Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: uki on March 20, 2019, 01:24:55 pm

Title: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 20, 2019, 01:24:55 pm
Hey guys !!

Been searching for 2x KT88 amp schematic and came across this topic (https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=11796.msg109216#msg109216) which is exactly what I'm looking for but no schematic.

I sort of winged it on this amp and don't have a schematic. I explain the circuit.

Input -> 1/2 6SL7 -> tone -> Volume -> 1/2 6SL7 -> Phase Inverter (6SN7) -> Pair of KT88's

The topology is a blackface normal channel with added mid sweep (variable slope resistor) and added my tweed control which bypasses the tone controls and provides a simple tweed tone control. It's tweaked everything to provide a clean input stage and shifted the tone control caps down to 47n and 500p. I used all the best parts I could dig up to provide the tone I was looking for. That's why I used Octals (for their warmth)

The power tube plates are at 500v, Screens at 495v. Biased around 60ma/tube. I think the OT is 6k. I had my friend at Mercury do all the calculations for the iron.  I specifically specified as small and light as possible.  The iron shipped to me was 18 lbs.

I hope all this helps.

I have found the preamp schematic from Sluckey's Rock-Ola (http://sluckeyamps.com/rocky/rocky.pdf).
So all it needs is to adapt a pair of KT88, by the way they are cheap just this month (https://www.multcomercial.com.br/audio-parts/valvulas/kt88.html).

The goal is: a light weight big watt tube amp.

Around here is possible to order the transformers the way it have to be, custom made.

How to adapt the Rock-Ola to use a pair of KT88 ? :dontknow:  :help:

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on March 20, 2019, 02:02:25 pm
here's what I did with Steve's creation, it's even got 1 88  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on March 20, 2019, 02:59:32 pm
Quote
How to adapt the Rock-Ola to use a pair of KT88 ?
Just plug'em in.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on March 20, 2019, 03:34:42 pm
 :laugh:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 20, 2019, 10:02:41 pm
Quote
How to adapt the Rock-Ola to use a pair of KT88 ?
Just plug'em in.
I did thought about it but, how about power? how many watts it will do just replacing the tubes? Since the transformers will be custom made for this project, the idea is to build something with around 60-80watts.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on March 20, 2019, 10:27:02 pm
Rocky is about a 25-30 watt cathode biased amp. You really wouldn't get any more power if you just plug in some KTs. About all you could use from Rocky is the preamp and phase inverter. You gonna need big iron and higher B+. And switch to fixed bias. Should be able to find a KT p/p power amp to copy.

Try to contact loosechange by pm. He was just logged on three days ago.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 21, 2019, 12:44:09 am
Thanks Sluckey !!

Been cooking this amp idea for some time! :think1:

You gonna need big iron and higher B+.

I was looking at this calculator (http://thesubjectmatter.com/calcptcurrent.html), and gave an idea about how much B+ it will need, Loosechange said in his post "power tubes plates are at 500v". His PT is giving some more than that yes? The calculator gives 527ish back with 385-0-385(with diode rectifier full wave). But how much watts of output does it generate? How to calculate power?
Going to use diode rectifier, which type should be used, full bridge ? That way can use a bit smaller iron and get more output yes?

About all you could use from Rocky is the preamp and phase inverter.
Roger !  With more powerful iron, more B+, the power supply for the preamp will need changes yes?


Should be able to find a KT p/p power amp to copy.
I think I've found something !!!
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: VMS on March 21, 2019, 05:46:04 pm
Going to use diode rectifier, which type should be used, full bridge ?


This depends if the HT has got CT or not, without CT full bridge and with CT full wave

http://www.hammondmfg.com/pdf/5c007.pdf (http://www.hammondmfg.com/pdf/5c007.pdf)


If using Hammond iron here are some matching pairs from KOC:


https://www.londonpower.com/hammond/matching.htm (https://www.londonpower.com/hammond/matching.htm)


Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on March 21, 2019, 06:16:49 pm
fwiw most of my SE builds lately have all been KT88, not sure how "values" hold in PP, but a loaded plate volts of 400-450vdc  seems to be the tubes happy place.  much lower than 400 gets you into compression before the 88 comes alive.  You also want a good drive signal, the 88 seems to want a bigger drive than most other bottles I've played with.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Ritchie200 on March 21, 2019, 11:58:11 pm
https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=17548.msg234365#msg234365

Jim :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Ritchie200 on March 22, 2019, 11:19:47 am
Sorry Uki, I could not help myself!  It will give you the power and certainly the tone (that I like!), but I'm afraid it may be a little heavy...

Jim
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on March 22, 2019, 11:56:06 am
Quote
but I'm afraid it may be a little heavy...
ya think  :laugh:
but to be fair, 2 KT88's really is a waste unless they are driving 4 speakers, and 4 speakers with box is by physics - massive  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: DummyLoad on March 22, 2019, 05:06:59 pm
a pair of kt88 driving a pair of ev12l speakers would probably sound very, very nice.  :icon_biggrin:


--pete
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on March 22, 2019, 05:37:47 pm
ok, i'll Agee with DL  :laugh: , although I just use 1 to drive an EV AND a creamback
and it makes me smile  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Ritchie200 on March 22, 2019, 06:23:56 pm
Bah!  If one is good and two is better - well you know what THAT means!

