EL34 Tube Amp Wiring Dummy Check Please! :)

[zastin17]

One of the major annoyances on my very first build ever, was figuring out all the tips and tricks after already mostly assembling the amp.

Drilling more holes at this point would be difficult, and before continplating starting a 2nd build, I would like to get some of these tips/tricks drilled into my head so I don't have to spend the time "backtracking" all of my work.

It's a El34/6L6. 6.8k OPT at 45Ma on 430-450V with 5U4 abd 390ohm cathode. Or 450-480V with 5AR4 rectifier.

Ide guess 20-25w of output power easily. But have no way to accurately measure this currently besides my other tube amps as reference.

I biamped this amp to my Apogee Centaurus Slant 6 KLM5 Graz Midrange and high Ribbons. And it was absolutely sublime, and amazing!! I mean, WOWWY! And the Bell OPTs are still so skimpy, but seem to deliver for the most part.

Unbelievable how good this thing sounds for being built from junk parts!!

B+ can be configured for many voltages. About 320v, or 450v, and 550v or higher if needed.

2ndary transformer goes into a bridge, then the half cycle DC gets feed into the center tap of the main transformer, then onto the rectifier plates to get passed through. Which added the needed 200+ish volts I required!

Switched to IC 0.47uf Film which I like better.

So basically what I'm asking is for everybody too criticize my work!! So I can improve upon it.

"Tis is the best way to learn"

 

[gadget73]

random thoughts in no special order, and please don't take this as me picking on you. My own stuff tends to be messy and full of bodges from poor planning so consider this a "things I've also done and regret doing" hindsight kinda deal

components that are not supported at both ends not my favorite. Would prefer to see them landed on a terminal strip instead of spliced in space

If you can get the switch wires away from that speaker jack it would be a good thing. AC signal could get coupled in, and since the feedback is basically a second input it would be an easy way to introduce hum.

not seeing a fuse?

Not keen on the open sides. Have shocked myself too many times on things.

if you have the option, use a bigger chassis than you think you need. I find I run out of space too quickly in smaller boxes, then it leads to finding places to stuff parts and that gets messy. Sometimes also causes funny problems from signals coupling where they should not couple.

 

[zackthedog]

Good points, gadget, and I agree. Some simple wood panels would be perfect for the sides! Otherwise it's pretty nice job!

 

[zastin17]

That was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

You made me a "to do" list which is pretty mutch perfect!