLA9yyLUNdaOxejZIRlcTPx4E9NH_3RJVrhm__aMz7a0eS_Mau5-iZIM1_FBsCLfeGrrryoJd-HCYzGlII85h-IwPUHJGUn4tiIdPJ7YN-_lXmFtxZG0OPQTwxsCuL9Yjescvwic04f6TtsfU5fq8LC-ZB/s320/IMG_7362.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKPBB7lBq9qvOosLfmI-_68NuymONG6O0zB22K8adsaK31S_qMRMsRSfB6i88JStVR9DH8i3YAkCRzdMnR6lDEHppRHKaCKQLfnb1GRUa7ftufPjAXOvQOhalYf-M65I0HIZ-zqzgPLbLhT7SjLbtHeCbUd1CeJFaFwacfenXXmAFA0MydlAf8s9I0Hyb/s3264/IMG_7361.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKPBB7lBq9qvOosLfmI-_68NuymONG6O0zB22K8adsaK31S_qMRMsRSfB6i88JStVR9DH8i3YAkCRzdMnR6lDEHppRHKaCKQLfnb1GRUa7ftufPjAXOvQOhalYf-M65I0HIZ-zqzgPLbLhT7SjLbtHeCbUd1CeJFaFwacfenXXmAFA0MydlAf8s9I0Hyb/s320/IMG_7361.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWHVbcHZ9C81BjIV3IW27YrIPfaeJAeoManK-q7Yuj9IeuQkmb4lpRBpJ9nn_hUvJScSmp_CKjxW3arZUuCcD2H2NIOhGTVoHbxblQRcz9iYdNf5pXic6ajThlRuov9TEjsy4M-qkT6eZ-EcWECAHkdT4CCFKFf3ZQyDgdB0wHT-gnzMWIhvEG3zgz8vf/s3264/IMG_7196.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWHVbcHZ9C81BjIV3IW27YrIPfaeJAeoManK-q7Yuj9IeuQkmb4lpRBpJ9nn_hUvJScSmp_CKjxW3arZUuCcD2H2NIOhGTVoHbxblQRcz9iYdNf5pXic6ajThlRuov9TEjsy4M-qkT6eZ-EcWECAHkdT4CCFKFf3ZQyDgdB0wHT-gnzMWIhvEG3zgz8vf/s320/IMG_7196.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 15.4px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3;">This smart looking and compact tube preamp uses (matched) JAN GE 5654W tubes. The kit is sold with lesser performing 6J2 but here they have been upgraded. The enclosure is Hammond extruded anodised Al smart looking enclosure. Three inputs are selected by two front switches. The black knob is a large anodised Al type with a good feel. All internal components are of very good quality. <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 15.4px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3;">Power is via a 12VAC 1A plug pack and connects to the preamp via a two pin locking connection. Internally HT is generated to produce a dead quiet preamp. Under test up to 90% max volume there is 0.0mV of noise. At 100% volume, 0.4mV of noise. Input impedance is 100K. The blue colour when on is a pleasant glow and the filaments fire is also easily seen. Tube rolling is possible. <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); font-family: Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 15.4px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3;">From such small tubes I didn’t expect how good sounding this preamp could be.</span></p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-34746064523667847032023-08-24T19:51:00.003-07:002023-08-24T19:52:50.728-07:00“Iron Stone” - OPAMP based MM RIAA phono preamp<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2OBpOLxF_eAi1n19enK0C1HmCKwwhn2Kn6COpoq9MUCORLsK_cNfPaEMTXExoYX16FDW8zkZiLrePNKHBwzWzxG2HxLZOPFKHtbr52pByaMy361uK5DbOdkxXq-LPIftQ4T0Cc9evG74w9OEeDwkRbEcovTUqDJ2BhSKioQ-l0cWUf1AwrixXiAGswGn/s3264/IMG_7299.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2OBpOLxF_eAi1n19enK0C1HmCKwwhn2Kn6COpoq9MUCORLsK_cNfPaEMTXExoYX16FDW8zkZiLrePNKHBwzWzxG2HxLZOPFKHtbr52pByaMy361uK5DbOdkxXq-LPIftQ4T0Cc9evG74w9OEeDwkRbEcovTUqDJ2BhSKioQ-l0cWUf1AwrixXiAGswGn/s320/IMG_7299.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOKUPVp8zrlmPZ0TfOiG08Nw4wg5Cl9ZwWBHfyM8LcZ2scmByMQTmPOFA3Za-2ShSiKbFQEUn8JTDpa8A4N9wY2NofXiV37Ol_55qtliJnIeckOy-pULkEqTB0lhHBNIQcD7-0-XsBv9YHIvJgo19_c-V-ahAjlGzT6qooOYuJAPegJXlGOWxDAGFhqmq/s3264/IMG_7298.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOKUPVp8zrlmPZ0TfOiG08Nw4wg5Cl9ZwWBHfyM8LcZ2scmByMQTmPOFA3Za-2ShSiKbFQEUn8JTDpa8A4N9wY2NofXiV37Ol_55qtliJnIeckOy-pULkEqTB0lhHBNIQcD7-0-XsBv9YHIvJgo19_c-V-ahAjlGzT6qooOYuJAPegJXlGOWxDAGFhqmq/s320/IMG_7298.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyhnkZZjAW47Gu7Hvo7te3y3UaixB6ZbbXdGSQRFSkEBQ4lc9UGhNL2Fipd24cxsku-cnZTmNZygvfRD-xS4nQhorYPRLTgaPgybG4JLrwkcVmWCmfQFOdMieg_4CtGuuqMTYM5TZ9JMxsLcComXN_unfNrxcqv3jf1KpFBGU1I7tbt7kL7ZbInVm2AUj/s3264/IMG_7295.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyhnkZZjAW47Gu7Hvo7te3y3UaixB6ZbbXdGSQRFSkEBQ4lc9UGhNL2Fipd24cxsku-cnZTmNZygvfRD-xS4nQhorYPRLTgaPgybG4JLrwkcVmWCmfQFOdMieg_4CtGuuqMTYM5TZ9JMxsLcComXN_unfNrxcqv3jf1KpFBGU1I7tbt7kL7ZbInVm2AUj/s320/IMG_7295.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I bought the last six Jaycar LM833 dual OPAMP based MM phono stage kits. This is the very last. Two were resold and four assembled and three sold so far. Where the previous “Player” was enclosed in an expensive Hammond extruded anodised Al enclosure this one cleverly hides in a strayed plastic enclosure. Colour is Iron Stone and thus the name for this final build. The paint is durable epoxy enamel on an etching primer. </p><p>The last two builds are powered by an external 12VAC wall wart. There is excellent power filtering and +/- 12V regulators on board to ensure a dead quiet MM phono stage. The RIAA EQ is a mix of passive and active plus there us a buffer gain stage. The front knob controls gain not volume though more gain means more volume. Input impedance is 47K. Internal components are most NP caps and metal film resistors. The inside of the enclosure is heavily lined with bituminised Al foil which is earthed. The foil shields the inside from stray electrical interference and the bitumen damps any resonances. </p><p>Overall the sound is transit quick, very clean and extremely detailed. The LM833 OPAMPs have bipolars transistors throughout which provides a rich warm tone though any similar OPAMP can be used. For example an OPA2134 can be dropped in. I find this FET/bipolar OPAMP not as warm and the bass not as full. Im staying with the LM833. </p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-75565844548413972392023-07-08T19:00:00.002-07:002023-07-08T19:05:52.876-07:00“Horizon” - Custom SRPP preamplifier<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPCqJBpEtzzDY65XcnzoTBn3M4Z08HLeTrb5HB7C5UYK5lXtXDYbtD2JErp5fFVvbpV9A9rACsiLFbas_wJxR3vHOnCqX48-GyYxWhInHWdRnXU2iuTdBmgG8VSATysgt19uVbIYb5R3oBlgGfP5E-k7-2qG3McCD0GqDbbfMeafvgvkb7RtMw142dUll/s3264/IMG_6834.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPCqJBpEtzzDY65XcnzoTBn3M4Z08HLeTrb5HB7C5UYK5lXtXDYbtD2JErp5fFVvbpV9A9rACsiLFbas_wJxR3vHOnCqX48-GyYxWhInHWdRnXU2iuTdBmgG8VSATysgt19uVbIYb5R3oBlgGfP5E-k7-2qG3McCD0GqDbbfMeafvgvkb7RtMw142dUll/s320/IMG_6834.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VbV5ZtwYzor5j8pwzc90ZxdXDzP2Mes6R24bZPVYr6gmHZw5ZijB89BGoRboy9pqBc2OhgS04GWkTYwlyLSLQCWx4n3v3yfqgrj_DCrUrKH079_FMALfz_-M0gmEfr3SfGnKuF13y8JnNuBK0B1RGJygHVkwYBpvLseahCseESxRJkDjt_6ZzcYJHtWl/s3264/IMG_6835.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VbV5ZtwYzor5j8pwzc90ZxdXDzP2Mes6R24bZPVYr6gmHZw5ZijB89BGoRboy9pqBc2OhgS04GWkTYwlyLSLQCWx4n3v3yfqgrj_DCrUrKH079_FMALfz_-M0gmEfr3SfGnKuF13y8JnNuBK0B1RGJygHVkwYBpvLseahCseESxRJkDjt_6ZzcYJHtWl/s320/IMG_6835.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6IhBRHjXc09fXNg959p1vs3AXRxx3NHXRMa9Ctbrka1bo03qtjP8G1pQFwMD959HFThwVxAbvSuuDl_UdVb93jETSJ5zImDLOlRJeXm8sYnJC9kgu9ImU4aFl_Pl8ctPR_phue_X6quhFGlym9iSFpJIGW2ydoV-Q3NFiaDhk2GElTGMXHD1q30NMsfm/s3264/IMG_6836.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6IhBRHjXc09fXNg959p1vs3AXRxx3NHXRMa9Ctbrka1bo03qtjP8G1pQFwMD959HFThwVxAbvSuuDl_UdVb93jETSJ5zImDLOlRJeXm8sYnJC9kgu9ImU4aFl_Pl8ctPR_phue_X6quhFGlym9iSFpJIGW2ydoV-Q3NFiaDhk2GElTGMXHD1q30NMsfm/s320/IMG_6836.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>This build centres around the 12AX7 tube and a SRPP schematic I have used a number of times. The custom part is a remote control which I have never used before. The motorised Alps Blue Velvet pot comes as a single unit with motor and control circuitry smartly attached on the rear. The remote is small with only volume usable. It works well but the steps are a little large and the preamp has a lot of gain.