Jim  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: PRR on March 22, 2019, 08:37:28 pm
> a pair of kt88 driving a pair of ev12l speakers would probably sound very, very nice.

Quads of 8417 (hot cheap 6550) driving single JBL E-130 (not clipping much) sounded very, very nice.

Agree that if you are going to beat snot out of a pair of big tubes, a single EV12L could be stressed.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 22, 2019, 09:01:44 pm
@Ritchie200  I did find the schematics on that topic !  Thanks !

Sorry Uki, I could not help myself!  It will give you the power and certainly the tone (that I like!), but I'm afraid it may be a little heavy...
Jim
Quote
but I'm afraid it may be a little heavy...
4 speakers, and 4 speakers with box is by physics - massive  :icon_biggrin:

4 speakers cab is a project for the future !

> a pair of kt88 driving a pair of ev12l speakers would probably sound very, very nice.

Quads of 8417 (hot cheap 6550) driving single JBL E-130 (not clipping much) sounded very, very nice.

Agree that if you are going to beat snot out of a pair of big tubes, a single EV12L could be stressed.

I'm aiming for something around 70watts, wouldn't be stressing the speaker yes?

Can't get those ev12l around here for a fair price, what is available is a national brand called Keybass

I got the tubes !! Already had the preamp tubes, 2x 6SN7 and 1 6SL7
199 bucks for the matched pair, its about 52 US dollars, the price before was 350 for the pair.

Next is to figure out transformers and circuit.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: PRR on March 22, 2019, 09:21:46 pm
The Keybass K 15-169 ST series seem to be similar to EV15B/L speakers with respectable spec-sheets, and may serve well at 70 Watts in a proper enclosure. I do not know who really makes them or where, so I do not know how "good" they are.

I missed that we were talking about 12-inch speakers. I assume their Twelves are little Fifteens (possibly same magnet/motor), but it has been a long time since I abused Twelves with flat-out guitar.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 23, 2019, 12:26:56 am
The Keybass K 15-169 ST series seem to be similar to EV15B/L speakers with respectable spec-sheets, and may serve well at 70 Watts in a proper enclosure. I do not know who really makes them or where, so I do not know how "good" they are.

I missed that we were talking about 12-inch speakers. I assume their Twelves are little Fifteens (possibly same magnet/motor), but it has been a long time since I abused Twelves with flat-out guitar.

The factory of Keybass (http://www.keybass.com.br/profissional.php#) isn't far from where I live, can't buy directly from them thou. I do have 2 of the K12-147 (http://www.keybass.com.br/gera_pdf.php?codigo=K12-147Guitarra&variavel=a.profissional) on my 6G8 cab they sound really good.

You can see/hear it here:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: PRR on March 23, 2019, 09:14:39 am
They look like very good speakers. Closely related to the classic E-V speakers of the 1970-1980s that I knew well. The E-Vs were the next generation after the JBLs of the 1960s such as what Dick Dale had Fender had JBL build to survive Dick's loud clear playing.

The 150W "RMS" rating seems reasonable for that coil and magnet. This would support 600 Watts of amplifier in lightly-clipped speech/music PA work. 150 Watts of heat in LOUD guitar amplifier overdrive (pure square waves) can happen with a "75W Sine" amplifier, so that is about the safe limit for crazy guitarists. Two such speakers on a 70W 2*KT88 amp seems quite safe.

For lurkers: In Brasil, imported electronics are HEAVILY taxed to encourage the local industries. US, UK, or Chinese speakers (or transformers etc) are not usually affordable. I'm glad to see this HAS fostered a strong local speaker company.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Ritchie200 on March 23, 2019, 07:12:42 pm
Yes!  Back in another life I was a manufacturing liaison between engineering and manufacturing also working with import/export with international products.  Brasil was expensive to get our electronic "stuff" into - even if we had no domestic competition.  It didn't even help that I wore my Senna t-shirt when I visited...(he would have been 59 today :sad:)

Not sure if it is the depth of field of the pic but wow, that looks like a beast of a magnet!

Jim
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 24, 2019, 12:01:41 am
...Not sure if it is the depth of field of the pic but wow, that looks like a beast of a magnet!

Jim

Here a pic where you can see the whole speaker
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 24, 2019, 08:37:30 pm
@Sluckey  What is the RAW control on Rock-Ola, is it same a middle ?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on March 24, 2019, 08:55:20 pm
From zero to five, the raw pots acts just like a mid control. But from 5 to 10 the raw pot begins to lift the tone controls from their ground reference, making them less effective. Crank it to 10 and the tone controls have very little effect, kinda a raw sound. You also get a gain boost.

