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Test equipment for SET DIY

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Posted on March 13, 2017 at 15:32:30
iodemus
Audiophile

Posts: 170
Joined: October 21, 2010



I have constructed and built several SET power amps from scratch with old triodes through the years. They sound fine. My ears have been the measuring instruments in addition to a FLUKE Multimeter and two good tube testers, But I would like to see how square waves are handled. I think I will need a signal generator and a scope. But what?. Good quality, and easy to use are important. Can somebody suggest the equipment I will need?

Thanks.
Johnny

 

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PC based, posted on March 14, 2017 at 12:54:09
gusser
Audiophile

Posts: 3649
Location: So. California
Joined: September 6, 2006
 You can make a decent audio test set with a good computer sound card and a plethora of free software.

Of course to do this right, good measurement quality sound cards are expensive like in the $1000 range. But you can do OK with basic quality stuff and you can always upgrade later.

Also a PC based system can quite easily do FFT and other advanced math functions where as dedicated equipment for that is very expensive even used.

The biggest problem with PC based gear is the noise inside a typical PC. A better solution is a sound capture / generator device that plugs in via USB. That way the analog circuitry is better isolated from the internal RFI of the PC.

 

RE: Test equipment for SET DIY, posted on March 14, 2017 at 08:49:59
Hornlover
Manufacturer

Posts: 2529
Joined: March 8, 2002
 Any DIY'er should have test equipment. A good used analog scope can be had pretty cheaply these days. My previous workhorse is a Tektronics 2215A, a 60MHz dual trace I picked up for $125 through an add in the local paper. For analog work you really dont need a lot of bandwidth, so any dual trace with 20MHz or more is fine. You should be able to get one really cheap. If you want to go modern, and get a DSO, they can be had for as little as $300 or so. Go with Rigol, Siglent or Owon for a low cost solution. For a signal generator, again used is fine, or new ones can be had for $100 or so. You can get a brand new B&K Precision 4001A from Allied for $200. Look around and find ones that fit you budget. Once you get used to having it, you will wonder how you ever managed without it.

 

RE: Test equipment for SET DIY, posted on March 14, 2017 at 11:24:53
cpotl
Audiophile

Posts: 1002
Location: Texas
Joined: December 6, 2009
 Tenma makes a nice and very low cost (model 72-505, about $40) signal generator that produces sine wave and square wave outputs. The sine wave is very low distortion (< 0.05% in the range 200 Hz - 15 kHz), which is handy if you ever want to make distortion measurements on an amplifier.

 

RE: Test equipment for SET DIY, posted on March 13, 2017 at 17:46:24
drlowmu
Manufacturer

Posts: 9730
Location: East of Kansas City
Joined: January 10, 2005
 You will need a function generator that does square and sine waves, and a scope with a probe, or two, if its dual trace. A used Tektronix solid state scope is what I'd opt for. Maybe there is on-line apps to do the function generation.

Why don't you take the amp to a nearby audio repair facility, or a nearby university, with an EE department, and have THEM look over and measure your amp? A professor would like to do that. For as little as you will use the test equipment, it is not really necessary to buy .

Jeff Medwin

 

RE: Test equipment for SET DIY, posted on March 14, 2017 at 02:00:49
iodemus
Audiophile

Posts: 170
Joined: October 21, 2010
What you are suggesting was probably possible 50 years ago, but not today. Digital, bits, bytes, pixels etc. rules today. We are a small extincting group.

When developing a tube amp I need the measuring equipment at hand any time to have control with the circuit alterations I do.
To rely on ones ears is ok to evaluate the end result, but during the construction process it is very helpful, almost necessary; to see what happen to the signal when alterations are done. Is a two trace scope which can compare the input signal with the output signal what I should look for? What are others using? Kits and tested schematics? Sometimes I feel I should have done the same, but I like the challenges.

Johnny

 

RE: Test equipment for SET DIY, posted on March 14, 2017 at 08:13:20
je2a3
Audiophile

Posts: 308
Location: PA
Joined: July 15, 2003

I use a Hitachi dual trace 60MHZ scope ($40) + Kenwood AG203 sine/square wave generator ($60), both acquired through eBay. Just make sure you research the feedback history of sellers.

Happy hunting!

JE

 

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