</p><p>To fix both issues I have some Tung-Sol 12AU7s coming which have a much lower gain and will allow the remote pot to be better controlled. If you pair this preamp with a power amp of low gain the X7s are a better selection. I’m very pleased with the finish which is Gun Metal epoxy hammertone. The chassis has wood cheeks and the whole appearance is understated and vintage industrial looking. </p><p>Two inputs selected from the front switch, silver plated fine copper wire for hookup and 1uf of PIO output caps makes for a good sounding preamp. The PS is external and has a Hammond 5H choke in a double Pi configuration. Also there is 300uf of snubbed high voltage caps for filtration. A 4uf PIO snubbed cap is the final cap and situated in the preamp. This always improves overall sound. Filament voltage is DC and the preamp is dead quiet, fast and detailed sounding. </p><p></p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-43453434116464729902023-07-02T17:40:00.003-07:002023-07-02T17:43:07.852-07:00French EL3N pentodes in a wine box amp<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4i0TOvQ5NzWlg5TrapRu0S6SCEE6bvHdyIfduf1oOca9F1OsxUB4WCilWmYbPsY5Kv0j00quqcSpMPC5uT-HcaLqWuqiyGuz7s3cRoloOLrGuxAvCYYZtkWrxYqQ2GrVOyyrurN-p5du9ek84g8k-F0kKjLFHQYALlo9mjfB3RDdw5ZCVUcIiJyk1akr/s3264/IMG_6729.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4i0TOvQ5NzWlg5TrapRu0S6SCEE6bvHdyIfduf1oOca9F1OsxUB4WCilWmYbPsY5Kv0j00quqcSpMPC5uT-HcaLqWuqiyGuz7s3cRoloOLrGuxAvCYYZtkWrxYqQ2GrVOyyrurN-p5du9ek84g8k-F0kKjLFHQYALlo9mjfB3RDdw5ZCVUcIiJyk1akr/s320/IMG_6729.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YE-El8VojddWG5CAMndruZ9joq2GJ7h249e2f69dnZiH1p4ickYleDZ1qyiLGM3nLvef1PZQawdC4fJRtZRuFMU_C2330qOghgzf5aM2h80lidh1nBr78QdevcMN1GuUQoVu3aQBWMqYr0ROLlWexznw7Rwtcfd3esyex8VWCbbp2Q2b9e1AMOysa_gI/s3264/IMG_6731.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YE-El8VojddWG5CAMndruZ9joq2GJ7h249e2f69dnZiH1p4ickYleDZ1qyiLGM3nLvef1PZQawdC4fJRtZRuFMU_C2330qOghgzf5aM2h80lidh1nBr78QdevcMN1GuUQoVu3aQBWMqYr0ROLlWexznw7Rwtcfd3esyex8VWCbbp2Q2b9e1AMOysa_gI/s320/IMG_6731.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5ZApakLhHlAbejM8g3QYaw31lTHuxOReA3JneL74DSGpZHze4Wpld-MTgaBLYXeA6F4k72H3-8yiUfCHrMel_OHVEwOrqJbwjMM5zZpFjj1SXOQ8vc-bAMf_-hdhvbE_uO7oY2aZAXMPskVpm8M5oJz-LSTtTT6oVIoVbzdp_hQKwHJYFxLqG73pab3I/s3264/IMG_6735.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5ZApakLhHlAbejM8g3QYaw31lTHuxOReA3JneL74DSGpZHze4Wpld-MTgaBLYXeA6F4k72H3-8yiUfCHrMel_OHVEwOrqJbwjMM5zZpFjj1SXOQ8vc-bAMf_-hdhvbE_uO7oY2aZAXMPskVpm8M5oJz-LSTtTT6oVIoVbzdp_hQKwHJYFxLqG73pab3I/s320/IMG_6735.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkW4KJgJkzwwsViSKG77GTxC094K0tR9pn7HA4LzcgWTAN4YqR9qkTluMdesUSIOCLYdC8FXJL5If5SWhY_jcjG8BiPcBEZLrednOdofN9ovjQa3D2uJxMl6Wqxir86BaKitsCO-DJu-VgH2499VShcCAbPulNbkS3ezcOj9rQGr56-bCAs6sg_F8oZbc2/s3264/IMG_6740.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkW4KJgJkzwwsViSKG77GTxC094K0tR9pn7HA4LzcgWTAN4YqR9qkTluMdesUSIOCLYdC8FXJL5If5SWhY_jcjG8BiPcBEZLrednOdofN9ovjQa3D2uJxMl6Wqxir86BaKitsCO-DJu-VgH2499VShcCAbPulNbkS3ezcOj9rQGr56-bCAs6sg_F8oZbc2/s320/IMG_6740.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBs3HGnp7FTJkX3Yj4XI_k8hsbzfWIP5Bh0YIhV-4zPMqbIvDcrCcXtPfIobX2nXaBjg4qu14uOxcXFSNaK4yP8HyKbwU5Z_B59UeFFbJ0xuqlOFN6J0uMl9Rx2yRxsU5XBxHaReGOhJzV6euUj1rjWyhFJ4EOY1JgdS9cTxs2kxybcDR_z_dtsOl-VC3/s3264/IMG_6751.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBs3HGnp7FTJkX3Yj4XI_k8hsbzfWIP5Bh0YIhV-4zPMqbIvDcrCcXtPfIobX2nXaBjg4qu14uOxcXFSNaK4yP8HyKbwU5Z_B59UeFFbJ0xuqlOFN6J0uMl9Rx2yRxsU5XBxHaReGOhJzV6euUj1rjWyhFJ4EOY1JgdS9cTxs2kxybcDR_z_dtsOl-VC3/s320/IMG_6751.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); color: #bbbbbb; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); color: #bbbbbb; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); color: #bbbbbb; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); color: #bbbbbb; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); color: #bbbbbb; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); color: #bbbbbb; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Bought a matched pair of French EL3Ns from eBay - NOS NIB but no amp to listen to them. Also bought ceramic bases and adapters. The adapters will allow you to insert the tubes into most pentode amps but ensure voltages and currents are correct. I was lucky both were close enough. </p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); color: #bbbbbb; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">From what I have read you should run the tubes in triode strap but for me who loves UL I left them as the amp had been wired for 6L6. In UL you get a little more power and I feel extra drive. Whatever, they sound extremely good and with one of my wine box 6L6 amps the tubes hissed but in the other (same schematic and parts values) dead quiet. You can get these tubes quite cheap but I paid a premium and again "whatever" a very pleasing audio result. </p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-17935786640053576212023-05-19T18:34:00.002-07:002023-08-18T01:51:26.918-07:00"Clarity" - 70W Class AB power amp<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqqu5IwBnLvWOGFnLBrSQUXLQArd77Wx9bTV1SxM8cgeYjjZMABRW3THHMnoJW9LyqxwWxN1Trty6NXhWdkv5TLmcmqMVBH4b1xM-9BrihMYeVMT9FvnFVX-G2Lk4St53wcqHuQEhMuBUz0_h0nDRqFWFqH87nQWMDEnoxd1txk_HhtWoSy7Nw3jxLw/s3264/Front_II.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqqu5IwBnLvWOGFnLBrSQUXLQArd77Wx9bTV1SxM8cgeYjjZMABRW3THHMnoJW9LyqxwWxN1Trty6NXhWdkv5TLmcmqMVBH4b1xM-9BrihMYeVMT9FvnFVX-G2Lk4St53wcqHuQEhMuBUz0_h0nDRqFWFqH87nQWMDEnoxd1txk_HhtWoSy7Nw3jxLw/s320/Front_II.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcF8hjyWqqmg5pXhT_mXiHA00v0FhWmitJNZX8vvf-7VZORcSj6RwMitGh5lJ8xCje_wqdZl2l6hpCtNNbdii0wv9J0N3WKUm8Tw-6frqrmqpmAcA53icDBTxkbUYU7jmi5YjPXnCODxG2EMI39fqP6HL6Ma-qjxPmCegk59Z5FYcM-fGiVUbB85ZPA/s3264/Front.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcF8hjyWqqmg5pXhT_mXiHA00v0FhWmitJNZX8vvf-7VZORcSj6RwMitGh5lJ8xCje_wqdZl2l6hpCtNNbdii0wv9J0N3WKUm8Tw-6frqrmqpmAcA53icDBTxkbUYU7jmi5YjPXnCODxG2EMI39fqP6HL6Ma-qjxPmCegk59Z5FYcM-fGiVUbB85ZPA/s320/Front.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE6hLU_AcGCh7tXjkebd63VQomQssQQ9aVv_tzEXx-SIVWUs2kR02oPimdRvOi63QkEVaBhIygfdWSkMd9FUs0htoCtbFC-JZ-S1d-9-gm3KyRJ386GOZtqY8tw_um8JHAg-JvT8gLhYKkY9y917-MJsPgQ0UQMHN79xvsq10aNA-KwymcVtv-K1Fug/s3264/Back.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE6hLU_AcGCh7tXjkebd63VQomQssQQ9aVv_tzEXx-SIVWUs2kR02oPimdRvOi63QkEVaBhIygfdWSkMd9FUs0htoCtbFC-JZ-S1d-9-gm3KyRJ386GOZtqY8tw_um8JHAg-JvT8gLhYKkY9y917-MJsPgQ0UQMHN79xvsq10aNA-KwymcVtv-K1Fug/s320/Back.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>From some inexpensive pre-assembled 120W SS power boards I constructed this good looking and extremely good sounding power amp. The brds are by LJM and purchased through eBay. The amp modules can deliver 120W each but because I used parts on-hand the max power possible is 70Wpc. The power tranni is from another project the 88,000uf of Mundorf MLytic audio grade caps from another but never got used. Diode bridge is 10A and the filter assembly is fully snubbed. A charcoal black 2U 19" rack mount enclosure I had to source new including other minor parts. </p><p>Looks cool and runs dead quiet. Lots of gain, around 31db, where 24db is the norm. The chassis and amp are earthed and fused and the amp an understated look. This amp doesn't appear to run out of power even when played very loud. The bass is deep and very well controlled and extremely tuneful, mids to treble are absolutely crystal clear thus the name. Clarity and transparence are definitely the signature of this amp which runs dead cold. A very high efficiency Class AB and one I have been enjoying daily. </p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-43618406731080925892023-03-17T21:02:00.010-07:002023-03-26T18:51:48.266-07:00"Xfi" - Garber inspired X-amp<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHl9asLwDPKUgv0w_JMcxAHLoT2Y_LGJIm2_barYxthAcNHl_L3Gm3961dk6GyWPK3427tUCHTU_0MUmEGJ-VuaMMOlEnKlXlFoORSaV3EGjYh11dfmBL8WGc1DGDylojnfBYxmHbGe0vieB0f8hvX54Ms9M9RBGdWgknA5hUDj6MzkN7b39u9zKOvg/s3264/Inplace.