First Build; Analog Ethos - AE1-C

[Hajidub]

I've soldered a lot early in my career, but not so much, recently, beyond x-over recaps. I've been pondering this amp for a long time now. @BmWr75 s post about his own different AE product was correct on the instructions. 34 pages of build, 69 pages of explaining what each component you installed does. He promotes these instructions on his site, even claiming that next time try your own build with his explanations. It's a Hammond P/T and (2) Edcor O/T's. (2) Mullard EL34's and (1) 12AT7, pushing a eye gouging 7 wpc in linear, or 3.5 in triode (which requires some modification he will provide if requested). I put about 4 hrs into it today, hopefully will finish off wiring the O/T's and components tomorrow.

 

[BmWr75]

Have fun and take your time. Rushing leads to mistakes......I know. If I didn't already own a couple of EL34 based amps would be building the one you are working on.

 

[Hajidub]

Have fun and take your time. Rushing leads to mistakes......I know. If I didn't already own a couple of EL34 based amps would be building the one you are working on.

I'm taking my time, my helping hands were great for certain things but don't help much internally. I haven't f'd up yet, but expect some challenges eventually. I've researched his reasoning for AT7's and wonder why more tube amps don't use them.

 

[Hajidub]

Done, 11 hrs over 3 days, and it WORKS!

 

[BmWr75]

Congratulations on a successful first build!!

How do you like the sound? What speakers are you using?

 

[Hajidub]

Congratulations on a successful first build!!

How do you like the sound? What speakers are you using?

Sounds super clear but am experiencing a slight channel imbalance which I’ll determine whether it’s a mismatched tube issue tomorrow. Speakers are H2s with subs.

 

[kward]

I've researched his reasoning for AT7's and wonder why more tube amps don't use them.

I used a 12AT7 in my single ended amp as well for numerous reasons. The primary reason being I wanted one single frontend stage. The 12AT7 is well suited in this capacity. It has high voltage gain and low ish plate impedance and is therefore effective at both voltage gain and current drive. It is also readily available in new construction and old stock so you have numerous replacement and tube rolling choices.

Most medium to large wattage hifi amps are at least three stages—voltage gain, inverter/driver, and output. My opinion is that in a three or four stage amp there are usually better choices for each function using tubes other than the 12AT7. For example if you are building a KT88 push pull amp, a 12AX7 usually has better characteristics needed for the voltage gain stage, while a 6SN7 usually has better characteristics needed for an inverter/driver stage.

 

[Hajidub]

Sounds super clear but am experiencing a slight channel imbalance which I’ll determine whether it’s a mismatched tube issue tomorrow. Speakers are H2s with subs.

Success!! Input tube, one of the bias cap connections was suspect. Even and amazingly clear!!!!

 

[Dr Morbius]

A year later, still loving your Analog Ethos? Inquiring minds, you know!

 

[Hajidub]

A year later, still loving your Analog Ethos? Inquiring minds, you know!

Hey Morb! I've determined this is a forever amp. Only thing that might dethrone it would be the new AE Sereno 300b monoblocks, but that's $4500's away. Just to peak my curiosity I cranked the amp to full the other day with no input, still not a peep of noise through the speakers with my ear up to it. I did try some of those fancy Shuagang Natural Sound 6AC7's in it once and thought it sounded "meh", but then read you need a 300 hr break in for the full experience. Seemed like a long time so back in the stock Mullards went. To break it down, the amp still makes me smile everytime a well crafted album makes it's appearance. I've never turned it past half, with music playing, it's too loud for the rest of the household if I do.

 

[Dr Morbius]

Looks like I’m getting my cash together, nice looking amp too!

 

[Sliphorn]

Hey Morb! I've determined this is a forever amp. Only thing that might dethrone it would be the new AE Sereno 300b monoblocks, but that's $4500's away. Just to peak my curiosity I cranked the amp to full the other day with no input, still not a peep of noise through the speakers with my ear up to it. I did try some of those fancy Shuagang Natural Sound 6AC7's in it once and thought it sounded "meh", but then read you need a 300 hr break in for the full experience. Seemed like a long time so back in the stock Mullards went. To break it down, the amp still makes me smile everytime a well crafted album makes it's appearance. I've never turned it past half, with music playing, it's too loud for the rest of the household if I do.

.
Nice job on your build! His new Sereno monoblocks look tremendous and I bet they sound tremendous too.
.

 

[Middle Earth]

For what it is worth, I had Perry build mine. I agree +1 to a forever SET amp.
I am in the minority no doubt but I like SS Diode rectification and cathode bias.
It is rightly held in high regard and I was a bit leery of the untralinear as I enjoy audible second order harmonic distortion. .5% THD at 1 watt when I typically I use a tiny fraction of a watt I gave it a try. I enjoy it as it still has the tube magic in a more neutral presentation. Big fan and I want to get his 2A3 which is tube rectified as my final SET amp. That is a clean build you did there.