This is a great mod to any AB763 amp that has a mid control. Simply replace the mid pot with a 250K-A pot. Walla. You have a mid control plus a raw control. Another good AB763 mod is to replace the 100K reverb pot with a 100K-A pot.

Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 24, 2019, 08:56:29 pm
Is it possible to have the mid control and the raw ? Does it will work well ?

Did some work on V1 schematic
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on March 25, 2019, 05:45:52 am
Quote
Is it possible to have the mid control and the raw ?
I've never considered that. Let us know if it is worthwhile. Some people just use a switch to completely lift the tone stack for a full raw sound.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 25, 2019, 06:41:44 am
Quote
Is it possible to have the mid control and the raw ?
I've never considered that. Let us know if it is worthwhile. Some people just use a switch to completely lift the tone stack for a full raw sound.
Do you like the idea? I would need a breadboard to check that out... What about the mid pot value? I just copied from AB763.

How is the sound of Rock-Ola, clean or distorted ?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on March 25, 2019, 07:19:58 am
I like the idea of a single pot as shown in my schematic. If I was gonna include a mid pot, I would use the value that Fender used. BTW, you don't need the 6.8K resistor when using a mid pot. Rocky is a clean amp. I've never really played it loud to see if it maintains the clean sound at high volume. Actually, I played with Rocky for a couple weeks after building it, then put it on a shelf. I just recently stole the 6L6s from it to go in a '67 Band Master.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on March 25, 2019, 08:14:46 am
the version I did was also clean where I played it, but the guitar guys dimed it out, pedaled it up, and had it through a 2 X12 and she broke up nice with good distortion.
I think one comment was "It's not like a Fender, or a Marshall", I counted that a good thing  :icon_biggrin:
 :laugh: I also re-purposed iron & tubes
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 26, 2019, 12:55:22 pm
This is just a draft , I dunno if it works or if is correct but is an idea.  :think1:  I haven't decided yet about the power section, thou.
Since this is based on the 6G8, it would give 100w power yes? Not really what I want but it is an exercise.
Im still looking for more schematics, ideal power would be 70w.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: pdf64 on March 26, 2019, 01:53:10 pm
...Since this is based on the 6G8, it would give 100w power yes? Not really what I want but it is an exercise.
Im still looking for more schematics, ideal power would be 70w.
See the manufacturer's info, the operating conditions of a 6G8 (430V idle HT, assume 2k p-p OT) would be nowhere near what a pair of KT88 need to deliver 100W http://frank.yueksel.org/sheets/086/k/KT88.pdf
There's a good chance that the plates would overdissipate heavily.
If the OT is mismatched to an 8ohm load, then you may get ~70W though.
Note that KT88 need a greater magnitude of bias voltage than eg 6L6, so a consequently bigger signal is needed to drive them fully (ie to Vg-k=0); guess about 100V p-p here.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: VMS on March 26, 2019, 02:35:37 pm
There is also conditions for 70W UL power section on above datasheet.
I think UL amp without nfb-loop sounds pretty good.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Ritchie200 on March 26, 2019, 03:52:17 pm
There is also conditions for 70W UL power section on above datasheet.
I think UL amp without nfb-loop sounds pretty good.

Oh yes it would!

Jim :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 26, 2019, 04:00:16 pm
There is also conditions for 70W UL power section on above datasheet.
I think UL amp without nfb-loop sounds pretty good.

Oh yes it would!

Jim :icon_biggrin:


Would this have a marshal like distortion? Looking to build clean sound amp.

...Since this is based on the 6G8, it would give 100w power yes? Not really what I want but it is an exercise.
Im still looking for more schematics, ideal power would be 70w.
See the manufacturer's info, the operating conditions of a 6G8 (430V idle HT, assume 2k p-p OT) would be nowhere near what a pair of KT88 need to deliver 100W http://frank.yueksel.org/sheets/086/k/KT88.pdf
There's a good chance that the plates would overdissipate heavily.
If the OT is mismatched to an 8ohm load, then you may get ~70W though.
Note that KT88 need a greater magnitude of bias voltage than eg 6L6, so a consequently bigger signal is needed to drive them fully (ie to Vg-k=0); guess about 100V p-p here.

I will have the transformers custom made. I need to learn how they have to be.
A modification on the bias circuit is necessary then to be able to use this schematic yes?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Ritchie200 on March 26, 2019, 04:09:22 pm
https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=17548.0;attach=48413

Jim
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Ritchie200 on March 26, 2019, 05:09:58 pm
I'm not sure how the circuit you have will work.  One thing that is constantly preached around here is pick a WORKING circuit and tweak to taste from there.  The link I posted is to a circuit Dummyload posted on the Major thread.  It also references transformers you can look up for specs to custom wind.  It is based on the original Major circuit.  The Major has a big bold sound and will kick you with clean.  It really takes a lot to overdrive it but is very musical when it does. See early SRV or Ritchie Blackmore.  I'd say listen to my recordings I've posted but I've run so much crap into the front end it really doesn't capture it (it does take pedals very well!).  I lay the 4x12 face down on the floor with a mic under it and pack pillows around it. I still cant turn it up past 4 without being very uncomfortable - with headphones on.  You asked if it sounds like a Marshall?  No.  When you hit a big drop D chord on a cranked EL34 Marshall it squashes into that woody tone we all love.  With the Major, the UL KT88's hold up and will kick you in the gut - in a good way.