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHl9asLwDPKUgv0w_JMcxAHLoT2Y_LGJIm2_barYxthAcNHl_L3Gm3961dk6GyWPK3427tUCHTU_0MUmEGJ-VuaMMOlEnKlXlFoORSaV3EGjYh11dfmBL8WGc1DGDylojnfBYxmHbGe0vieB0f8hvX54Ms9M9RBGdWgknA5hUDj6MzkN7b39u9zKOvg/s320/Inplace.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT9D7NSC-VY5ND7-bv2KMVEG3jB7R01IgLE6laKGZIFPunUSqySyWGcbX-s8Ma6rYPcjjtDa_THkXPSZyMnX7YWbx3b3voqjJUOqpZ7lwDZS-wcKqfchwY4qKFWc1uB5cebKo_DROkn28kys4UAg29ftStgNlGgY58lZ5QnerBh7J42gwx07fb7MG_A/s3264/PS.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT9D7NSC-VY5ND7-bv2KMVEG3jB7R01IgLE6laKGZIFPunUSqySyWGcbX-s8Ma6rYPcjjtDa_THkXPSZyMnX7YWbx3b3voqjJUOqpZ7lwDZS-wcKqfchwY4qKFWc1uB5cebKo_DROkn28kys4UAg29ftStgNlGgY58lZ5QnerBh7J42gwx07fb7MG_A/s320/PS.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OgC-Bce-GRD3T8Vi8b6DajF5j5gQLjZGPhM506WCYIWor47gi0eQ71l7gfUWclt4LjWsjr7N39oaYnZjVrSb2a2SK82xmYEah2SU1_Lk7s7qvTX5G7KL26LaLRye6LbHSElnAowX7xCT0XK3MlRHrRCkALTY3sLjsL3QzGmD-Y-R_UpfwJELnJ318A/s3264/Xfi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OgC-Bce-GRD3T8Vi8b6DajF5j5gQLjZGPhM506WCYIWor47gi0eQ71l7gfUWclt4LjWsjr7N39oaYnZjVrSb2a2SK82xmYEah2SU1_Lk7s7qvTX5G7KL26LaLRye6LbHSElnAowX7xCT0XK3MlRHrRCkALTY3sLjsL3QzGmD-Y-R_UpfwJELnJ318A/s320/Xfi.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1NM10xEKLtzqwEOcLoByI7dudrBBljGR1S9tyMRRhPEEUu7fEIY27uHg5ROZvh7Goen8SYPEkOq9IBDaOVm4yETe7eqBAKmrg-a2hb2AgbOh_ngEmE5WwOG2XwZJUGzeg24Cri945XcxdHiC5YJ5X1n0xiasH-E5Fm6TU-sxvTSkFGyIga9srOI80w/s3264/SideIII.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1NM10xEKLtzqwEOcLoByI7dudrBBljGR1S9tyMRRhPEEUu7fEIY27uHg5ROZvh7Goen8SYPEkOq9IBDaOVm4yETe7eqBAKmrg-a2hb2AgbOh_ngEmE5WwOG2XwZJUGzeg24Cri945XcxdHiC5YJ5X1n0xiasH-E5Fm6TU-sxvTSkFGyIga9srOI80w/s320/SideIII.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BDJe5O3F4WWO-LC_5UKM79mND0QDtyswbOZx706aScF3YZpKcJI2GOBHnQ6CB3Oy8_yUr_CF0SMhv5EP2ZP3QoAXEO_Lupf_5QgcQc0Ru1wnDGIuggn5coEaZ8oyeLK54XOMEAB9M-7V7ZQipKTFpR258Y-z3AJO_u4H3uaJqT0jyERwtbebIqy86g/s3264/Side.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BDJe5O3F4WWO-LC_5UKM79mND0QDtyswbOZx706aScF3YZpKcJI2GOBHnQ6CB3Oy8_yUr_CF0SMhv5EP2ZP3QoAXEO_Lupf_5QgcQc0Ru1wnDGIuggn5coEaZ8oyeLK54XOMEAB9M-7V7ZQipKTFpR258Y-z3AJO_u4H3uaJqT0jyERwtbebIqy86g/s320/Side.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YKlqRe1Hc91ClwtRY5jZd8M928cEaIrTFPOyTsvjIjr4c8JgTxxzOXLCV6OM_ZXLWbw-pvxAmUAmWE7WcPJbTZ7LUjF-4h2A6-maVvvo8YJ-SZFK9KWJOEa0e6OLMrIFiMZcpkcsKA-xm0JAfWEggN6PYvunCeKZs5mCWWBrfdTG0Eh1wDLXKX8-LA/s3264/Front.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YKlqRe1Hc91ClwtRY5jZd8M928cEaIrTFPOyTsvjIjr4c8JgTxxzOXLCV6OM_ZXLWbw-pvxAmUAmWE7WcPJbTZ7LUjF-4h2A6-maVvvo8YJ-SZFK9KWJOEa0e6OLMrIFiMZcpkcsKA-xm0JAfWEggN6PYvunCeKZs5mCWWBrfdTG0Eh1wDLXKX8-LA/s320/Front.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz5GRMcjK4SeZQ4xEskM_KAHkt-WN3G9h_a499GINYt0gf_nMvHnqxF9rSW8dLSzfbGu5l1JxBbkcwaj1r8Q8L2xE3uLWDkz70uNlAe5N6gCfpM3vOAJZaHDEXTFRSgzwQF2Cc8-rH5R9lnDFJRbjwLTAwlLZ3ooyftYbLGuFjn5Es1Tpcn0MNavW6g/s3264/Inside.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz5GRMcjK4SeZQ4xEskM_KAHkt-WN3G9h_a499GINYt0gf_nMvHnqxF9rSW8dLSzfbGu5l1JxBbkcwaj1r8Q8L2xE3uLWDkz70uNlAe5N6gCfpM3vOAJZaHDEXTFRSgzwQF2Cc8-rH5R9lnDFJRbjwLTAwlLZ3ooyftYbLGuFjn5Es1Tpcn0MNavW6g/s320/Inside.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p>If Don Garber hadn't built the X-amp all those years ago neither would I. Don passed in 2017 so I can't image too many new X-amps under the fi audio name. So Don, thanks, this is not a turning point for me but a milestone in 52+ years of audio electronics and my homage to a man who thought outside of a timber base and top plate with tubes exposed. Not sure of any sonic or electrical advantages from the cramped X space design but for looks - it's a killer!</p><p>Sonic improvement will come with parts selection and layout. How does my "Xfi" sound - incredible! Due to - Mundorf EVO interstage caps, Hammond over speced power tranni, Edor 10W OPTs, Russian NOS/NIB 6H5C (6AS7) power tube (stunning sounding and by far the best 6AS7 I have very heard), modern Tung-Sol driver tube, ceramic sockets all carbon film 1W resistors, Sylvania NOS/NIB 5U4GB rec tube, double Pi filtration and DC on heaters. </p><p>Over the last few years I've got friendly with local metal suppliers - KK Metals - who cut and bent my four plates to my specs - 200mm square, 3mm Al and right angle bend in the middle. Not hard. Drilling all the assembly holes was done with plates clamped together to ensure perfect assembly alignment and it worked. An external PS allowed a little more room in the amp but it still got crapped and smaller parts had to swapped for larger ones. Still a very good result.</p><p>Colour is Gun Metal Epoxy and apart from a few artistic runs looks industrial purposeful. Right now this is the best sounding amp I have ever built and through my 93db sensitive woofer and horn speakers displays very detailed, transparent mids, solid bass and crisp treble. Plays loud! Piano and voice are right in the room or be transported to the studio. That good. Already thinking a 1622 (6L6) amp but it will need to be a little larger. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-19320611512766040462023-02-25T18:11:00.004-08:002023-07-09T17:42:50.341-07:00"Oceans" - 6SN7 single stage preamp<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5J_oeDo4brvgkaTfHvmfKRp1GLVNukZFp7CVmBALEX49TlepC7MjV_Icb_IxeFskzO83xNS5TOwJLxDcA_BKISGH5h1ri_EOD9qmn6pEQCVWPlc4NQziuEoo9l0I50bLBqW-Ox0lV7SlgZ-43iByXxdPbC9a97BQeVfAZXsbRt84Nnp1iGPCgffX_2Q/s3264/Top.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5J_oeDo4brvgkaTfHvmfKRp1GLVNukZFp7CVmBALEX49TlepC7MjV_Icb_IxeFskzO83xNS5TOwJLxDcA_BKISGH5h1ri_EOD9qmn6pEQCVWPlc4NQziuEoo9l0I50bLBqW-Ox0lV7SlgZ-43iByXxdPbC9a97BQeVfAZXsbRt84Nnp1iGPCgffX_2Q/s320/Top.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3wSQpz7dlGmBNhIt7_zKA8TnDXPK-QWTNAvxEl_ZKrxbgLS7xW7ZBXmJXOJrWwolBC2_Ap9f_3-Q3x16s5UsRJvENlySSShErdXfeqwKLuOODGInDcR-8ADA3Xx__5Q9O4YnYdwb_tQid0HvaFuCNdQ340AzxuuR5lOwlfJi-YnVcv8D8XMKCju7KQ/s3264/Rear.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3wSQpz7dlGmBNhIt7_zKA8TnDXPK-QWTNAvxEl_ZKrxbgLS7xW7ZBXmJXOJrWwolBC2_Ap9f_3-Q3x16s5UsRJvENlySSShErdXfeqwKLuOODGInDcR-8ADA3Xx__5Q9O4YnYdwb_tQid0HvaFuCNdQ340AzxuuR5lOwlfJi-YnVcv8D8XMKCju7KQ/s320/Rear.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBoCJxQ-ajgAIRaYFPaVUgll-qik3JlSgF2XkOa94wcxTN9f007upcCfJnnBBkn54khmZ9q3gfdI4sEqc4mZ1I1dyfPBHn3yhf9k3HE0-UBBVPwGkAfNpPeccJszDfmB9jxVGHJN01RgXZxk5l_wDy1-kSOQ_tMQIf5Jeq98G936yAyXosS3FmzQ-dA/s3264/Front.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBoCJxQ-ajgAIRaYFPaVUgll-qik3JlSgF2XkOa94wcxTN9f007upcCfJnnBBkn54khmZ9q3gfdI4sEqc4mZ1I1dyfPBHn3yhf9k3HE0-UBBVPwGkAfNpPeccJszDfmB9jxVGHJN01RgXZxk5l_wDy1-kSOQ_tMQIf5Jeq98G936yAyXosS3FmzQ-dA/s320/Front.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody, serif;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody, serif;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody, serif;">This build is very similar to the
original Ocean but the tube is a new JJ 6SN7GT. Nice so far but all parts
