Welcome To the Hoffman Amplifiers Forum

September 06, 2025, 09:42:22 am
guest image
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
-User Name
-Password



Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: Troubleshooting a new build amp  (Read 36 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Wardy

  • Level 1
  • *
  • Posts: 23
  • I love Tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Troubleshooting a new build amp
« on: September 06, 2025, 02:14:52 am »
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:
« Last Edit: September 06, 2025, 02:22:26 am by Wardy »

Offline Williamblake

  • Level 2
  • **
  • Posts: 482
  • I just picked values that I've seen in other circu
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Troubleshooting a new build amp
« Reply #1 on: September 06, 2025, 04:48:05 am »
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.

Offline Wardy

  • Level 1
  • *
  • Posts: 23
  • I love Tube amps
Hoffman Amps Forum image
Re: Troubleshooting a new build amp
« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2025, 05:04:22 am »
Ok Thanks, Sorry I forgot to attach the voltage chart I made previously.

best

Steve

 


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