First Amp Build (a little off topic but looking for info)

I have been wanting to build an amp from scratch since loving the Bill M mods I did to my Blues Jr. My better half brought up the fact that I do not really need another guitar amp and I may just agree with her. But my better half also brought up a project idea that this group may know something about.

The lady has requested a proper tube amp for our record player and other home music needs. Has anyone in this group ever built one? Are there any kits that you all may suggest?

Thanks for the help and letting me get off topic a little.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/tubes-valves/

Most of my background is in HiFi, MI amps are a relatively new thing for me.

How much power do you need? What kind of equalisation do you need? Do you want a kit or do you want to source the parts yourself?

Bob, you oughta give that lady a hug for giving you such a job....your ears will appreciate when you get it done....and more importantly, she will let you build a gutiar amp after you get those tube harmonics pushing out her favorite recordings.

If you look at the old victor console stereos you will see they are not very "powerful" but plenty loud; I got a nice 1962 Victor from a guy who couldn't afford to have it fixed. I retubed & recapped it. Everything works! and it sounds real nice.

It has stereo EL84 single ended channels, real simple, less than 10w each. Each channel drives a 12" and 2-3" speakers. It is plenty loud for a room, but if I were to build one I would go P-P on each channel. Other than that it should be pretty straightforward, depending on your experience level.

Bob, you oughta give that lady a hug for giving you such a job....

Will do!

So I didnt mean to post a thread and then get out of the discusstion but hey life happens.

The power would be standard US 110 and as far as speakers i am still trying to research that.

Thanks to printer for the forum link I will start there but will most likely be getting a kit from a supplier they suggest.

Will do!

So I didnt mean to post a thread and then get out of the discusstion but hey life happens.

The power would be standard US 110 and as far as speakers i am still trying to research that.

Thanks to printer for the forum link I will start there but will most likely be getting a kit from a supplier they suggest.

I meant output power. Do you have a preference of single ended or push-pull?

This is a nice simple well documented stereo SE using 6V6's and 6SL7's
http://ax84.com/harmless/harmless_r0.pdf

Tube HiFi is great stuff.

As long as your OCD is properly controlled. Otherwise there be dragons...

You might check Dynaco clone kits too, ST35, SCA35. Popular amps, I'm sure there are many kits once you start looking.

Not to steer you away, but the DIY audio site is a great place to hang and search. Be a member, and don't forget about us!

My background is Hi Fi also but I am not tube savvy , however as Celeste will agree the rules are very different compared to guitar amp use. In general you want a very linear power supply in the ampwhich means plenty of capacitor smoothing. Also go big on your transformers. Its all about keeping the amp linear as best you can. Distortion is not what you are aiming for at all. Once you have that in your mind you are on your way.
Good luck M

Tube HiFi is great stuff.

As long as your OCD is properly controlled. Otherwise there be dragons...


^^+1 on that. I have well over 10K into my system, and only one volume knob, the way God intended. (actually, it's a balanced step attenuator, but I digress)

Also, there currently is no 12 step program for audiophiles.

Probably should be one...:wink:

Lilly is working on a nasal spray that simulates solder smoke, I tried it and it's nothing the real thing, but it does help with the cravings.