need a 50 hour break-in. Choked PS double Pi with 5H choke. Cast Al enclosure,
Alps Blue Velvet pot gold vernier knob, snubbed NP Cks, silver plated fine wire
for hookup. HT=260V, Bias=3.8V. All metal film Rs. Three inputs on this one. And Ocean Blue Hammertone finish.</span></p><br /><p></p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-19413660224198002532023-02-03T17:50:00.006-08:002023-08-18T01:50:06.192-07:00Reference - EAR834p MM phono stage<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZcbuV2C4H8hP_5vnzVT5HVa1hNMSoKFt3h5fjwJvVwkK0b1z7eLBYjttEmZ3H3semvHtxkaJDbMyvRkkCt_qbDaidgRyrxdYiTZjtIKrx3ZDsEKgdQx5PtG8KFQtUAGjnRwUDE_hM2aOQQY6dtlivP0ewTQOgAu9AQpaqyOpSyS89X-AWxYG1QtuWQ/s3264/Rear.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZcbuV2C4H8hP_5vnzVT5HVa1hNMSoKFt3h5fjwJvVwkK0b1z7eLBYjttEmZ3H3semvHtxkaJDbMyvRkkCt_qbDaidgRyrxdYiTZjtIKrx3ZDsEKgdQx5PtG8KFQtUAGjnRwUDE_hM2aOQQY6dtlivP0ewTQOgAu9AQpaqyOpSyS89X-AWxYG1QtuWQ/s320/Rear.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAUQMvDWcTz4WbklkGO1hm8ljPwcjHmFmDuYqVA8NKySzwGBBJuVwrMToeB2BbgER5H3FSvddFMbURgdwlepnAejchrzgbe1-GZlwY6uzhF2KNeUHaHxFL-MIPAvdwDs5gWsKWl6taQe1zuIFG-PPgTgCm8YbXEbPHLSDFfIyEmpXStzAMY78zuNfzA/s3264/Front_II.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAUQMvDWcTz4WbklkGO1hm8ljPwcjHmFmDuYqVA8NKySzwGBBJuVwrMToeB2BbgER5H3FSvddFMbURgdwlepnAejchrzgbe1-GZlwY6uzhF2KNeUHaHxFL-MIPAvdwDs5gWsKWl6taQe1zuIFG-PPgTgCm8YbXEbPHLSDFfIyEmpXStzAMY78zuNfzA/s320/Front_II.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpuCdlO4byGQG1M5tI2nIOwyMznhjBGVcPMFJLtLiHYo4a2l-r-5gWGXo9_-Cj7f1wJ1wF_TdJ58irG2K61ZVZCVXZl1-xNtvqyyAE8X2fPMZ9LhCzyq2kiT6o2C0REv4QPfm7PxwiNphRHdB_NRWuZkEiHP8KnvEDDh3tkQCScMtOi32pY2_Kc1SPA/s3264/Front.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpuCdlO4byGQG1M5tI2nIOwyMznhjBGVcPMFJLtLiHYo4a2l-r-5gWGXo9_-Cj7f1wJ1wF_TdJ58irG2K61ZVZCVXZl1-xNtvqyyAE8X2fPMZ9LhCzyq2kiT6o2C0REv4QPfm7PxwiNphRHdB_NRWuZkEiHP8KnvEDDh3tkQCScMtOi32pY2_Kc1SPA/s320/Front.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>This the third of the EAR834p builds but only the second of this high-end kit. The PCB for both the preamp and PS are heavier duty 2oz copper and beautifully made. Plated through, silk screened and solder masked. The board is partially assembled but for me all the tall parts on the bottom so the ceramic tubes sockets poke through the top plate. The quality of the passive parts is exotic and extreme some I have never seen before.</p><p>I wanted this to be the very best build of this phono stage I have ever made so Psvane new "S" gold pin 12AX7s and Tung-Sol 12AU7s were ordered. Enclosure is a larger than normal Hammond wood cheek. Paint is gloss black Epoxy Enamel with an etching primer. Tough when dry. Cheeks are finished with bee's wax. RCAs are high-end Teflon, rhodium and copper. </p><p>PS is external and uses a 24V 1A wall wart to supply low voltage AC to be rectified and smoothed. Filaments are on DC in a single Pi config and HT a doubled Pi. HT smoothing is CLCRC with a 5H Hammon choke. Supper quiet PS supplying 12VDC and 260VDC. No shielded wire is used internally but heavily twisted fine silver plated copper wire for all audio path hookup. WBT silver based solder used and heavier multi-strand wire supplies filament current and HT voltage. I cut traks and modified the PCB to work with 12V for the filaments and not 6.3V. Silicon rubber tube dampers help control micro-vibrations in the new tubes. </p><p>The sound is very transparent with excellent sound-stage depth and well extended solid bass. The presentation is grounded and feels real! The best EAR I have ever made, yes have to agree, looks very good sound even better? A real keeper though not cheap. </p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-32402462063494132252023-01-13T18:53:00.001-08:002023-08-18T01:52:41.641-07:00External Xovers with high-end inductors<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJK56fa0wh68xGXhutXT2Jcv-3UILfk3fLsfaesn6wYU7aUvUDYh8OyPJ8Ar1FLdoIoFaQEpMOL5cehcmo_9zaQ54Q-JNZubctaBf_bHjVDhL0EJd19C7t4yiB360xGwCDPSVekwAH7UlGynM73GkIlJvxK-ZPGunnmlQ1ovhsOsjcpkOBRGGbs5n6A/s3264/Outside.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJK56fa0wh68xGXhutXT2Jcv-3UILfk3fLsfaesn6wYU7aUvUDYh8OyPJ8Ar1FLdoIoFaQEpMOL5cehcmo_9zaQ54Q-JNZubctaBf_bHjVDhL0EJd19C7t4yiB360xGwCDPSVekwAH7UlGynM73GkIlJvxK-ZPGunnmlQ1ovhsOsjcpkOBRGGbs5n6A/s320/Outside.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBwuMpSZ4nrsiCJapDsmtHVqY_NV-lco7lRMSkoT-2JwcTYOXZ_DxHCMx_b8tFoXjeYz4xknX_K-N46euzBwCqsVFMp_sHeXY3mXHBnKZjnSLnLcIUNzRP9uy-0bB5WHLX-wPRP0OQefdE0G_M_g5JynAA8dDMJApwMdxK_Q9mQqKoVbQlG_PnHXK1g/s3264/Inside.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBwuMpSZ4nrsiCJapDsmtHVqY_NV-lco7lRMSkoT-2JwcTYOXZ_DxHCMx_b8tFoXjeYz4xknX_K-N46euzBwCqsVFMp_sHeXY3mXHBnKZjnSLnLcIUNzRP9uy-0bB5WHLX-wPRP0OQefdE0G_M_g5JynAA8dDMJApwMdxK_Q9mQqKoVbQlG_PnHXK1g/s320/Inside.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I was asked to make some external Xovers for another's expensive big speakers. Initially it was to be an electronic Xover which I have built before but we ended up with passives. Inductors were copper foil and "C" core. Neither of these I have used before but were easy to work with. The caps were simple 100V NPs Xover caps and the Xover was symmetrical. </p><p>Hookup wire was double pairs of solid core Cat5. Boxes were plastic and jammed with Dacron. this provides a non-magnetic resonance suppressed enclosure. Binding posts were solid brass gold plated three-ways. The mids and woofers were different impedances but that just meant careful selection of parts. Limiting resistors matched driver sensitivity. The tweeters feed of the mid-range and are internal. </p><p>Word from the owner is they sound about right with no fine tuning required. I had to make some guesses how to voice the Xovers to give balance across frequencies. Looks like I made some good guesses. </p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-82635108350106131342022-12-25T19:34:00.005-08:002022-12-25T19:39:15.588-08:00"Ocean" - RCA 6SN7 preamp<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHfj_qi96ZDH5SxKDUcYwSj5YFrOucOelnaavgcSawrZsbz1dco0cEqtiPOaKzaIgv3FzrGu64Ni8GkW71lHbdN8eYWE-kGLDBYXeURkdzb8ZAJD6A_zPNoF-D0gPcjUH4rYniInPg3rs2SKnYPLqK8QUh7AL5e76TWLEdGulRlGQ1HvaO_elaGf_mg/s3264/Front.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHfj_qi96ZDH5SxKDUcYwSj5YFrOucOelnaavgcSawrZsbz1dco0cEqtiPOaKzaIgv3FzrGu64Ni8GkW71lHbdN8eYWE-kGLDBYXeURkdzb8ZAJD6A_zPNoF-D0gPcjUH4rYniInPg3rs2SKnYPLqK8QUh7AL5e76TWLEdGulRlGQ1HvaO_elaGf_mg/s320/Front.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEYWjb6EaNiefYWrojFTtpCPG-8-79WKYXq1T8jrAmyVKiuriwZN68pIHwvrqVpD5XlO5oHbaFd_GENYNuHsrjwroaqVOpAr5jl2QZA_hMjHBuLpBqL_av7mFFo8GFndFMRerlz4E-_FgZ7xvK_E_4pAlzEVkailGYYw5CKbJWknqh0bvQWAoV_R6PA/s3264/Ocean.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEYWjb6EaNiefYWrojFTtpCPG-8-79WKYXq1T8jrAmyVKiuriwZN68pIHwvrqVpD5XlO5oHbaFd_GENYNuHsrjwroaqVOpAr5jl2QZA_hMjHBuLpBqL_av7mFFo8GFndFMRerlz4E-_FgZ7xvK_E_4pAlzEVkailGYYw5CKbJWknqh0bvQWAoV_R6PA/s320/Ocean.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFop9xwMrRkh01BF6IuFgbJ11LsweP2P9Dv9JOvAtAK-PCNWfy-Kf4tL5fccrcUk8iV96Tbupm08BTlCtx2zaird1Pb6UZ5RDFf4-wdvBnT7FhBNVsDOOsXSaZIlOpKTDUfbHNSIJrTZ-7DZ_jReR_gWPR68fcDIj61Y_Ze2hUc-Hjbn9HIu8poFfsFQ/s3264/Top.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFop9xwMrRkh01BF6IuFgbJ11LsweP2P9Dv9JOvAtAK-PCNWfy-Kf4tL5fccrcUk8iV96Tbupm08BTlCtx2zaird1Pb6UZ5RDFf4-wdvBnT7FhBNVsDOOsXSaZIlOpKTDUfbHNSIJrTZ-7DZ_jReR_gWPR68fcDIj61Y_Ze2hUc-Hjbn9HIu8poFfsFQ/s320/Top.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYurRFOiLUqyA2Jn5Ta1I28tlaf19kZQuZIyQ7xhnZ1NscyTs5vBO_CaUH0h_YF4374KE7zfy9bTr93P9Mv0cU-NcQwmRXnzMHYq_W5-q400JpFXe_KDVx2phFbRowGRKvL4uKu3QOCjSRWezoVv4OHzy8gsm9Hechijg5OXuyq0yHZ-SjrdKq8tShQg/s3264/Bottom.