Here is a great example of this amp turned up with a little front end push.

Jim



Jim
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: VMS on March 26, 2019, 05:46:31 pm
Here is one option of a KT88 amp. Drz surgical steel. And with good eye you can probably reverse engineer the circuit from the gut shot. Only tricky part is the fx-loop with 12dw7 tube:


http://www.proguitar.de/ProGuitar.de/Surgical_Steel.html (http://www.proguitar.de/ProGuitar.de/Surgical_Steel.html)



Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 26, 2019, 06:39:59 pm
 :think1: :think1:

... About all you could use from Rocky is the preamp and phase inverter. You gonna need big iron and higher B+. And switch to fixed bias. Should be able to find a KT p/p power amp to copy.
How about this, use the major power supply as well ?

Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on March 26, 2019, 06:46:53 pm
Looks clean to me. Something worth mentioning... I changed over to 6SL7s soon after converting Rocky. I think those KTs will like the extra gain also.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 26, 2019, 07:50:45 pm
Looks clean to me. Something worth mentioning... I changed over to 6SL7s soon after converting Rocky. I think those KTs will like the extra gain also.

I got only one 6SL7, use for PI ?

Does the power supply need chages? I see nodes B and C on Rocky for the preamp. But Major have only A and B nodes...  :w2:

Here is how the PT ca be ordered. With or w/o CT.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on March 26, 2019, 08:03:52 pm
Quote
I got only one 6SL7, use for PI ?
No. Put it in the preamp. If you get another later on just change out the PI.

And make a node C for the preamp.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on March 26, 2019, 08:09:01 pm
Quote
I see nodes B and C
use the last tap on the major PS, "feed" it to the turret board, and "build" each tap near the node
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 27, 2019, 12:26:13 pm
And make a node C for the preamp.

A bit lost here, dunno if this works and no clue about the values.
Can it be copied from Rocky using same values?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on March 27, 2019, 01:36:21 pm
Use 47µF for the cap. Start with 22K for the resistor but be prepared to increase the resistor value. The preamp is only gonna draw about 2mA, so a 22K resistor will only drop about 44V. Half watt is sufficient for testing but use 2 or 3 watt metal oxide once you have found the value you like.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Ed_Chambley on March 27, 2019, 02:55:09 pm
Well, let me add to the stew.  I have built a couple of variations of this amp.  It is not the same as a Route 66, I passed a lot more lows and mids because hey I am using big tubes.   Dummyload gave me a couple inside hints and using teh 12At7 is better, much better than !2Ax7 for the PI.


It will play about 77 watts or so clean and then the slide into sustain, not grit, just singing tone.  It is very loud and I run mine as a small Bass Rig sometimes, but it shines over a Bassman Center Board 2, 12 with Altec 417 and poor old greenbacks scream in a 4 12.


Remember the ad for JBL or Memorex where dude sitting in his chair with a speaker blowing his hair straight back.  It is KWEL to play, but remember it will play nice too.  The deal is the EF86 has little headroom so if you push it the pentode tone says CRANK!


The reason I thought of it as I have used a 6Sn7 PI, but the 6SN7's I have will not slam the crap out of the KT88 or KT120, well I could have, but the 6SN7 are selling for stupid money.  I like 6sl7 because I have a few really nice ones.  I have a friend who just changed KT120 in one of these. Tubes ran 3 years of 5 to 6 days a week hard play a week.  I retubed it just because he felt he should.  They were getting a little noisy, but my gowd man.


I have been running KT120 for over 3 years and before Gold Lion KT88 Russian.  I tried some JJ's, but just not the same in this amp.  The old GE 6550a will actually run hotter without screen problems than the KT120.  I am not teling anyone to install KT120's.  I purchase new tubes from Upscale Audio and they cost more and he has burned in and tested up to 550 volts.  I am good with that.


Anyway, another to think about.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: DummyLoad on March 27, 2019, 10:54:55 pm
ed, you should be making about 100W with that OT & PT combo even in UL mode. suspect with those values that your LTPI is not driving hard enough to do that. i guess that's what you want?

likely you're not capable of driving output stage into clipping with current LTPI.

bump B+ to 400V for the LTPI.

suggestion:
Ra1 = 82K (inv)
Ra2 = 91K (non-inv)
Rtail = 15K
Rbias = 1.2K @ 2.9mA
B+ = 400V
Vout ~90Vpk

Rdrop of B+A to B+B is = 75K now, lower to 33K-36K. so, change two resistors and you should get near to 100W and allow power amp to clip. the OT can take it since it's rated at 120W @ 30Hz

--pete
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 28, 2019, 02:20:51 pm
fwiw most of my SE builds lately have all been KT88, not sure how "values" hold in PP, but a loaded plate volts of 400-450vdc  seems to be the tubes happy place.  much lower than 400 gets you into compression before the 88 comes alive.  You also want a good drive signal, the 88 seems to want a bigger drive than most other bottles I've played with.

