If I feel that my quad of EL84 breaks up a bit too much, or give me less clean headroom than I want. will lowering the cathode resistor give me a cleaner sound?
And will lowering the cathode resistor lower or increase the output power?
Tommy
Less break up from EL84 quad
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Re: Less break up from EL84 quad
What type of amp are you referring to? There might be other factors to consider...Tdale wrote:If I feel that my quad of EL84 breaks up a bit too much, or give me less clean headroom than I want. will lowering the cathode resistor give me a cleaner sound?
And will lowering the cathode resistor lower or increase the output power?
Tommy
In my EL84 amp lowering Rk did indeed give the amp more clean headroom, more "power", etc...though it brought about some other issues like too much dissipation, etc... Well worth it, though, IMHO. You could also try some different-rated EL84s....
Tempus edax rerum
Re: Less break up from EL84 quad
Matchless DC30...
Tommy
Tommy
Re: Less break up from EL84 quad
Yeah, with that amp I'd start with the power tubes first and see what you think of that... Then, maybe, mess with Rk, but I think you won't need to once you find the right tubes. 62 ohms is pretty ideal for that setup, IMHO.Tdale wrote:Matchless DC30...
Tommy
Also, those amps are so stinking loud...are you sure you need more headroom?
Tempus edax rerum
Re: Less break up from EL84 quad
The guy who bought it (it's a copy I made) would like it to be cleaner at higher volumes than it is now..
What tubes are known to be cleaner?
Tommy
What tubes are known to be cleaner?
Tommy
Re: Less break up from EL84 quad
If you have a scope, it might be very helpful to find out where in the circuit the distortion is happening. Preamp, PI, power? Otherwise you're just guessing, and either lucky or not.
Wife: How many amps do you need?
Me: Just one more...
Me: Just one more...
Re: Less break up from EL84 quad
I haven't used a scope yet...but I have a friend who has, so I might try him...
Tommy
Tommy