statorvane wrote: ↑Mon Oct 18, 2021 10:07 am
Here's my take - a pair of 6CA7s driven by parallel Hammond 125E OTs. Preamp is derived from a Hiwatt DR103. Sounds nothing like the Hiwatt, but sounds great. My favorite amp.
I used two OTs as I had one from a previous build and wanted to use it on another build - but different. So I paralleled another Hammond OT. I have tried EL34s, 5881s, 6L6GCs, and 6550s. The 6550s (new production Tung Sol) sounded pretty good, but the 6CA7s - something about those tubes I really like them in this build.
No 1/2 pwr switch, but I have an attenuator when my wife is at home.
PSE103_Schematic.pdf
Looks great. I have a SE Edcor/5k lying around and a 5E3 PT so might take the plunge.
How would you describe the sound of it?
Do you, by chance, have any sound samples?
No sound samples. I am not good at describing sounds very well, but I'll give it a shot.
I think the choice of power amp tube makes a big difference in this amplifier. I tried it with 6L6GCs and Sovtek 5881skis - sounded a little bright or brittle. Got more brash with EL34s, but the 6550s and 6CA7s really bought out the bottom end. Not bloated, just an all around bigger sound than the other octals I tried. I'd classify the distortion as chewy. Takes a boost pedal up front very well. Funny, I've never tired it with it with my Rat. It is not a lead amplifier, just an all around good sounding amplifier with sac.
A fried of mine used it at one of his shows - saved it for the last set with his band's hard rock set. Sounded very good - "Since I've Been Loving You" - with an edge. Pummeled his Tone Tubby speaker cab (2 x 12"). Sounded louder or maybe thicker than his two Soldano Astroverbs. I'd say this one is around 25 watts.
