Homebrew modular preamps?

[EtherealWidow]

Ok, maybe I'm being illogical, but I'd like to try and come up with a way of testing preamp circuits. I don't want to have to build multiple amps though, because transformers are a bit pricey. So I'd like to just have one power transformer, but now I need a way to get that current to the filaments/plates and the ground back to the PT. The signal would just go in and out through 1/4" jacks. As far as plate/filament current and ground though, the best idea I have is using octal tube bases and sockets. Although I'm not gigging with it, I still need it to be somewhat sturdy. What are your guys' ideas? Ready? GO!

[Reeltarded]

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.php?t=17780

Nice!

[EtherealWidow]

Reeltarded, you're gonna make a grown man cry. Genious.

[Reeltarded]

I don't plan on straying too far from the output section I like so much, so this would be over the top for what I need.... but how awesome is that?

[EtherealWidow]

Well even then, a smaller version of that could be in order. I'm planning on using just one power section as well. But the idea of a platform with sockets, jacks, and terminal strips for preamp testing is so smart. I was worried I'd end up with an odd pile of metal chassis boxes stuffed in a closet in about 5 years.

[selloutrr]

Vibration and contact corosion will be your biggest problem.
Any connection you can make in gold conductors that lock firmly in place will go a long way to provide a reliable amp.

[EtherealWidow]

Yes the vibration would be an issue, but luckily this would just be for testing preamp circuits and seeing if I like all these 6SL7, cascode, grid leak flavors that I'm finding.

[Hambamble]

Along a similar, but completely different concept is the Seymour Duncan Covertible made in the 80s. They have interchangeable preamp modules that effect the tone of the preamp. The modules are both tube and solid state, but mainly tubes. I have one and it runs 5 different modules on 2 channels, so you get the first one as a common stage, then two individual modules running each separate channel (hope that makes sense). The modules are named things like "classic", "low cut", "High gain", "cascode" etc. Most of the tube modules run a 12ax7 but a few prefer a 12au7

I found you can get some really great sounds out of this amp, particularly if you have lots of modules. I am lucky enough to have a total of 10, which gives me some nice clean sounds, through to some excelent marshall style distortion. Havn't found out how to get that cranked vox sound, but i think i am missing the right style of module.

It would be cool idea to build on, heres a link to the schematic in case you want a look
http://www.diyguitarist.com/GuitarAmps/ ... matics.htm