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Decware SE84 clone

Dropping the 1K resistor to 400 ohm put the B+ exactly to 346VDC per the schematic.

Update on tube preference; I decided that, while I'm sure the TAD STR tubes are fine quality, they are dull in this amp.

I really prefer the SV83 with the CCE mod and I have found that most Zen owners do as well.
I should be receiving some Reflektor 6P15P-EV (SV83) this week. While not the "real deal" Svetlanas, at least they are NOS and not a knock-off.

Also, I have a very slight buzz that may be coming from the 25A bridge rectifier that I had to use cause of low B+ issues. I'm going to experiment with the 1N4007 diodes again and see what happens.
Someday, I may even swap out the PT and add a rectifier tube.
 
This amp cost me $200 in parts (including $45 for a pair of EL84 STR, that I wouldn't recommend) vs. $700 for my previously built KT88SEUL (Abdellah / Kegger).
I would say that the KT88 has maybe $100-200 better SQ, not $500.

To be fair, my speakers probably didn't do the KT88 low frequency advantage any justice though. My Three Pi woofers are down 3dB at 65Hz and 5 db at 45Hz.

The SE84 gives me the detail to hear breathing of musicians and enough detail to hear the spit in a sax players mouthpiece. Those were the details and nuances I recall most from my years with the KT88.
 
Did you ever play around with the input tube at all? Just curious if it changed the sound. A pair of Valvo 6922s are the only thing in my house, wondering whether it's worth trying a tube roll at all.

And this amp sounds particularly nice. I know it's an older version but I still can't believe Steve makes the plan available for DIYers.
 
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I’ve tried 6N2P, 6DJ8, 6922. Cant hear much difference cause the amp is so revealing every track sounds different. Some are drastically different! I like that. Adds a new dimension to listening, recording quality

If your 6922 sounds good to you, I’d just stick with it. They are all the same family so it makes sense.

I don’t have the most sensitive ears though.
 
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