What is the PT high voltage on your schematic?

So thinking on the above
I did look at several schematics old ones, and the PTs go around 400-0-400 but that for old tubes, for this new Sovtek KT88, the data sheet says 440 max screen voltage, using that much B+ after the diodes which will be about 560, will the screen have as much? 350 from PT will do about 500v after diodes, what would be the ideal high voltage on PT for this amp to achieve around 70w ?

Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on March 28, 2019, 03:09:13 pm
look at what Ed used in post #44, he's got north of 500vdc plate and UL taps for screen, which probably measures north of 440vdc, but G2 current is what'll kill the tube faster than volts, and he likes it and that's good enough for me  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 28, 2019, 07:24:57 pm
I think I found what I'm looking for with this info (https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=23709.msg255503#msg255503) and this (https://jacmusic.com/KT88/kt88.htm#KT88datasheets)

1- My concern is, with 400-0-400 OT, the rectified voltage will be about 560v or more, this much voltage will drop with tubes in place and with bias adjust yes?

The picture shows what I'm looking for

2 - So the plate should be about 460v to get 70w, so between 460-500 plate voltage is the ideal, is it right?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on March 28, 2019, 07:43:03 pm
 :BangHead:
I missed the 120  :think1:
You're correct Uki, 400-0-400 will get you over 500 loaded based on Ed's #'s
360-0-360 I believe will be closer to your design #'s, wait for more chime in's before you order.  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on March 28, 2019, 08:03:22 pm
fwiw info
Ed's       400-0-400 full wave rectifier 2 120's got 535 plate
I used a 280-0-280 full wave on 1 kt88          got 388 plate
I used a 350-0-350 full wave 2 el34's             got 402 plate
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on March 30, 2019, 08:31:40 am
For the power supply can this caps be used in place of 200uf/500 ?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on March 30, 2019, 08:39:35 am
if you're pretty sure they're good I don't see a problem
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: DummyLoad on April 01, 2019, 09:12:34 am
http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=11329.msg104651#msg104651 (http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=11329.msg104651#msg104651)

that was an amp richard designed and i helped with - skip to the last of the thread, ver. 3

it was a very, very nice sounding amp. richard had limited resources available for the PS, so i attached a his plan with a modified PS that should work with the MKIII PT.

your winder should be able to reproduce the dynaco MKIII PT and OT. the choke is a hammond. i show 500uF for the main filters, however, your 330uF 400V parts will work fine.

--Pete
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on April 01, 2019, 09:47:40 am
Pete, can you hear the 6SN7 whimper when you touch the power switch  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 01, 2019, 12:08:53 pm
http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=11329.msg104651#msg104651 (http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=11329.msg104651#msg104651)

that was an amp richard designed and i helped with - skip to the last of the thread, ver. 3

it was a very, very nice sounding amp. richard had limited resources available for the PS, so i attached a his plan with a modified PS that should work with the MKIII PT.

your winder should be able to reproduce the dynaco MKIII PT and OT. the choke is a hammond. i show 500uF for the main filters, however, your 330uF 400V parts will work fine.

--Pete

Thanks Pete!

I'll have to buy a few more parts, the big caps are very expensive, I did find 560uF/400v (https://www.multcomercial.com.br/capacitor-eletrolitico-560uf400v-snap-in.html) ... but not the 200uf/500v. Then I'll use the ones in post #51.

I got a questions about the OT and choke/PS , looking at the schematics presented so far there are 5k load in the primary, for the 100w major, for the Le Gourmet 3k for a 30-40w, and so on, the data I've attached in post 48 (https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=24500.msg264090#msg264090) is correct to follow for the amp have about 70w, 4k load is the correct load?  Oh what kind of PI is the one in the schematic I'm putting together?(I'm no engineer just copying and pasting)

Do i need a choke for the PS? I got a 9H 200ma 140 Ohms choke. Planning for a PT with 360-0-360. how many amperes it will need?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on April 01, 2019, 02:38:20 pm
here's a good read on your Cathodyne PI

http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/cathodyne.html
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: DummyLoad on April 01, 2019, 06:40:38 pm
Pete, can you hear the 6SN7 whimper when you touch the power switch  :icon_biggrin:


????
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on April 01, 2019, 06:59:33 pm
I was just looking at 440v and 33k thinking they're running heavyfooted   :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: DummyLoad on April 01, 2019, 07:26:43 pm
rated at 450v. how's that a problem?  :icon_biggrin:


--pete
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on April 01, 2019, 07:37:03 pm
I never have a problem with your boundary pushin  :icon_biggrin:
you're design skills are pretty good to.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: DummyLoad on April 01, 2019, 10:56:51 pm
http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=11329.msg104651#msg104651 (http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=11329.msg104651#msg104651)

that was an amp richard designed and i helped with - skip to the last of the thread, ver. 3

it was a very, very nice sounding amp. richard had limited resources available for the PS, so i attached a his plan with a modified PS that should work with the MKIII PT.

your winder should be able to reproduce the dynaco MKIII PT and OT. the choke is a hammond. i show 500uF for the main filters, however, your 330uF 400V parts will work fine.

