Which Hiwatt style amp should I build?

[Rock_Glenn]

I want to build a DR103 style head. Sourcing parts is challenging, I usually avoid getting kits because sourcing my own parts is always cheaper.

But the hiwatt chassis, faceplates, and transformers are rare.

Mojotone makes an excellent verbatim copy with el34s. Though it's expensive, I could just get the chassis, cab, faceplates, and source the other parts. Downside is price and dealing with 4 power tubes.

Weber makes an intriguing KT88 hiwatt style head. I would use a different OT, but this is a great deal. Very affordable. And 2 KT88's makes for a distinctive amp. Downside is that it's not a true hiwatt, and the damn inputs are on the wrong side.

I'm inclined to ignore ceriatone, as they're as expensive as mojotone and don't use the fancy heybeour transformers.

I play all styles of music, I'm looking for versatility, and big thick complex glassy chimey cleans.

 

[Norris Vulcan]

It's gotta be the EL-34's !
(image removed)
The definition of loud

 

[drewg]

I want to build a DR103 style head. Sourcing parts is challenging, I usually avoid getting kits because sourcing my own parts is always cheaper.

But the hiwatt chassis, faceplates, and transformers are rare.

Mojotone makes an excellent verbatim copy with el34s. Though it's expensive, I could just get the chassis, cab, faceplates, and source the other parts. Downside is price and dealing with 4 power tubes.

Weber makes an intriguing KT88 hiwatt style head. I would use a different OT, but this is a great deal. Very affordable. And 2 KT88's makes for a distinctive amp. Downside is that it's not a true hiwatt, and the damn inputs are on the wrong side.

I'm inclined to ignore ceriatone, as they're as expensive as mojotone and don't use the fancy heybeour transformers.

I play all styles of music, I'm looking for versatility, and big thick complex glassy chimney cleans.

A Hiwatt is my dream amp, as the sound is incomparable. Alas, the price...

I haven't played the two you listed, but I've heard a couple heads that make me think of the Hiwatt:

-Reeves Space Cowboy sounds pretty convincing (through headphones on youtube).

-Port City Pearl– It's a 6L6 amp and is purely for clean tones (no breakup until really loud), but it's a great clean sound and made me imagine a Hiwatt clean.

But you know, as they say, "Nothing sounds like a Hiwatt."

Edit– Oops, read your post too fast. You're looking to build, not to buy. Never mind...

 

[Rock_Glenn]

It's gotta be the EL-34's !
(image removed)
The definition of loud

I thought this too. A dr103 uses el34's period.

But then I've heard people say that kt88's are the Grand Piano of tubes. And dr103 + that=fire

 

[Norris Vulcan]

Definitely - IMO - one of the best two amps I've played. I 'had' to move mine on as it was so loud, and sounded best loud. Should have bought a big attenuator.

But a truly righteous guitar tone.

 

[Rock_Glenn]

Definitely - IMO - one of the best two amps I've played. I 'had' to move mine on as it was so loud, and sounded best loud. Should have bought a big attenuator.

But a truly righteous guitar tone.

Yeah I see an attenuator in my future. Are you referring to a true hiwatt? Or the weber 6h100?

 

[W.L.Weller]

I voted for the pair of KT88s. The only 4-tube output section I'm willing to consider the necessity of in 2021 is the AC30. (In case it isn't clear, this is an extremely "hot take" based on very little first hand experience with the classic 50 and 100+ watt amps I'm pontificating on)

But my question to you, about either build, is where you're going to use it, and what cabinet(s) you have to play it through. If this is going to get plugged into an enormous attenuator to dissipate 50+% of the output power, maybe consider other options.

 

[Hey_you]

That DR103 is still listed in Denver. $$$. I voted for KT'88's. I'm biased tho. Reeves C225

 

[Rock_Glenn]

I voted for the pair of KT88s. The only 4-tube output section I'm willing to consider the necessity of in 2021 is the AC30. (In case it isn't clear, this is an extremely "hot take" based on very little first hand experience with the classic 50 and 100+ watt amps I'm pontificating on)

But my question to you, about either build, is where you're going to use it, and what cabinet(s) you have to play it through. If this is going to get plugged into an enormous attenuator to dissipate 50+% of the output power, maybe consider other options.

I agree with your four tube assessment. I always wanted to build a 100w marshall, I just like the sound of a Hiwatt better.

Will use a 4x12, already have a weber fc12 kicking around. Prob will do x pattern with weber thames.

Will play in my garage using master volume to where it's comfortable. I have a dual showman as a pedal base, and want a british voiced pedal platform with the big low end.

