Welcome To the Hoffman Amplifiers Forum

September 07, 2025, 08:09:19 am
guest image
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
-User Name
-Password



Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: 6v6 Plexi B+ voltage suggestion  (Read 2576 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Mehfuzhoss

  • Level 1
  • *
  • Posts: 33
  • I love Tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
6v6 Plexi B+ voltage suggestion
« on: May 19, 2021, 04:26:07 pm »
Hello,

I built a 6v6 plexi with a 290BX power transformer. my B+ current at the filter cap's 40uf side is 476 ish. I used a 40/20/20/20 multi can cap.
a choke's one side and OT's primary (Red wire) is connected to the 40uf of the multi section cap.

my question is: is it safe to use to 5watt 30v zener diode in series to the 40uf lug and then connect the choke's and OT's Red (primarcy) to the diode's end?

Please let me know if this okay to proceed!

Offline shaun

  • Level 2
  • **
  • Posts: 355
  • I love Tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 6v6 Plexi B+ voltage suggestion
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2021, 06:32:00 pm »
Hi Mehfuzhoss. I have found that there's a lot to consider when trying to reduce B+ voltage. My experience may differ from others, but I have just about always found that it's best to get a PT with a voltage you're happy with. Here's why.

It took me a while to learn the lesson that B+ from a tube rec (assuming you have a tube rec) is usually around 35-40% higher than half the stated Vct. Hammond says the 290BX is 660Vct, so depending on the type of rectification, I'd expect a B+ of at least 450 or higher. Which is what you have. So now you're going to be fighting that high B+ all along the way in order to get the amp to sit where you want it.

Of course, if you use a 5Y3 instead of a 5AR4, you'll get less B+, which sometimes works in a pinch, although it usually won't reduce the B+ by much more than 20 or so volts (in my experience), and you want to drop about 50 from what I can see.

What used to confuse me most was that some designers and builders will recommend PTs that kick out much more plate voltage on the secondary side than is sometimes needed, at least for me. I finally learned to work with what made me more comfortable regarding the final product.

One of the reasons I found zeners and dropping resistors aren't always the best option is because they will drop the voltage, but that voltage converts into a considerable amount of heat. Depending on where your transformer and tube rec are located, and depending on the size of the interior of the chassis - and depending on how well ventilated it is (any air holes in the chassis?) - things can get very very hot, almost guaranteeing a shortening of the life of the amp, and leading to a lack of confidence generally in your own skills as a builder.

But if you're set on that PT and install a zener strip, a good fix if you have too much heat is to install a 120mm computer fan in the cabinet. Some run almost silent. They are usually designed to run at 12vdc, so I also install a small 5v switching transformer (quite common and quite cheap because they're used with bluetooth etc, although they may have to come from China - I get mine from Bangood). The 5volts will only run the fan at half speed, but use a high speed fan (2200rpm) and you'll get a very nice 1100rpm that keeps everything back there happy.

I've tried installing bucking transformers and other "fixes," but if I were in your shoes, I'd simply bite the bullet and buy a transformer with a 550Vct-600Vct. It'll still produce plenty of B+. Again this is just in my experience, but I have never found a problem with voltages being "too low" in my builds. A lower voltage PT means I can increase the B+ anytime simply by going to a 5AR4 or 5U4 from a 5Y3 (as long as the PT can handle the extra mA current draw of the 5AR4).

But it's not so easy to go the other way. Ultimately, anytime I have a PT with a too-high output, I feel like the boy with his finger in the dike. Depending on your perspective, that's either fine or annoying.

Hope some of that helps you in your build.

 
With gratitude.

Offline sluckey

  • Level 5
  • *******
  • Posts: 5075
    • Sluckey Amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 6v6 Plexi B+ voltage suggestion
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2021, 08:00:43 pm »
I built a 6v6 plexi with a 290BX power transformer. my B+ current at the filter cap's 40uf side is 476 ish.
This sounds like you are using ss rectifier diodes and probably don't have the power tubes plugged in. If so, then put the tubes in, bias up and recheck the B+. It should drop under load.

If this is not the case then get a proper PT.
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

Offline Mehfuzhoss

  • Level 1
  • *
  • Posts: 33
  • I love Tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 6v6 Plexi B+ voltage suggestion
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2021, 10:17:12 pm »
Yes, it has a SS rectifier. the power tubes are plugged in. they are mesa matched duet maximum 500 plate current is supported. so with 465 V at the plate, the tubes are still happy. the reason i want to lower the B+ voltage is because the OD is very thin and fizzy sounding. but the clean is just amazing; i use a BE OD in front of the amp and the OD gets very pleasing to the ear. I will not touch it then, and leave it the way it is. I am very new to amp building and do not want to take the risk of overheating the chassis.

I appreciate your opinion and help!

Offline sluckey

  • Level 5
  • *******
  • Posts: 5075
    • Sluckey Amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: 6v6 Plexi B+ voltage suggestion
« Reply #4 on: May 19, 2021, 10:32:56 pm »
Maybe you just need to bias it hotter and maybe switch to a tube rectifier if possible. My 6V6 Plexi has a 330-0-330 PT (same as yours) but I'm using a GZ34 rectifier. My B+ is 400V (394 on plates) when biased for 25mA.

     http://sluckeyamps.com/6v6plexi/6v6plexi.htm
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

 


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