--Pete

Thanks Pete!

I'll have to buy a few more parts, the big caps are very expensive, I did find 560uF/400v (https://www.multcomercial.com.br/capacitor-eletrolitico-560uf400v-snap-in.html) ... but not the 200uf/500v. Then I'll use the ones in post #51.

I got a questions about the OT and choke/PS , looking at the schematics presented so far there are 5k load in the primary, for the 100w major, for the Le Gourmet 3k for a 30-40w, and so on, the data I've attached in post 48 (https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=24500.msg264090#msg264090) is correct to follow for the amp have about 70w, 4k load is the correct load?  Oh what kind of PI is the one in the schematic I'm putting together?(I'm no engineer just copying and pasting)

Do i need a choke for the PS? I got a 9H 200ma 140 Ohms choke. Planning for a PT with 360-0-360. how many amperes it will need?


have your winding shop copy the attached PT. 300mA should work nicely.

your 9H choke will work fine.


--pete
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: PRR on April 02, 2019, 01:26:01 pm
> 440v and 33k thinking they're running heavyfooted

440V supply, but what is the actual plate-cathode voltage?

Something like 157V, about 8.4mA, about 1.33 Watts Pdiss. Not a strain for 6SN7.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: DummyLoad on April 02, 2019, 05:09:41 pm
B+ 440V - Vese of Ra for both anodes is about 130V - 80V on top of the tail R, so Va-k is about 220V. the whole system draws about 8mA.

like you said: loafing along.  :icon_biggrin:


--pete
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on April 02, 2019, 05:16:45 pm
Quote
like you said: loafing along
that's why I'm trying to catch up with the smart kids, but sometimes I think it might be better spent with the fire extinguisher near by and lots of gator clips  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 03, 2019, 11:21:08 am
your 9H choke will work fine.

--pete

 :sad2: The choke is open, no resistance ... gotta fix it.

The PS and Power section is from the Major-Minor, it doesn't have a choke; the preamp and PI is from Sluckey's Rocky-Ola, it does have a choke, should the choke be added ?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on April 03, 2019, 11:41:26 am
Ugh, my Rocky does not have a choke.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Willabe on April 03, 2019, 12:51:09 pm
You might want to put a switch on the -FB loop to turn it off.

Some guys love a guitar amp that is UL without -FB.   
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: VMS on April 04, 2019, 08:12:07 am

Related to the choke question for those who know better:

I have often wondered do UL amps need better filtering because screen supply is essentially same as plate supply?



Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 04, 2019, 11:05:42 am
Ugh, my Rocky does not have a choke.

I was mistaken, is that a pot on the power supply?  1540 with CT
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on April 04, 2019, 11:38:23 am
No. It's just a power resistor with a fixed tap. Just consider it to be two resistors connected in series.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Ed_Chambley on April 04, 2019, 02:04:35 pm
ed, you should be making about 100W with that OT & PT combo even in UL mode. suspect with those values that your LTPI is not driving hard enough to do that. i guess that's what you want?

likely you're not capable of driving output stage into clipping with current LTPI.

bump B+ to 400V for the LTPI.

suggestion:
Ra1 = 82K (inv)
Ra2 = 91K (non-inv)
Rtail = 15K
Rbias = 1.2K @ 2.9mA
B+ = 400V
Vout ~90Vpk

Rdrop of B+A to B+B is = 75K now, lower to 33K-36K. so, change two resistors and you should get near to 100W and allow power amp to clip. the OT can take it since it's rated at 120W @ 30Hz

--pete
Of course, you are correct.  I have pushed the 12At7 and a 6SN7.  What happens is the amp with the KT120's gets stiff, but some of the GE6550A love it.  The attack changes and it is difficult to describe.  UL can have sort of an ebb and flow feel and you get some rich harmonics from the preamp.  It is the only amp I have where I can play Hollowbodies with flatwounds.  It is sort of a Western Swing amp.


It is also extremely HUGE sounding without any raw edge.  Very HiFi.  A lot like a Standel.  I could probably get a tad more, but I do like it.  Now back to work.  Seems my work is getting in the way of amp building.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on April 04, 2019, 02:40:03 pm
Quote
Seems my work is getting in the way of amp building.
:l2:
lack of it's getting in my way  :icon_biggrin:
somedayz ya just gotta play guitar
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 04, 2019, 09:11:46 pm
You might want to put a switch on the -FB loop to turn it off.

