Layout Design Question

[turtle441]

After a long break due to some work commitments, I'm back to working on a from-scratch amp build. I thought I'd had my layout ironed out before I'd set the project aside for a few months, but now I'm having second thoughts. The amp is a modification on a couple of Matchless designs, essentially creating a 2-channel 15-watt amp with one channel based on the Spitfire pre-amp, the other based on the Lightning pre-amp. I've built a few kits before, but this is my first one where I've designed the layout... thus the questions.

So, my original layout is here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8iVnZAXpY8AUGlOOHNkWTlvV1E/view?usp=sharing

It's largely a modification of many of the DIY matchless layouts available on the web, only allowing switching of tone stacks.

I was looking at layouts for a few other amps the other day (Mark Huss' 6V6 plexi amongst others) and noticed they have the power filtering caps in amongst the other parts, rather than on a separate board. As some of the power runs off the separate filter caps board were looking a little awkward, I thought this might be an interesting change.

This is version 2:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8iVnZAXpY8AUC1ZWGlYc2w3eFk/view?usp=sharing

It does away with the separate filter cap board. As the TDS transformers that I got for the build are both laydown (only 1 bell, no mounting brackets), it may force the OT slightly closer to the PT, but I think I'll be okay as I'm building in a deluxe reverb chassis. It's fairly roomy.

Thoughts on one style layout vs. the other? Any noise benefits of one vs. the other? I know the real answer is to build both layouts and see which one is better. But, in this case, I'd like to maximize my chance of success on the first time.

[Moonage]

I would definitively use second option. Large electrolytic caps between the stages would also act as a shield. Also, I would implement multiple star ground.
Read more about grounding here:

http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/Grounding.pdf

[sluckey]

I like the second layout better also. I did a Lightning a few years ago. Here's a link. Layout drawing is at the bottom of the page...

     http://sluckeyamps.com/lightning/matchless.htm

[turtle441]

Thanks for the input.

Sluckey, that looks like a slick build.  Almost makes me wish I'd gotten some stand up iron to allow a tighter chassis.

I'll take a look at tightening up the grounding scheme some.  Have another question in that regard.  What's the general consensus on location and number of connections of ground to chassis.  Merlin's chapter linked above comes down pretty hard on the side of a single connection, located next to the input jack.  Other DIY layouts online (including a vast majority of the ones on Ceriatone's site) have a ground connection near the PT.  I've read a few folks advocating 2 points, one for PI, PA, and secondary center tap, located near the PT, then a second ground for preamp at the input jack.  I'd gone for this last one, although I'll admit I didn't have much justification for it.  Thoughts?

[sluckey]

I've read a few folks advocating 2 points, one for PI, PA, and secondary center tap, located near the PT, then a second ground for preamp at the input jack.

That's my preference.