Home » Audio » Thermionic Emissions » first tube amp project (nonguitar), which?
first tube amp project (nonguitar), which? [message #9515] Sat, 04 February 2006 01:45 Go to next message
gychang is currently offline  gychang
Messages: 2
Registered: May 2009
Esquire
I am a complete newbie, barely know how to solder. Like tube audio, what kit will be good to drive my high efficieny speaker?

thanks,

gychang

Re: first tube amp project (nonguitar), which? [message #9516 is a reply to message #9515] Sat, 04 February 2006 10:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Norris Wilson is currently offline  Norris Wilson
Messages: 361
Registered: May 2009
Grand Master
Hi gychang,

There are several options for building your first amplifier.
You will have to decide which choice is right for you based on the needed power, complexity, and expense. These kits and amplifiers built up from circuit boards, can range in price from a modest cost of $139.50, to $1,000 or more without an enclosure.

Here is a list of choices:

1.) A Push Pull 11BM8 pentode kit that includes everything except chassis: Look under kits-audio, # K-508

https://secure.tubesandmore.com/

2.) A Push Pull ECL82 pentode for 9 watts per channel: Stoetkit Jr.
This is a complete kit that includes everything needed, to include chassis, but is not cheap. This is a fine sounding amplifier.

http://www.stoetkit.nl/stoetkit_junior.php

3.) There are two choices here, 2A3 and 300B SET that includes all needed items, to include chassis. The Paramour, or Paramount:

http://www.bottlehead.com/et/et.html

4.) There are several choices here, from a Push Pull 6V6 pentode at 10 watts per channel. To single ended 6550 pentode, and 300B/2A3 set amplifiers that include all items needed, to include chassis.
These kits can be pretty expensive, it is according to what parts and trtansformer quality level that you choose.

http://audionotekits.espyderweb.net/

5.) There are three power level options here of Push Pull pentode amplifier circuit boards. You will have to source all of the needed components and chassis for this offering. But, I feel you will learn more here than about any other way of starting out, short of a complete DIY effort from a schematic. Dynaco ST35 and ST70 clones, and EICO EF89 clone circuit boards, there are many choices of output tubes available from these basic boards, to include 6B4G or 2A3 triode:

http://www.diytube.com/phpBB2/index.php

6.) This is a universal circuit board that can help you obtain several Push Pull amplifer configurations using different pentode vacuum tubes, like the KT88, EL34, 6L6G. But, it gives you the option of using a triode vacuum tube such as the 6B4G/2A3, this is according to the output transfomer that you choose:

http://www.pmillett.com/push-pull_kt88_class_a_amp_with_universal_driver_pcb.htm

6.) There are a few choices here in SET amplifiers, and Push Pull pentode. Some people feel that Welborne Labs offers some of the best SET amplifer kits. Terraplane 300B, 45 Star Chief, and look under mods and modules for the Dynaco ST70 upgrade boards:

http://www.welbornelabs.com/

7.) There are more Dynaco pentode Push Pull circuit board offerings here, to include cloned transformers:

http://www.triodeelectronics.com/

8.) There are products here from circuit boards for Dynaco ST35 and ST70 amplifiers, to complete kits:

http://www.tubes4hifi.com/parts.htm

9.) There are several Dynaco offerings here, from bare circuit boards, to completely stuffed circuit boards and kits:

http://www.curcioaudio.com/

10.) There are several kits here, from Push Pull pentode amplifiers, to SET amplifiers:

http://www.diyhifisupply.com/index.htm

You will find that many of these sources have discussion forums like here, that will help guide you in making the right kit choice, and in building that kit.

Here are a few sources for chassis for your new project:

1.) Design Build Listen: http://www.designbuildlisten.com/

2.) Dynaco ST70 and MKIII pre-punched chassis:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Two-New-Dynaco-MKIII-Chassis-Mark-III-MK-Dynakit_W0QQitemZ5861170048QQcategoryZ50593QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

3.) Par-Metal: http://www.par-metal.com/

Output transformers:

1.) Hammond SET and Push Pull: http://www.hammondmfg.com/

2.) EDCOR X-type: http://www.edcorusa.com
3.) Heyboer transformers: http://www.heyboertransformers.com/

4.) Silk Transformers, PP and SET types:

http://www.sacthailand.com/Engfirstpage.html

5.) James Transfomers at Euphonia Audio:

http://www.euphoniaaudio.com/ea/nfoscomm/catalog/

6.) Lundhal Transfomers at K&K audio: http://www.kandkaudio.com/

7.) Magnequest Transformers: http://www.magnequest.com/home.htm

8.) Electra Print Transformers: http://www.electra-print.com/

I suggest that you access these many forums and start reading.

Also, the many other amplifier sources here are run by very nice people who will be glad to answer your questions in helping you make the right amplifier choice.

Good Luck

Norris Wilson

Re: first tube amp project (nonguitar), which? [message #9517 is a reply to message #9516] Sat, 04 February 2006 13:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18670
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

Great reply, Norris. Very helpful, tons of good suggestions. Thanks a million for taking the time.


Re: first tube amp project (nonguitar), which? [message #9519 is a reply to message #9516] Sat, 04 February 2006 17:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gychang is currently offline  gychang
Messages: 2
Registered: May 2009
Esquire
Norris, it will take me sometime to check out all your helpful information.

thank you very much.

gychang

Re: first tube amp project (nonguitar), which? [message #9520 is a reply to message #9517] Sat, 04 February 2006 17:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Shane is currently offline  Shane
Messages: 1117
Registered: May 2009
Illuminati (3rd Degree)
Thanks too, Norris. That looks like the list I've been looking at for the last 3-4 months. I'd also add the Abraxas Audio 6197 Spud kit to the list.

One more thing... [message #9521 is a reply to message #9516] Sun, 05 February 2006 05:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
PakProtector is currently offline  PakProtector
Messages: 935
Registered: May 2009
Illuminati (2nd Degree)
Hey-Hey!!!,
There is at least one more Iron winder to mention. Heyboer TX in Michigan. They can wind a lot of the old classic's output Iron. Some Scott, Fisher, Dynaco, Peerless and Freed to mention some. Power TX's too. Custom voltage and current too. One of my favourite things is that the bill comes with the finished product, not some troublesome pay-in-advance deal.

There is of course forum support if you get stuck.
cheers,
Douglas

Re: first tube amp project (nonguitar), which? [message #9524 is a reply to message #9520] Tue, 07 February 2006 07:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Leland Crooks is currently offline  Leland Crooks
Messages: 212
Registered: May 2009
Master
Thank you. I've been cruising this and other places looking for where to start.

Re: first tube amp project (nonguitar), which? [message #9525 is a reply to message #9524] Tue, 07 February 2006 08:59 Go to previous message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 18670
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

You'll get to actually see and hear these amps at GPAF. Most of the amps discussed in this thread will be there.


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