For quite a number of tube preamp builds of late I have been using SS rectification. Coming across a new Golden Dragon 5U4 rec tube and new Shuguang CV-181-Z (6SN7) dual triode in my stash changed all that. Most of my builds of late have been SRPP but I started with single stage tube preamps. Time to revisit that and time to revisit tube rectification. You have to have a power tranni which will support a 5V filament at sufficient current for the rec tube and also have sufficient high voltage current support. The Hammond tranni I had hand on hand for many years (and this includes how long I have had the tubes) will do the job easy. In a big push through these many lockdowns to use up expensive parts in "da lab" and even having the cast Al chassis I knew I should go ahead.
Epoxy enameled sprayed cast Al enclosure with Hammond power tranni and heavy rubber feet makes a good start. Ceramic tubes sockets, silver plate fine copper wire in the signal path and a Pi X 4 filtration PS make the basis for a great tube preamp. I could have used some stock metalised poly output caps but I ordered Mundorf EVO oils for the output. Glad I did. The PS is CRCRCRC with the final cap a 4uf PIO. All filter caps are snubbed.
Two selectable inputs and one out. Silver soldered signal path with fine silver plated wire and all carbon film resistors plus the excellent 50 Year Treasure ceramic based and gold pinned tube (CV-181-Z) make for real good music. Rich, smooth and soulful.
2 comments:
Looks good! What did you use for a volume pot?
Just an inexpensive 100K carbon film pot. Nothing special.
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