Some guys love a guitar amp that is UL without -FB.
I like clean tone amps, putting a switch for the -FB the amp will have distortion?
I've been thinking about to add a presence control, Trying to figure it out, I'm not sure how  :w2:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Willabe on April 04, 2019, 10:45:13 pm
I like clean tone amps, putting a switch for the -FB the amp will have distortion?

How loud do you play?

The UL tap's are a form of FB, helps keep it clean without a -FB loop. UL power amps with a -FB loop can often be too clean and cold sounding. Disconnecting the -FB loop warms them up. 

And with an amp with that much power, depending on how loud you play, it should still have plenty of clean volume with just running it in UL.

But that's why you use a switch, a small switch is fine, low voltage and low current there.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on April 04, 2019, 11:34:21 pm
You may be interested in a Sunn KT88 amp such as this Spectrum II...

     https://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/Sunn/Sunn_spectrum_ii.pdf

Simple, very clean with powerful punch.

Or step up to the Sceptre if you want the same amp with reverb and tremolo...

     http://sluckeyamps.com/sunn/sunn.htm
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Ed_Chambley on April 05, 2019, 08:40:26 am
You may be interested in a Sunn KT88 amp such as this Spectrum II...

     https://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/Sunn/Sunn_spectrum_ii.pdf (https://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/Sunn/Sunn_spectrum_ii.pdf)

Simple, very clean with powerful punch.

Or step up to the Sceptre if you want the same amp with reverb and tremolo...

     http://sluckeyamps.com/sunn/sunn.htm (http://sluckeyamps.com/sunn/sunn.htm)
Or a Hampeg Gemovibe running 4, 6550's, but for me the one you built is the shiznit.  One day you will get tired of it and no I have done nothing with the the hammond 63 I have. Ever since Swart came out with their Stereo amp, here is a clip, http://swartamps.com/sound_samples/st-stereo_samples/swart_st-stereo-blues_redux.mp3


And Magnatone with theirs, everyone I know is drooling.  Why not just use 2 small amps?  I do not know.  Guitar players are strange.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 05, 2019, 12:59:59 pm
I like clean tone amps, putting a switch for the -FB the amp will have distortion?

How loud do you play?

The UL tap's are a form of FB, helps keep it clean without a -FB loop. UL power amps with a -FB loop can often be too clean and cold sounding. Disconnecting the -FB loop warms them up. 

And with an amp with that much power, depending on how loud you play, it should still have plenty of clean volume with just running it in UL.

But that's why you use a switch, a small switch is fine, low voltage and low current there.

How loud I play?! Depends on the place where the gig is happening, but usually the volume is around 3-5, that with my Fender 6G8, now at home for practice just at 1.

How about a pot instead of a switch for the -FB ?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Willabe on April 05, 2019, 01:12:55 pm
How about a pot instead of a switch for the -FB ?

Yes, you could use a pot.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on April 05, 2019, 01:13:43 pm
If clean is your goal I'd leave the NFB alone. That also includes no presence control.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 05, 2019, 02:47:44 pm
If clean is your goal I'd leave the NFB alone. That also includes no presence control.

I use the presence pot of the 6G8 at 3, gives a very smooth saturation in combination with my Paramount OD (https://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/search?q=paramount) pedal which is more like a booster(it only give some noticeable drive at 7) the drive control is usually at like 3-4, just to warm up the tone a little bit without distortion, so I can play loud with 95% clean tone, for the rhythm cords, but for the solo I got a Distortion Purple Plexi 800 (https://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/search?q=purple+plexi+800) and another OD that saturate a lot the HBE Power Screamer (https://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2014/09/hbe-power-screamer.html).

This kind of clean tone is what I want ! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn_ChAOyLcM)
I like a lot the tone of the 1st amp of those tree (https://youtu.be/m4xbAcNx-WI?t=76). I think it does have octal pre amp tubes.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on April 05, 2019, 03:16:22 pm
as long as your TS doesn't eat too much gain, you might be able to leave a pedel or 2 behind  :laugh:

have a few 2.2 - 10uf Ecaps on hand for tuning your preamp sound.  I've found the 25uf is to much for most builds I've done.

pretty sure you'll be smiling when she gets about 7 for volume
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 05, 2019, 05:43:48 pm
Is the presence placed correctly ?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on April 05, 2019, 05:47:02 pm
That's where I'd try to put it. I would not use that 1.5K though.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: shooter on April 05, 2019, 06:26:05 pm
what he said.

If you look, the 1.5k is always in || with the 3.9k, which gives you an effective Rk of ~~ 1.1k instead of the happy 3.9k
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 06, 2019, 01:01:36 pm
Something worth mentioning... I changed over to 6SL7s soon after converting Rocky. I think those KTs will like the extra gain also.

... I switched to a LTPI because I couldn't quite get satisfactory output from a Concertina.  The LTPI got me there no problem...

