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October 24, 2025, 10:41:38 am
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Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: 5E3 Bias  (Read 85 times)

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Offline dpm309

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5E3 Bias
« on: October 23, 2025, 05:37:09 pm »
My 5E3 build (1st amp I built several years ago) was experiencing crackling on the volume pots. Took it apart and cleaned the pots and is working. While I had it on my bench, I checked the voltages and bias.  A few years ago I performed the Simplified Dumble 5E3 Tweedle Mods on it. The amp sounds great with this mod. I replaced the 5Y3 rectifier with a GZ34 along with other mods. My plate voltage on the power tubes is 372VDC which gives me a bias of 56ma. This seems high for a 6V6 but the amps sounds great and have not had any issues with the power tubes.  Is 56ma too high? Will this affect the life of the power tubes?

Offline passaloutre

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Re: 5E3 Bias
« Reply #1 on: October 23, 2025, 06:02:16 pm »
What is the cathode voltage? Assuming 250r bias resistor?

Is 56mA per tube, or both combined?
« Last Edit: October 23, 2025, 06:05:52 pm by passaloutre »

Offline pdf64

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Re: 5E3 Bias
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2025, 03:38:24 am »
To provide a valid response, more measurements are required.

Anode voltage
Screen grid voltage
Cathode voltage
Cathode resistor value
Screen grid current

And an accurate schematic, as it's not a standard 5E3 anymore.

Does reverting to the 5Y3 cause the amp to sound worse?
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