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYurRFOiLUqyA2Jn5Ta1I28tlaf19kZQuZIyQ7xhnZ1NscyTs5vBO_CaUH0h_YF4374KE7zfy9bTr93P9Mv0cU-NcQwmRXnzMHYq_W5-q400JpFXe_KDVx2phFbRowGRKvL4uKu3QOCjSRWezoVv4OHzy8gsm9Hechijg5OXuyq0yHZ-SjrdKq8tShQg/s320/Bottom.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p>Once more drawing from vintage tubes I've had for years here is another fabulous sounding super simple preamp. On a compact cast Al enclosure and sprayed Ocean Blue Hammertone with large vernier gold knob. Two inputs and external PS which uses electronic smoothing on the HT (DC heater voltage also) with also PIO output caps and carbon film resistors. Solder is WBT silver solder.</p><p>An alps pot controls level out as it is on the output rather than the input to ensure an extremely quiet preamp. Wiring is point-2-point and componenet-2-component wiring, no PCBs and no shielded wire to dull the sound. Signal wire is all silver plated, mill-spec. fine copper wire. Gold plated RCAs. </p><p>I have stated on the past I'm a lover of modern high-end Chinese tubes but the last few preamps with vintage Radiotron and now RCA tubes has made me re-consider tube selection in the future. There is an abundance of detail, transparency, warmth and extreme naturalism in the last two builds not sure I have felt in newer expensive tubes. Another gem built mainly from parts on hand. </p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-12270801836129801952022-11-26T16:20:00.011-08:002022-11-26T21:29:43.063-08:00"Mirage" - 6H3N-EB preamp<p></p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZi7TAZl6ZYnik63aGpFM4QYIXLAhzP9RSiyXPiej8UkurR98Cx0arbYTl3Pqg7F7nFz5wb06o6waQ80YPAORD_-ZdpPiDsi3idP3rFRZ_fe24bw05-N4FMRxh9GFbJ2DINnLBzBRYVLF4AtUk80qHe4H19i04NR-PISZniEIzVgv43HZdWXRg4l8Dw/s3264/Front.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZi7TAZl6ZYnik63aGpFM4QYIXLAhzP9RSiyXPiej8UkurR98Cx0arbYTl3Pqg7F7nFz5wb06o6waQ80YPAORD_-ZdpPiDsi3idP3rFRZ_fe24bw05-N4FMRxh9GFbJ2DINnLBzBRYVLF4AtUk80qHe4H19i04NR-PISZniEIzVgv43HZdWXRg4l8Dw/s320/Front.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNDbIrzVpj8rZ6v7PXTEzh1yNLZGv7Bfxn-ZvEbDBL3m8zrxjWVgZrZZ3e7d8Q1E3DMmQXxcG7mjeSt7v7ceNluHpS4PctlFhPereFIYXd2kikTnaQd64-gi1yqF84S6DpprfchMfqkPf7UUmKEqhotVvHeEqh_FxxFQ28-1kS2IRjpZl8ueui-hpTA/s3264/Front2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNDbIrzVpj8rZ6v7PXTEzh1yNLZGv7Bfxn-ZvEbDBL3m8zrxjWVgZrZZ3e7d8Q1E3DMmQXxcG7mjeSt7v7ceNluHpS4PctlFhPereFIYXd2kikTnaQd64-gi1yqF84S6DpprfchMfqkPf7UUmKEqhotVvHeEqh_FxxFQ28-1kS2IRjpZl8ueui-hpTA/s320/Front2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Awy1qXM6EhkzgRSpfPuevQ6emCQdqzm195CWR43rzhXuRpd6F90LpvmwUH70AcMqGSik5VACGwiKCIWjGNUNnfGU9ChBkI4eTWYseNa8dxe-4osAcwt59wxzXzvS1JwxY1TI5Jz2n94dpfQquqnMU4qPmqUill0F_mkdIeOYqByzuVvv_G0cKCX3gg/s3264/Image.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Awy1qXM6EhkzgRSpfPuevQ6emCQdqzm195CWR43rzhXuRpd6F90LpvmwUH70AcMqGSik5VACGwiKCIWjGNUNnfGU9ChBkI4eTWYseNa8dxe-4osAcwt59wxzXzvS1JwxY1TI5Jz2n94dpfQquqnMU4qPmqUill0F_mkdIeOYqByzuVvv_G0cKCX3gg/s320/Image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYrbEXcDL6_iubC9kYqz6iRhrVgNee-Zql70WglsYJaDGlyt4Wypn4JDJ9V_DgBYfflUATOBZPGkzGfl9JFQPMw_ocLFMcWitRczCMPp8fsWpXEFAvmB84cNgA8Ns2EFYPjB2zQYNu55uYbgcq4t9iTDbgA-ABtVmJJUGCVgZrTF8A4u5Gmi_xYn2cQ/s3264/Back.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYrbEXcDL6_iubC9kYqz6iRhrVgNee-Zql70WglsYJaDGlyt4Wypn4JDJ9V_DgBYfflUATOBZPGkzGfl9JFQPMw_ocLFMcWitRczCMPp8fsWpXEFAvmB84cNgA8Ns2EFYPjB2zQYNu55uYbgcq4t9iTDbgA-ABtVmJJUGCVgZrTF8A4u5Gmi_xYn2cQ/s320/Back.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There are many strange and wonderful tubes you can build preamps and power amps with. When repairing an Asian made 300B I thought the driver tubes (6H3B) may have been faulty. Accidently I ordered two triplets of 6H3 tubes one triplet 6H3N-EB Russian tubes. The 6H3Ns ended up in a headphone amp and the "EB" tubes in this two-stage preamp. Thankfully both builds perform beautifully and are as pleasing to the eye as to the ear.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Mirage" is another example where a solid plastic enclosure looks like a metal one. This trick I have performed a few times in the past with good results. Also to add to the look this one is sprayed two-tone in Epoxy Enamel. Inside there is a mix of carbon film resistors, metal film and wire wound. Caps are a mix of polies, X2, and low ESR electrolytic. Further HT filtering is carried out at the front-end. This preamp is dead quiet. But the interesting component is the output cap. This is a vintage Australian PMG made NP 1uF cap. The PMG is where I started work in 1970 and was Australia's fledgling telecommunication government owned company. Evidently, they made a lot of their own components and that's where I picked-up the rare cap fifty years ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>The PS is external and there is another external box with the stepdown tranni and power filter. The PS is choked in a double Pi configuration (300uf of filter caps) and there is DC on the heaters. The AC PS plugs into the PS and the PS plugs into the preamp. Two inputs are provided and hookup wire is fine silver plated copper wire. The knob is custom-made of American Oak on a black Al base. </div><div><br /></div><div>The topology is simple plate follower front-end followed by an SRPP backend. This combines good gain with very low output impedance. The sound is very clear almost SS like. Bass extends to 30hZ and mids upfront and very clearly and very cleanly presented. I've heard greater transparence in my other tube preamps but not the clarity this preamp presents. From cheap tubes and a plastic enclosure comes a true treasure of a beautiful simple preamp. </div>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-42077093150988555022022-10-27T18:58:00.002-07:002022-11-09T15:35:51.969-08:00"Player" - MM phono stage<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvPkPOGUizVLLtIV1R8v0gd81QGoRvkfSaDXkLtMfKLkr1tBffZUeT8_VZcVHM31bGKXhEVcnx2SQMbSLY9vZBHDNgHkksbNac5d7Vg2Vqj8gFSVGsvbXRJYueKci2h0IbnktMzKEfToW1lpSfOjMln7pjh5pEqsZgsyAJ7ejp-tVr6UXLNPHx32HuQ/s3264/Front.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvPkPOGUizVLLtIV1R8v0gd81QGoRvkfSaDXkLtMfKLkr1tBffZUeT8_VZcVHM31bGKXhEVcnx2SQMbSLY9vZBHDNgHkksbNac5d7Vg2Vqj8gFSVGsvbXRJYueKci2h0IbnktMzKEfToW1lpSfOjMln7pjh5pEqsZgsyAJ7ejp-tVr6UXLNPHx32HuQ/s320/Front.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oR1QdqCGsIDQFbGk7oK0sdGMBud7emU1sXh6-eg8cWKEvS3JZ-UzA6CGnCHiQHUVd9X971jR7qiptQoam98MsXDM1jDLkjy-72KjIETpzeE5tv1YLfkqI7QClMvJ3WtfyCaA6gK_HIWVgFn9T3gmeN7mcD4paHpITLTUaedmPZNHV1PHyWrK2gQ4aw/s3264/back.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oR1QdqCGsIDQFbGk7oK0sdGMBud7emU1sXh6-eg8cWKEvS3JZ-UzA6CGnCHiQHUVd9X971jR7qiptQoam98MsXDM1jDLkjy-72KjIETpzeE5tv1YLfkqI7QClMvJ3WtfyCaA6gK_HIWVgFn9T3gmeN7mcD4paHpITLTUaedmPZNHV1PHyWrK2gQ4aw/s320/back.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkfnQO9TOTZMKd6vGZTmdTMZamiLPigvO_AG-AQD0ZKG2Hb4LxtfVNfEXiQrCBuUzOQlCl8cgSXcjlkWrbDxujeZnOqhusnSPqofIkgWP9-9LRykuCVtUBBqZnyT86PwsWUA90BTeCqEsqW-QWBAVYc4Ann07KQZzpcDn3mPgh7J-QdjBUBiX54EqEQ/s3264/top.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkfnQO9TOTZMKd6vGZTmdTMZamiLPigvO_AG-AQD0ZKG2Hb4LxtfVNfEXiQrCBuUzOQlCl8cgSXcjlkWrbDxujeZnOqhusnSPqofIkgWP9-9LRykuCVtUBBqZnyT86PwsWUA90BTeCqEsqW-QWBAVYc4Ann07KQZzpcDn3mPgh7J-QdjBUBiX54EqEQ/s320/top.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jOYOF0jV1VwzEMfa21LXii1ypFG_7WlQj-EKuiJLcheDtWgulZc1LvRgGs3Qoekwksqq4CZLH1uvzYGZgkUMz81Px9Kl8PJveBtmfnXUzj953XHb-mmB-VjNkSJ-8xYHQrNtsfHoQ1wSfm_ziB9hNlld9INZru0u3ApyaQVAnytIMsxLMCAYes6X7g/s3264/Box.