EL 84 circuit

[DavidN]

A while back I salvaged a power transformer and output transformer from an old radio console. I posted to here to ask for help identifying the transformers and had a few responses that indicated the transformers were likely from Ceco Manufacturing. The console looked like it was probably from the 1950's had a 5y3 rectifier, two el84 power tubes and three Mullard 12ax7s. The transformers are in good shape and I want to make an amp using these components and ask for advise for circuits to consider. I found a schematic for a Blues Jr. which use these same components and that is an option. I had a Blues Jr. and was less than impressed with the circuit and eventually sold the amp. I have built a number of amps and want to make this from parts that I have on hand. Would appreciate any other circuits to consider that are in the 10 to 15 watt range for output.

[sluckey]

The Dual Lite is my all time favorite 15 watt build. Your components are a perfect fit but you would have to trade one of your 12AX7s for an EF86. You would not be disappointed.

https://sluckeyamps.com/dual_lite/dual_lite.htm

[Stevem]

The Blues jr suffers greatly from a small cabinet and a small speaker, so with whatever amp you do build go with a cabinet the size of a Deluxe reverb and a 12” speaker.

[Colossal]

The Dual Lite is my all time favorite 15 watt build. Your components are a perfect fit but you would have to trade one of your 12AX7s for an EF86. You would not be disappointed.

Steve,

Was this amp your favorite tonally and fit your playing style and preferences, or because it was a fun build, or both?

[Phil_S]

It is a very lucky find on the transformer set! I wouldn't feel obligated to that exact tube compliment and there's no harm going down to 2 12AX7's (or something like that) or using a pair of other power tubes like 6V6 (lower plate current requirement.) You can, however, be assured it will work with 3 preamp tubes and a pair of EL84. There are many amps that will fill out this tube compliment nicely. In the Marshall family, I like either flavor of the 18W -- the one with tremolo, or the 18W TMB. You might look at Vox. Other suggestions already made are sure to be winners. I don't think I'd build a Blues Jr. given the other options.

[sluckey]

The Dual Lite is my all time favorite 15 watt build. Your components are a perfect fit but you would have to trade one of your 12AX7s for an EF86. You would not be disappointed.

Steve,

Was this amp your favorite tonally and fit your playing style and preferences, or because it was a fun build, or both?

Both. I like the simplicity and I like the sound. Both channels sound great through my 2x12 Celestion cab. The Vox preamp really sparkles through my 1x12 Celestion Blue.

[Colossal]

The Dual Lite is my all time favorite 15 watt build. Your components are a perfect fit but you would have to trade one of your 12AX7s for an EF86. You would not be disappointed.

Steve,

Was this amp your favorite tonally and fit your playing style and preferences, or because it was a fun build, or both?

Both. I like the simplicity and I like the sound. Both channels sound great through my 2x12 Celestion cab. The Vox preamp really sparkles through my 1x12 Celestion Blue.

Thanks Steve. I've enjoyed the 18W EL84 amps over the years. I've tried loads of variants but usually come back to the Lite IIb format.

[sluckey]

Yeah, the Lite IIB is just a solid Marshall sound. I like it better than my Plexi style amps.

[Faze]

The Dual Lite is my all time favorite 15 watt build. Your components are a perfect fit but you would have to trade one of your 12AX7s for an EF86. You would not be disappointed.

https://sluckeyamps.com/dual_lite/dual_lite.htm

Excellent suggestion. Beautiful build into a hand built combo style vox cab. I have a dual el84 Chassis and might have a go at this. The celestion blue is pricey but I can hear the chime just looking at the pictures. Very nice.

[Stevem]

Too bad 6973’s are so hard to come by and expensive, there a great tube for hard hitting build.

[Faze]

Too bad 6973’s are so hard to come by and expensive, there a great tube for hard hitting build.

Interesting I have 2 amps out of an organ that use 6973’s. It’s currently used to drive a single 10” Leslie that came came out of the same organ. I’ve been hanging on for some future amp design.

[sluckey]

I built a Supro S-6424 several years ago. I really liked it. I later sold it and the buyer wanted me to convert the 6973s to EL84s. Still sounded good. Now I have a pair of slightly used 6973s with no home.

[DavidN]

Thanks for the recommendations. I have previously built a 18w tmb and really like both sides of the amp. I am also intrigued to have an AC15 side of the Dual Lite that Sluckey recommended. I looked at the schematic and layout and it looks to be in my wheelhouse. The layout includes a PPIMV which I have on a 5e3 that I also really like. One question I have is if the Dual Lite would lend itself to having a negative feedback circuit. I installed a negative feedback circuit on my 5e3 following Rob Robinette's schematic and it is a really interesting feature to add. If so my advice on how it would be configured

[sluckey]

This is how I would add NFB to the Dual Lite. May lose some of the simple charm.

[LOUDthud]

@Sluckey, any recommendations on Hammond transformers that could be used for the Dual Lite ? Would a 272X be enough for a PT ? How about for the OT ?