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In Reply to: RE: Cheapest way to go tube? posted by ph5y on July 01, 2016 at 14:16:28
Tube amps don't exhibit the damping factor that "sand" amps do. The impedance curve of the speakers to be used is very important. Also, speaker manufacturers provide specifications that are misleading. A good example being nominally 4 Ω speakers stated to yield a nn dB. SPL with 2.83 V. of drive. As 2.83 V. into 4 Ω is 2 W., not 1 W., the "true" sensitivity is nn - 3 dB.
Please provide, if possible, links to data about the speakers you plan on using.
If you are willing to DIY, you can easily stay within budget and end up with a nice 12 WPC "El Cheapo". You will not need a preamp, if a CDP is your signal source. I and other "inmates" will do some "hand holding", should you decide to tackle the project.
Eli D.
Follow Ups:
Hi Eli,
Thanks for your suggestions! Don't have the time for DIY right now -- first I would want to take a night school course so I learn how to solder! I was interested in your comment that with only CD I wouldn't need a preamp. How would I control the volume?
Of the speakers I use, the EMI DLS 529 are from the tube era of course, and supposedly really sound their best with tubes. I believe their efficiency is on the low side, 4 ohms maybe. The JRs are inefficient and have a high-ish impedance. The Elacs are a new model and around 6 ohms nominal impedance and 87dbw efficiency.
It's tempting to take advantage of cheap Chinese labor costs and get a new unit from Yaquin but I need to know I will have recourse if it arrives with dysfunctions.
It's never too late to turn back the clock.
"El Cheapo" includes volume controls, at the I/Ps. ;> )
4 Ω speakers are not a problem, as decent O/P transformers provide for that. What is required is a reasonably flat impedance curve. Dips down to 1 Ω will not do.
The uploaded schematic shows O/P transformers for a close to impoverished person. Your budget should allow for "DynaClone" Z565 transformers, which are the "Gold Standard", of this project.
Eli D.
Thanks for the circuit. One of these days I will learn the DIY skills and when I do, a simple amp will be a nice project!
It's never too late to turn back the clock.
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