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jOYOF0jV1VwzEMfa21LXii1ypFG_7WlQj-EKuiJLcheDtWgulZc1LvRgGs3Qoekwksqq4CZLH1uvzYGZgkUMz81Px9Kl8PJveBtmfnXUzj953XHb-mmB-VjNkSJ-8xYHQrNtsfHoQ1wSfm_ziB9hNlld9INZru0u3ApyaQVAnytIMsxLMCAYes6X7g/s320/Box.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>When Jaycar discontinued this MM phono kit, some years back, based on the LM833 chip, I bought the last six in Oz. This is the last from 2006. They come complete with standard parts but you provide your own enclosure and AC wall wart. To that end I had an extruded Hammond anodised Al enclosure and a 16VAC 1.5A wall wart. Perfect. </p><p>Wiring is via silver plated fine copper wire (heavier for the power cct.) and WBT silver solder. Two regs and basic filtering on board ensures a dead quiet preamp, no hum, buzz or his. The chips are almost vintage LM833 which are slightly warmer than the OPA2134 (which can drop in) but provide excellent detail and good bass articulation. Most caps are MKTs known for the accuracy and stability. Resistors metal film. </p><p>Because the phono stage has a gain control (second chip acts as a buffer with variable gain) "Player" can be connected direct to your power amp. And this is how I am listing to it. When I think my DIY EAR834p is the best tube MM phono stage I have heard this inexpensive preamp betters it! Transparence and a rich tone just locks you in to the vinyl and commands your attention. Very impressive, sad the kit is no longer available. </p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-5046111233935643102022-10-11T17:44:00.005-07:002022-12-16T17:16:20.743-08:00"Vintage" - Radiotron 6SN7GTA preamp<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOl40_iXDz3zUZwY84-Nvkpf_99Ej8sUqiI-6np8Gsbe4C2ncEhZiCc-K3qKP4riX6CHZ-hVE1zHVpbCyBOpQepASR4qEw1qWGEIOQulgIjwIEfMKzJVDWA1ABTA0YrcRsNev9bnW8EgRPCMBboL8oTe0zTs8WJE5s9_Cv6woPiFBNRpip_oPuFE2_g/s3264/front.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOl40_iXDz3zUZwY84-Nvkpf_99Ej8sUqiI-6np8Gsbe4C2ncEhZiCc-K3qKP4riX6CHZ-hVE1zHVpbCyBOpQepASR4qEw1qWGEIOQulgIjwIEfMKzJVDWA1ABTA0YrcRsNev9bnW8EgRPCMBboL8oTe0zTs8WJE5s9_Cv6woPiFBNRpip_oPuFE2_g/s320/front.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUGXbUJ-m8SL7lhfO_Bw-BwMtYmGRnyahCUjo-bqDOEMFEnCwoc0g8BaNSjfMw-PgzUrTVV1yBFz-dhMwXNtbPVJhCQeL0fUhvwd0A4G8sm-U8nWSq-6Nczi-jdtNeCJnPwTiu3N7dNsRopuAdvAkrSWh-8XbpMO6iPvS8MyqcOLfsrRHJbhYjG6jtQ/s3264/Vintage_front.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUGXbUJ-m8SL7lhfO_Bw-BwMtYmGRnyahCUjo-bqDOEMFEnCwoc0g8BaNSjfMw-PgzUrTVV1yBFz-dhMwXNtbPVJhCQeL0fUhvwd0A4G8sm-U8nWSq-6Nczi-jdtNeCJnPwTiu3N7dNsRopuAdvAkrSWh-8XbpMO6iPvS8MyqcOLfsrRHJbhYjG6jtQ/s320/Vintage_front.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFQz3-rjwXs_fguRGGJnMba9njt4ZnTzvNbVzRnaQDkWTsFm4tpL3EOg4kFg0o0HGrzuquxHUPvFot5ITaL_RuvH23v2nTqd0KmHzZS16LGTSwKlQBSv2VRszr_3m6S_W0qi7qa_Qq2N0EGQdj29bdRXDLgnJPrV8EKoOBeBK5DaOP2NrPryf-coB9g/s3264/Vintage_1.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFQz3-rjwXs_fguRGGJnMba9njt4ZnTzvNbVzRnaQDkWTsFm4tpL3EOg4kFg0o0HGrzuquxHUPvFot5ITaL_RuvH23v2nTqd0KmHzZS16LGTSwKlQBSv2VRszr_3m6S_W0qi7qa_Qq2N0EGQdj29bdRXDLgnJPrV8EKoOBeBK5DaOP2NrPryf-coB9g/s320/Vintage_1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span face="Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 14.7px;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: 14.7px;">I love the modern Chinese tubes especially the 6SN7 equivs. But this vintage Radiotron 6SN7GTA is making me think again about vintage tubes. Very smooth and balanced. </span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 14.7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">270V HT, 6.3V filament and 3.3V bias. The Alps blue velvet pot is on the output. PIO caps on the output and 100V NP for Ck. A mix of 1W carbon film and 1/2W metal Rs used throughout. Silver plated fine copper mil spec wire as hookup and WBT silver solder used throughout. Enclosure is cast Al with epoxy enamel paint. </span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 14.7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Montserrat, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 14.7px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Two tone to match external PS which has triple Pi filtering for the HT and DC on the heaters. Hammond power tranni. Untra Fast soft recovery diodes and the filtration is fully snubbed with small polies. Glorious sounding and appears to allow each instrument and voice to have their own space. From such a simple design and simple parts a truly exceptional preamp. </span></p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-21177106416766064322022-08-25T17:53:00.003-07:002022-08-25T17:55:27.161-07:00"Zoi" - EAR834p tube phono stage<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxPD3p5u6iofzLQNjkEX3aqoUKG9dJhlmhSaPQVdBUyXsImiGBgwy1SSVHSL-3d6kl7Qw0tHezJV6CshjAAow_jQCRyEI_82EEgLuFInuE7V13jvSZuo6MFGFFqgzZQbKUKkrXHFvZtVsk4Tr7TNz1sKGgISBwJ0PumKWrAl-233VnF-s0cJgYFeAkA/s3264/Zoi_front.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxPD3p5u6iofzLQNjkEX3aqoUKG9dJhlmhSaPQVdBUyXsImiGBgwy1SSVHSL-3d6kl7Qw0tHezJV6CshjAAow_jQCRyEI_82EEgLuFInuE7V13jvSZuo6MFGFFqgzZQbKUKkrXHFvZtVsk4Tr7TNz1sKGgISBwJ0PumKWrAl-233VnF-s0cJgYFeAkA/s320/Zoi_front.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvro488d_Ok8Stkvc_ACc1uCfY_Z-0EkU5Bzh4TibQWsmlgwpXBcGDxFar9bg4Jr6WNBBhp-PU0AzfJtnh0u1-lYqJGLXk7jRpAc8Y7z35wGF1I74IFjgSMYwpJlE5G2njRYWjXsJW-Vc6VShuzsjtDHGAStpziMjrexXxIsMx4HBzLXdJT10fyOg6PA/s3264/Zoi_rear.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvro488d_Ok8Stkvc_ACc1uCfY_Z-0EkU5Bzh4TibQWsmlgwpXBcGDxFar9bg4Jr6WNBBhp-PU0AzfJtnh0u1-lYqJGLXk7jRpAc8Y7z35wGF1I74IFjgSMYwpJlE5G2njRYWjXsJW-Vc6VShuzsjtDHGAStpziMjrexXxIsMx4HBzLXdJT10fyOg6PA/s320/Zoi_rear.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qHXVQarrjo6ARLCqOtUdcvshr3zgony7jy7tiYYfA55u7KlnVKoKx8SV2rmwCnKPZuCZ1iw-DWBhxTvRSJ57EZcaKfjcAESKe2NxUnJKkb3Kgawzv6oPHI7VUKUfqWJBotiZprgN3fz3Z6ZddaceSaL5Z_XO4JcTqIOHrwFY-9XLjyYwGR39K7iQeA/s3264/Zoi_1.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qHXVQarrjo6ARLCqOtUdcvshr3zgony7jy7tiYYfA55u7KlnVKoKx8SV2rmwCnKPZuCZ1iw-DWBhxTvRSJ57EZcaKfjcAESKe2NxUnJKkb3Kgawzv6oPHI7VUKUfqWJBotiZprgN3fz3Z6ZddaceSaL5Z_XO4JcTqIOHrwFY-9XLjyYwGR39K7iQeA/s320/Zoi_1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>After the sale of my latest SET amp to a local he came back to order a tube MM phono stage. The EAR834p kit was a top of the range selection with very high-end parts on a extremely well produced PCB. It comes partially assembled but to complete it I added the taller parts on the back of the PCB to allow the tubes to poke through the top. </p><p>Because they run the tubes at 6V the current draw on filament is at an amp. I had to make a special external PS to handle the current. The PS get quite hot but the preamp runs dead quiet due to choked dual Pi filtering. A 5H choke and 400uf of high voltage caps insures that and heavily filtered filament DC.</p><p>Initially I thought it rivaled my EAR834p kit phono stage of a few years back (still in play) but after listening to both I would be happy with either. Though forced to take just one I would take the newer Zoi over my current unit. </p><p>Looks great in Indian Dark Red and sounds big and full in sound. Excellent depth and really well presented detail with fine treble. Not the cheapest kit on the market and the sale price to the buyer was $710. I feel, based on the sound and quality of parts a fair price. I have thought about making one for myself, its that good. </p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-57678236726979753052022-07-31T20:46:00.006-07:002023-09-15T21:18:40.126-07:00“Persuasion” - 5998/6AS7 SET<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeLLXhvvQEd6zh4SK-Mqd0DBDT9uBMvDkT1bKeqgSsKnlJkHTGzQeotl5zUo5KJY515dIRtd5ZWc9za4FPoW_bBK4g91h9o6eKhghLQoKyB2pW_I10C51OVZVBHVYHIF19TRabdWVx6gpQ7L7ZgLodvyvYO3dLNmwyelh5ya77KeZGNQlpdiUY8BH9w/s3264/A97A0350-4FF5-4848-870F-4EB104354AF3.