Welcome To the Hoffman Amplifiers Forum

September 08, 2025, 05:56:33 am
guest image
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
-User Name
-Password



Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: GA-9 5C2 Combo - switching question - best way to switch between preamps  (Read 1748 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline gtrbryan

  • Level 2
  • **
  • Posts: 201
  • I love tube amps
Several years ago, I planned a build where I would have two channels.  One would be based on the Gibson GA-9 preamp and the other based on the Fender 5C1.  I had anticipated to use a rotary switch to go from channel to channel into a single 6v6. 

After moving on to other projects I came back to this, and decided to use a 6SC7 and make the second channel the 5C2 preamp.  My rotary switch is 4 pole, three position (4P3T) and I am thinking of wiring it as attached to give the option of putting a 6SC7 triode after the 6SJ7.

My question is this:  In any configuration like this, when one channel is switched "out" there will be a tube with active heaters and voltage on the plate.  The input would not be grounded.  However, it would be outside of the signal chain.  This is different than is usually done.  Is this a potential noise issue?  Any thoughts of a better way to do it.  Schematic attached.  Thanks as always.

Offline PRR

  • Level 5
  • *******
  • Posts: 17082
  • Maine USA
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: GA-9 5C2 Combo - switching question - best way to switch between preamps
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2016, 11:11:55 pm »
I can't follow your switching for-sure.

Plate circuits of both 6SC7 stages sure are incorrectly drawn.

Combined cathode circuits of sequential 6SC7 stages requires HUGE cathode cap or it will oscillate. That's why it was almost never done. EDIT- yes, 5C2 does do it. But with that heavy 250K:75K divider between stages. Even then, I think when the 25u cathode cap drifts a little it will get wonky.
« Last Edit: October 25, 2016, 11:15:58 pm by PRR »

 


Choose a link from the
Hoffman Amplifiers parts catalog
Mobile Device
Catalog Link
Yard Sale
Discontinued
Misc. Hardware
What's New Board Building
 Parts
Amp trim
Handles
Lamps
Diodes
Hoffman Turret
 Boards
Channel
Switching
Resistors Fender Eyelet
 Boards
Screws/Nuts
Washers
Jacks/Plugs
Connectors
Misc Eyelet
Boards
Tools
Capacitors Custom Boards
Tubes
Valves
Pots
Knobs
Fuses/Cords Chassis
Tube
Sockets
Switches Wire
Cable


Handy Links
Tube Amp Library
Tube Amp
Schematics library
Design a custom Eyelet or
Turret Board
DIY Layout Creator
File analyzer program
DIY Layout Creator
File library
Transformer Wiring
Diagrams
Hoffmanamps
Facebook page
Hoffman Amplifiers
Discount Program