Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum
Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: Wardy on September 06, 2025, 02:14:52 am
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Hi Gang,
I really need some expert help. am reaching the end of my tether with a new build 50W ODS amp.
The situation is that it fires up and all the controls work as expected but the output volume is low. I have traced through the amp with an oscilloscope and narrowed the problem down to V1a. which does amplify but by a factor of 2 when the expected is 45. Its taken me days to get to this stage!
I guess the question is now pretty simple as the problem is specific. What would cause one side of an ecc83 triode (V1a) to output 2x gain when it should output a gain of 45x according to a recent test on another amp thats the same.
I've checked for resistor values. cap values, checked for no dc on wrong side of caps, correct connections, all earths working, tried 3 valves, inspected every joint with a magnifying glass, reflowed some.
What else could possibly cause this? where else to look?
has anyone ever had a similar problem? :help:
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Measure DC Voltages at tube pins.
Doesn't sound sexy, but excel is of big help. No more notes flying around, you can see your progress afterwards.
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Ok Thanks, Sorry I forgot to attach the voltage chart I made previously.
best
Steve