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeLLXhvvQEd6zh4SK-Mqd0DBDT9uBMvDkT1bKeqgSsKnlJkHTGzQeotl5zUo5KJY515dIRtd5ZWc9za4FPoW_bBK4g91h9o6eKhghLQoKyB2pW_I10C51OVZVBHVYHIF19TRabdWVx6gpQ7L7ZgLodvyvYO3dLNmwyelh5ya77KeZGNQlpdiUY8BH9w/s320/A97A0350-4FF5-4848-870F-4EB104354AF3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepvEUDcGjkV1Wa-is60aFYI6H1I6D6545nTBiy5fzuzh3L8QP15VBNt1NrR-LAZRMruBRqac7p0AOoPUHHmZNM-sO0pM6p9zLsnvgumEK5yrSp_BbJ_B_tPGh1AZqhv6vV48Z9tC0rZcZkAwWZxSBKcKXs06-AhdFX9SYEWLpPhS7l5aqcL7CevATig/s3264/7DB8676A-B0B4-49EB-8AB8-9D21B0C05795.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepvEUDcGjkV1Wa-is60aFYI6H1I6D6545nTBiy5fzuzh3L8QP15VBNt1NrR-LAZRMruBRqac7p0AOoPUHHmZNM-sO0pM6p9zLsnvgumEK5yrSp_BbJ_B_tPGh1AZqhv6vV48Z9tC0rZcZkAwWZxSBKcKXs06-AhdFX9SYEWLpPhS7l5aqcL7CevATig/s320/7DB8676A-B0B4-49EB-8AB8-9D21B0C05795.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KSWMbxw0xfZp_DRuPH7zqKw-dfl-VZPmIgviqMFd8lxwuO2DDbTQ0PEHhmrKescNq_AzAFMLxVEMXZbGAleqNCOJoAyXv2sgYqpdxLzQUCmQXw1gPavydLFY4L7RXPn43S8GwoHRdlyhXJHRUvZ546-1iL4gDfvgytyJ-O0twswEv5-G-3kv9rmvIA/s3264/5F0328AE-E201-4AE9-B7CF-59F141E2DC46.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KSWMbxw0xfZp_DRuPH7zqKw-dfl-VZPmIgviqMFd8lxwuO2DDbTQ0PEHhmrKescNq_AzAFMLxVEMXZbGAleqNCOJoAyXv2sgYqpdxLzQUCmQXw1gPavydLFY4L7RXPn43S8GwoHRdlyhXJHRUvZ546-1iL4gDfvgytyJ-O0twswEv5-G-3kv9rmvIA/s320/5F0328AE-E201-4AE9-B7CF-59F141E2DC46.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Finished yet another SET. Meant to be another 6AS7 SET but I setup the HT on a 5998. When I put the 6AS7 in all biases and HT was wrong. So this time its a 5998/12AU7 SET. I Prefer a 5998 anyhow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Note: since posting this amp I have made changes to the PS section which now allows the use of either 5998 or 6AS7 tubes. Though not tested 6080 tubes can also be used. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hammond power Tranni, Edcor 10W premium OPTs sprayed black. Triple Pi filtration and SS rec. dead quiet PS. Last filter cap is a 4uf PIO. Ceramic sockets and all Cat5 solid core wired, no shielded cable, not required. The power tranni is isolation mounted on split rubber grommets. Mundorf Supreme interstage caps and NP Cks. </div><div><br /></div><div>I called the amp “Persuasion”. So far but very good sounding and excellent bass.</div></div><div><br /></div>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-74996957585813782022-06-02T19:37:00.000-07:002022-06-02T19:37:13.015-07:00"Koto" - 12AU7/6AS7 SET amplifier<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhKNPbsr6QcR8cb6e6scJFpOhr53sOkp0K9x19A0OtFuBoG0SJF1JddM-UCuajjFqQUWSh2kHjyGV4nAVXpgXpy100SJ2gsZ_i99wexcqmmv3CKDVpuz9PHrh5HqYdH00oCOcVTx4IxFvi2yqx2u-FKlv1-GjoGcwos1YlTICW6P1YP7jQIMS1Ps6-Q/s2000/Koto_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhKNPbsr6QcR8cb6e6scJFpOhr53sOkp0K9x19A0OtFuBoG0SJF1JddM-UCuajjFqQUWSh2kHjyGV4nAVXpgXpy100SJ2gsZ_i99wexcqmmv3CKDVpuz9PHrh5HqYdH00oCOcVTx4IxFvi2yqx2u-FKlv1-GjoGcwos1YlTICW6P1YP7jQIMS1Ps6-Q/s320/Koto_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAwy_Q-o116ebHs-7XXb2NQLpTF-giZNfeHW8e7NEQ1WebLWHjpklgVaN13naeDm60npvCULOUPfPS3-TLu7aJQU8w1VttXgiIK3BebaVREqiilQZEdeEsBkBy7TBvv6pEYDscc19CtvgZtzw-owaYyxNLNgUSZNWBoxNDPkEPju7PGiYKcFkZ9Cnew/s3264/Koto_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAwy_Q-o116ebHs-7XXb2NQLpTF-giZNfeHW8e7NEQ1WebLWHjpklgVaN13naeDm60npvCULOUPfPS3-TLu7aJQU8w1VttXgiIK3BebaVREqiilQZEdeEsBkBy7TBvv6pEYDscc19CtvgZtzw-owaYyxNLNgUSZNWBoxNDPkEPju7PGiYKcFkZ9Cnew/s320/Koto_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_xK7wLAqrdfzeYbBxnMZBYSz-0Q_z_dbXio6Z-MKEIPKeCBugunoAJZtHVxHW33TFm_TgIqFFsHK-j1RIqV1RNBnHPsRPL_yp1-6uR5HGrF4q9jpuggxK-wtjkqeGisZAAF_M1Z2FznptKCvBAn7BuAGeK7Odaz-KS4zQcbrpTJ4R9ebirTw8HnP9Q/s2000/koto_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_xK7wLAqrdfzeYbBxnMZBYSz-0Q_z_dbXio6Z-MKEIPKeCBugunoAJZtHVxHW33TFm_TgIqFFsHK-j1RIqV1RNBnHPsRPL_yp1-6uR5HGrF4q9jpuggxK-wtjkqeGisZAAF_M1Z2FznptKCvBAn7BuAGeK7Odaz-KS4zQcbrpTJ4R9ebirTw8HnP9Q/s320/koto_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw60mY97gKw5iJLmK7PwPbRLH3VtzxFmEux1e8lYcfpYgw7x68ooNZcJ3OOXF01wJYu11p-EPtfr39F87aXvf5TZyii_Qxu4NnLzpZ1IhZpJBOB3MTfUaM9k29sc35_ibsA4U2tCpCVWYSeH8JFNAgfq9Y-IotLhZo3NRgrPcdXAnkPje742Q8W7zxqg/s2000/Koto_34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw60mY97gKw5iJLmK7PwPbRLH3VtzxFmEux1e8lYcfpYgw7x68ooNZcJ3OOXF01wJYu11p-EPtfr39F87aXvf5TZyii_Qxu4NnLzpZ1IhZpJBOB3MTfUaM9k29sc35_ibsA4U2tCpCVWYSeH8JFNAgfq9Y-IotLhZo3NRgrPcdXAnkPje742Q8W7zxqg/s320/Koto_34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Still on a roll to use expensive parts, stored away for many years in store room, here is a 6AS7 SET amp. Its been many years since I've built one of these. I remember being impressed with my first which sold quickly. I had the Edcor power tranni, Edcor 1.7K OPTs and expensive Jensen copper, paper and oil inter-stage caps, new 5Y3GT rec. tube, base and ABS top plate plus and tube sockets. No excuse not to build a two-stage SET.</div><div><br /></div><div>Apart from NP caps as cathode bi-pass and Cat5 wiring throughout there is nothing else exotic in parts. The PS once more is double Pi - CRCRC - with 5Y3 tube rectification and further filtering at the driver stage. 6AS7 is a well used RCA but a new Genalex Gold Lion 12AU7 was used as the driver tube. The sound is open, detailed with depth and wide sound stage. Bass extends well. Only a few watts but in my system enough. Also pictured here is my EL34/KT88 SE UL amp with KT88s installed. I could happily live with either. </div><div><br /></div>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-10807748016947601532022-05-16T17:51:00.004-07:002022-05-16T17:53:33.795-07:00"Timbre" - UX-171A power amp<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHxcpsEJ3F7Cp7pZdee6q0h-pBcvRUhopqAr_sU8P9PV7awib-YguCwfvDSg1sDKzZsZB0lQN2bzsLoF1yO9LPuMKNaCl1j1pRphv8_moJXcA0CzR7BQWjVmsYjdkpEugge7INXNdHz9AkS-xTnDJOd9TAiCeLdRD2Ve2GPBNAVBtA20d7da7GPRIpw/s3264/Timbre_2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHxcpsEJ3F7Cp7pZdee6q0h-pBcvRUhopqAr_sU8P9PV7awib-YguCwfvDSg1sDKzZsZB0lQN2bzsLoF1yO9LPuMKNaCl1j1pRphv8_moJXcA0CzR7BQWjVmsYjdkpEugge7INXNdHz9AkS-xTnDJOd9TAiCeLdRD2Ve2GPBNAVBtA20d7da7GPRIpw/s320/Timbre_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHu3_l0oLH8hkjSpbbseWqFtEcT7M6f-Y_n3EeWiuFGtcMR5TKtcOCSoY1TkcQYP6GnNyhaPK47uk1ctykM095_THZJJpZ1_9VOOr1FuyAHm83sxAi3rdKgJkhADGijJoZDr9vG4FFCsmicIytddYu3AnynRkL1qGKZDcoT2WG_2C7qFLNnimSxm_jg/s3264/Timbre_1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHu3_l0oLH8hkjSpbbseWqFtEcT7M6f-Y_n3EeWiuFGtcMR5TKtcOCSoY1TkcQYP6GnNyhaPK47uk1ctykM095_THZJJpZ1_9VOOr1FuyAHm83sxAi3rdKgJkhADGijJoZDr9vG4FFCsmicIytddYu3AnynRkL1qGKZDcoT2WG_2C7qFLNnimSxm_jg/s320/Timbre_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I was commissioned to build an amp based on 100 year old UX-171A (71A) tubes. Fortunately I had a few pairs and was able to match two. The driver tubes - 6SN7 - are Ozzy RCAs which I also had. The rectifier tube is an"80". Along with the power tranni, base and top plate, some caps, choke, ceramic sockets and OPTs (Edcor) I needed just a few minor components. </p><p>The schematic I had only found a few days before the request to build the amp. The recipient was happy with all vintage tubes though I suggested, what I felt might be better, other driver tubes. Suited me, I had all the above parts and tubes for years and was looking for an excuse to use them.