 

[Norris Vulcan]

Yeah I see an attenuator in my future. Are you referring to a true hiwatt? Or the weber 6h100?

Yep, 70s Custom 100.

 

[Hey_you]

Been gassin for the Space Cowboy. Just a matter of time. I've dimed the amp a last couple of days. Have to wear outer ear protection! And not be in the same room. Sounds so good tho. Reeves also sells raw "purple" speakers if you are looking for "Fane" type speakers.

 

[Rock_Glenn]

ok, 2xkt88 it is.

I might source my own parts. Can't bring myself to buy a kit. I can get a faceplate from mojo and drill my own chassis.

Weber shows part # WPT100 which seems like a generic 100w transformer. But I can't find a specsheet. What secondary voltage should I be using on these 2 KT88's?

 

[W.L.Weller]

You're shooting for a plate voltage in the 500V ballpark, but if you are really after a Hiwatt sound, the transformer details are going to matter. Mojotone has Heyboer transformers that should be able to get you in the ballpark.

 

[zeppelinofled69]

I was in the same place you are a few weeks ago and after thinking on it for a while, I decided to order the mojotone kit.

As far as I know, Modulus (amp parts seller in the UK) is the only company that sells a reproduction chassis and faceplates that are available regularly. I looked into this option and was disappointed to find that after shipping my order for the chassis, faceplates and the terminal strips was nearly 300 dollars. Figure another 400ish for the transformers and the math just didn't make sense for me.

I even went as far as asking Mojotone if they would just sell me a chassis and faceplates, but they didn't want to sell it without the kit.

Your mileage may vary, but even if I decide to sub in other parts, I think I still came out better with the kit than to try and source everything. And I am getting a cabinet with it too, which as I understand, mojo's cabs are pretty good.

 

[Rock_Glenn]

I was in the same place you are a few weeks ago and after thinking on it for a while, I decided to order the mojotone kit.

As far as I know, Modulus (amp parts seller in the UK) is the only company that sells a reproduction chassis and faceplates that are available regularly. I looked into this option and was disappointed to find that after shipping my order for the chassis, faceplates and the terminal strips was nearly 300 dollars. Figure another 400ish for the transformers and the math just didn't make sense for me.

I even went as far as asking Mojotone if they would just sell me a chassis and faceplates, but they didn't want to sell it without the kit.

Your mileage may vary, but even if I decide to sub in other parts, I think I still came out better with the kit than to try and source everything. And I am getting a cabinet with it too, which as I understand, mojo's cabs are pretty good.

Yeah, it seems silly to avoid a kit out of principal. Especially since mojo makes an excellent chassis, faceplate, transformers, and cabinet.

Added up, that's around $800-900 individually.

I can still use 2xkt88 or 4x kt88 if I want.

I might go this route, but psychologically it's so much easier to make a bunch of small purchases instead of the one big one. And with enough patience I could find the parts cheaper. I've gotten some amazing deals. Built an 18w head for $300...

 

[_Steve]

Can you still use the same transformers for KT88s? I was under the impression you'd need to upgrade at least one of them?

I recently built a 504. Super happy I did. I got the chassis and faceplate shipped over from Modulus. Was around $150 for both including shipping. Transformers from Heyboer via Mojotone.

 

[mefgames]

Have you looked at these ?

(link removed)

 

[zeppelinofled69]

I might go this route, but psychologically it's so much easier to make a bunch of small purchases instead of the one big one. And with enough patience I could find the parts cheaper. I've gotten some amazing deals. Built an 18w head for $300...

I do not disagree with this in a lot of cases, however I have also burned myself with shipping costs the other way. Sometimes those prices on the smaller orders look great until you add the extra shipping up and see what it actually cost you.

There is an added convenience fee for the kits, but the convenience is knowing that you get to hold someone else's toe to the fire if something is missing, among other things.

 

[Emiel]

I know it is in Europe, but you might want to have a look at Tube-Town in Germany. They sell lots of stuff and a Hiwatt chassis too:
https://www.tube-town.net/ttstore/chassis-shop/amp-chassis/hiwatt-style/

This might be a cool video to help you get the difference between the Hiwatt models, here made by Hi-Tone.

 

[Rock_Glenn]

Can you still use the same transformers for KT88s? I was under the impression you'd need to upgrade at least one of them?

I recently built a 504. Super happy I did. I got the chassis and faceplate shipped over from Modulus. Was around $150 for both including shipping. Transformers from Heyboer via Mojotone.

As long as I use the "100 watt" PT and OT it's trivial.

If you were to put kt88's in your 504 and try to get 100 watts out of them, you'd need to upgrade your OT to the bigger 100w.