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EL34-6SQ7 build completed

I completed my build a few weeks ago, took a break before verifying all the connections, and testing.

Today I ran the Audio Analyzer suite on the build - things look OK. I need to dim my blue LED (I know some have issues with blue LEDs - but I like them, I still remember when I got my first one - so much better than the red/green/amber ones I got used to (I'm close to 60, so yes, that was about 30 years ago)). Just noticed I also need to reverse the screws/nuts on the choke.

The Amp sounds sweet - I'm playing some Joan Armatrading on it right now. Will let it burn in over the next few days. My amp till now was the Adcom GFA-535 (a decent amp). This amp is no worse from what I've heard so far, I think it sounds better - but I still need more time to listen. (So while typing this up I moved on to 'Goombay Dance Band' and they are sounding much more open and imaged than I remember).

I did have to go through 4 6SQ7's to get a pair that kept THD <1% - had seen THD at 1.8% on one of the tubes I had.

Thanks to Skunkie Designs for sharing this project - was definitely worth the effort to build this.

4 comments

4 Comments

SpeedyDad

Mar 03, 2022

Congrats on finishing the build. I like how you tucked away the cathode resistors. I also see--in comparison to mine--how less crowded the wiring looks when you use the different PT and just one choke. What speakers are you using? Enjoy your amp!

SimonP

Mar 03, 2022

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Replying to

Thanks. The resistors do get a little hot, but they are away from caps and the steel case is a pretty good heatsink.

I'm using some 40 year old Monitor Audio R252 speakers at the moment (my speakers from college days) - I'm in the process of building some GR-Research X-LS Encores, waiting on some parts they are having problems with. One real improvement for me was getting some of the monoprice monolith speaker stands. Getting the speakers at ear level and away from the wall has helped with the sound. (filled the legs with sand, so the stands are solid)

I've been using the AMP a few hours a day, and it's sounding great. It's actually dead silent with just the single choke. It's made me want to investigate my phono stage a bit more as it has a slight hum with ears close to the speaker - which maybe I could eliminate with some better separation of the power board.

One additional project in the works is a pre-amp/source selector. I'm going to make the amp portion switchable so I can I can use the box to select a source and select if I want the gain section bypassed or switched in. Trying to have much of the Audio system DIY'ed (The amp/pre-amp/phono stage and speakers).

roblund7

Mar 01, 2022

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Nice!

Skunkie

Feb 18, 2022

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Very nice job!!! I feel like there is something special about this combo of tubes.