So I decide to do a major modification. I'm not sure about that 1m resistor between the v1 and v2.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on April 06, 2019, 01:10:18 pm
It's not necessary. Same goes for the .022 cap.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 06, 2019, 01:46:06 pm
It's not necessary. Same goes for the .022 cap.

Thanks Sluckey !  In your AB763 Lite there is 3 components in that same spot, what they do ?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: PRR on April 06, 2019, 02:10:46 pm
> In your AB763 Lite there is 3 components

Looks like he had "too much gain", at least for his mild style(?), so added a knock-down.

Your plan, 6SN7 with a James, is not a lot of gain, maybe not enough, depending on your style and fingers. I bet you don't want any knock-down.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 06, 2019, 02:28:35 pm
> In your AB763 Lite there is 3 components

Looks like he had "too much gain", at least for his mild style(?), so added a knock-down.

Your plan, 6SN7 with a James, is not a lot of gain, maybe not enough, depending on your style and fingers. I bet you don't want any knock-down.
Oh I forgot to change V1 tube name it is a 6SL7.

What is a James? Tone stack?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on April 06, 2019, 02:49:16 pm
Thanks Sluckey !  In your AB763 Lite there is 3 components in that same spot, what they do ?
Those components simulate the loading that was present before the VIBRATO channel was stripped away.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 09, 2019, 02:50:19 pm
I think the schematic is done, is it all correct?
Also i got the transformers schematic.

Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: PRR on April 09, 2019, 03:19:39 pm
Fixed resistor next to Presence pot needs a value.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 09, 2019, 04:36:44 pm
Fixed resistor next to Presence pot needs a value.

Thanks PRR !
Fixed that.
Which phase inverter does more output, cathodyne or Long Tail ?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: sluckey on April 09, 2019, 05:04:55 pm
Cathodyne has a gain of less than one. LTP has gobs of gain.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 09, 2019, 05:06:18 pm
Cathodyne has a gain of less than one. LTP has gobs of gain.

Goblins? :w2:    :icon_biggrin:

You mean lots ?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Willabe on April 09, 2019, 05:40:31 pm
Cathodyne has a gain of less than one. LTP has gobs of gain.

Goblins? :w2:    :icon_biggrin:

You mean lots ?

Yes he means lots of gain. 
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Ritchie200 on April 09, 2019, 09:01:52 pm
I think that was a relevant question:

"a lump or clot of a slimy or viscous substance" - like a beer at Wrigley Field.... :happy1:


The goblins show up when you first power up!

Jim  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: PRR on April 09, 2019, 10:33:28 pm
> Which phase inverter does more output, cathodyne or Long Tail ?

Yes. (Either can do very very well.)

Sluckey's point compares a one-triode cathodyne to the two-triode LTP. However at the same tube count, cathodyne has another triode which can be a gain stage. Total gain can be significant higher than LTP. With care, both can deliver more voltage than any of our usual power tubes can swallow.

However getting more than so-much gain in the driver leads to compromise. If you need big gain, get it in the small stages.
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 15, 2019, 03:43:05 pm
How about a pot instead of a switch for the -FB ?

Yes, you could use a pot.

What value the pot should be 20k , 25k ?
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: Ritchie200 on April 15, 2019, 06:06:06 pm
For what it's worth, I really like the Presence on my Major.  Depending on what guitar I use, it allows me to dial in a little bite.  Typically turned off with a strat, it can give a little more top end if loaded down with a pedal(s) on the front end.  With a humbucker it allows for a little or a lot of shimmer over the top - similar to a live Jimmy Page.  As we all know, the Presence is different than just turning up the treble.  It sure makes my amp a lot more flexible.

Jim
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 15, 2019, 06:46:50 pm
For what it's worth, I really like the Presence on my Major.  Depending on what guitar I use, it allows me to dial in a little bite.  Typically turned off with a strat, it can give a little more top end if loaded down with a pedal(s) on the front end.  With a humbucker it allows for a little or a lot of shimmer over the top - similar to a live Jimmy Page.  As we all know, the Presence is different than just turning up the treble.  It sure makes my amp a lot more flexible.

Jim

The plan is to have a presence control and the control for the feedback loop as well.

Also there are few more ideas cooking at the moment, I'm reading, researching, gathering info !

Check out also this topic (https://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=24596.msg264978#msg264978). Body control is another candidate for the amp!
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: uki on April 22, 2019, 11:26:37 pm
Some update on this project:

Bias balance, CUT control and

Negative Feedback control, what value for the pot should be used, keep the resistor with smaller value ?

Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: tubenit on April 23, 2019, 05:16:41 am
Thanks for sharing the schematic!  I'll be very interested in hearing how you like this amp once built.

With respect, Tubenit
Title: Re: KT88 PP amp
Post by: PRR on April 23, 2019, 02:41:34 pm
> Negative Feedback control, what value for the pot should be used,

This depends on the speaker and your style. NOT an "electronic" question. Put in two alligator clips and try values from half of stock to infinity.