</p><p>Colour is Ocean Blue Hammertone epoxy enamel. Base is Australian Spotted Gum and heavy. Filter is double Pi - CLCRC - with further RC feeding the driver stage which is SRPP. 71As are DHT and the amp is a DHT SET producing about 1/2W. That's low power but the amp will be used with very high efficiency speakers. On my 92db speakers it played plenty loud enough for me. The "80" rec. tube, double filtering and 5H Hammond choke provide a dead quiet robust PS with 260uf of caps. Total current drain is low at 40mA. 1.5mV of noise measured in my system with all gear on. Nothing to hear at the speakers. </p><p>The Hammons power tranni is way over spec but I had it on hand and time to put it to use. Inter-stage caps are Russian PIO copper jacket types which always sound good. The jacket was earthed. I used solder from the 60s and single strand copper wire to ensure a retro sound which the client was after. The top plate is fused and earthed. Sound is silky smooth (think low power 45 or 2A3) with exceptional bass, creamy smooth mids and clear highs. Highs are not over stated and I would say the amp is a little on the dark side providing a very relaxed presentation. </p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-22049755560300942292022-04-07T20:44:00.000-07:002022-04-07T20:44:15.719-07:00"Apparition" - 6H3N triode headphone amp<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuaI2KygiEGDp9FIhF-qstms-m9ZQ_-GighoENlgzjIWOApJTJtLkU5XQRr_xOPmzspJE28qBYgdCBkS1lz5IDoZE-jmCSjajCr4sjOGVljhscfNRWsIItNOfZCO7AboAFC0xrkzcZydJkTyQW0apS2z8SFDNB3p5FWkMFAP4cea3WfsYFvUMzW37_A/s3264/Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuaI2KygiEGDp9FIhF-qstms-m9ZQ_-GighoENlgzjIWOApJTJtLkU5XQRr_xOPmzspJE28qBYgdCBkS1lz5IDoZE-jmCSjajCr4sjOGVljhscfNRWsIItNOfZCO7AboAFC0xrkzcZydJkTyQW0apS2z8SFDNB3p5FWkMFAP4cea3WfsYFvUMzW37_A/s320/Top.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfP5qisz-brR6lnxdedEy2TBcfY3OqZdpvKfupNvrgwzAyRVuCsYvVN2Ck0tQHqO785zZDu2mmFUrAccTxP5qL4DvN32ILhe5mmEq5KbFggojiftW2IDZWb0nO3scad5AJydAFC32NKwQxZOij3S9WLR2QOMKbDFhwjLu_LnYOaKJ8Gm-gGvqEwKYNg/s3264/Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfP5qisz-brR6lnxdedEy2TBcfY3OqZdpvKfupNvrgwzAyRVuCsYvVN2Ck0tQHqO785zZDu2mmFUrAccTxP5qL4DvN32ILhe5mmEq5KbFggojiftW2IDZWb0nO3scad5AJydAFC32NKwQxZOij3S9WLR2QOMKbDFhwjLu_LnYOaKJ8Gm-gGvqEwKYNg/s320/Front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k612mKPVr2TuvEVa1Fi_uhQNBZuM86TWnN9l0oHD7AIKgvGGJ_PyPANDvBDyxIURei99ZqDY5Y2QSYPa-V14rDNkihyoMGYYOBBJ4dqJ5Fij7zVm89C51kidVYuX0H-Vjlt2Yxeao474yiV08OBbNoEUf-aG5oHyLJwxEltiW6LjlDSvN_d4JGHBlQ/s3264/aspreamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k612mKPVr2TuvEVa1Fi_uhQNBZuM86TWnN9l0oHD7AIKgvGGJ_PyPANDvBDyxIURei99ZqDY5Y2QSYPa-V14rDNkihyoMGYYOBBJ4dqJ5Fij7zVm89C51kidVYuX0H-Vjlt2Yxeao474yiV08OBbNoEUf-aG5oHyLJwxEltiW6LjlDSvN_d4JGHBlQ/s320/aspreamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Having a small Hammond power tranni and three 6H3N triodes on hand I was looking for a build. Usually my headphone tube amps are based on the 6AS7 twin triode tube as power tube and 12AU7 as driver. But I stumbled on a schematic I had had for some years and it used two triodes in a HP amp. The backend is a White SRPP know for low output impedance. This HP amp was not designed for 6H3Ns but with some tweaking I could make it work. After the build voltages and biases were way out and it took four days of head scratching and tweaking to get it all balanced. Fortunately as a preamp or HP amp it is really excellent. Not sure why there isn't more designs around this inexpensive great sounding double triode. </p><p>The chassis is cast Al with Ocean Blue Hammertone epoxy enamel double coat. All wiring is P2P or Component-2-component and hookup wire is mostly fine copper wire with a silver plate. Not shielded wire is used. The PS is triple Pi with 300uf of caps (CRCRCRC) and a further smoothing to the driver tube with another smaller storage cap and resistor. The amp is absolutely dead quiet though AC feeds the heaters and no shielded wire is used. The chassis is earthed and mains fused. Caps are polies and low ESR electrolytics. The power tranni is mounted on split rubber grommets to isolated any vibration from tubes. </p><p>Elna caps are used on the output and the two stages are direct linked. Soldering in the audio path is with BWT silver based solder. Resistors are mainly metal film with some 1W carbon and 5W wire wound where required. Pot is an Alps blue velvet with 4oz solid brass gold plated knob. All caps in the PS and in the audio path are snubbed with 0.1uf polies making for a very clean sonic presentation. </p><p>As a preamp playing through my KT88 SE UL tube amp "Apparition" exhibited extreme detail with very extended reverb tails. The longest I have heard anywhere. To me this says it is bringing forth every nuance of detail even at the extreme low level of volume. Stereo image is wide with all instruments well placed and standalone. Central image is well defined and feels deep. Bass is good down to 30Hz in my system. On headphones Apparition would keep up or exceed the best I have made to date and no problems driving 250ohm phones. I'm inspired to build a dedicated preamp with this tube of which I have another quad matched set. </p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903886682971891769.post-77887455033054933762022-03-03T18:10:00.000-08:002022-03-03T18:10:09.371-08:00"Palladom" - high performance F5<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFGIYbUuYxl-C2vjJyOfAmV7S15kLVDD_Kvq4TLVXiiC5mBVBArYN-Zm7x1sDvvYXQqcEsqZ1lv8-5Lmybly5fyybM0SOXzMtR715ofT03dxLZd8evlN-tAX2jEg6anlVg3oZvuHOZcP6MlZ_Cg4fp7xCUQjMHLdVA64nlHuwbf1oGLmzqZp9WaJxcTg=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFGIYbUuYxl-C2vjJyOfAmV7S15kLVDD_Kvq4TLVXiiC5mBVBArYN-Zm7x1sDvvYXQqcEsqZ1lv8-5Lmybly5fyybM0SOXzMtR715ofT03dxLZd8evlN-tAX2jEg6anlVg3oZvuHOZcP6MlZ_Cg4fp7xCUQjMHLdVA64nlHuwbf1oGLmzqZp9WaJxcTg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiM9QfiK5YJjvQCSaBFStEoObeoHwDsSfQd52hR-xRo95gDPr-vKUFx_TapcpbslOGTxGeJETEGrQbgRyeJeKXgw9uina3rKJiSOJLEuLaDAy4yStV7fE7rVOlXc0qIghb6U2QOi3RXLvkCszjdWkhlH6XqSLHU-XMNZlYq3kTZAsxISwh2YCg4kDphvw=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiM9QfiK5YJjvQCSaBFStEoObeoHwDsSfQd52hR-xRo95gDPr-vKUFx_TapcpbslOGTxGeJETEGrQbgRyeJeKXgw9uina3rKJiSOJLEuLaDAy4yStV7fE7rVOlXc0qIghb6U2QOi3RXLvkCszjdWkhlH6XqSLHU-XMNZlYq3kTZAsxISwh2YCg4kDphvw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Palladom start life as a Turbo F5 build for another. But after some months he was not happy with the sound and offered to sell back the enclosure and PS. The PS is extreme with 2X 300VA double secondary windings trannies, 16X 15A double diode bridges all with heatsinks and 192,000uf of capacitance. The only part I had to replace were the amp boards. I used the DIYAudio F5 boards with Dale resistors and matched FET pairs.</p><p>Easy to see the PS in a 5U enclosure is way over-speced. Fortunately it produced an extremely good sounding example of a high-performance F5. Being able to push the current up this amp will produce 32Watts of Class A and about 50W of Class B. In the image above the yellow alligator leads were used temporarily to establish the right earthing setup. Because there is so much heatsink area the amp gets just warm. Very heavy though and now sold.</p>retro-thermionichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14112837278122234158noreply@blogger.com0