Hi all,
long time lurker here with first post. Started out with KT88 PP then been using SE for maybe the last 10 years or so but have been contemplating a PP EL84 for awhile,(EL84 is great sounding, easy to drive and cheap - whats not to like!) as I have parts build it easily (could almost open a store with my parts collection over the last almost 30 years but as I get older I grow more lazy so and was going to order a Dynaclone ST35 kit instead but changed my mind. Ordered a ST 35 board and parts from Triodeel in the middle of September last year, received it about 10 days later (Cayman Islands) and built it maybe 2 weeks later. Finally powered it up yesterday, its just been sitting on my bench while I have been busy with life.
I used Hammond 300 series Power and 8H choke, F&T filter caps, Hexfreds, Hovland for coupling and cloth lead Z 565's which I had to renew the leads on as the insulation left a lot to be desired after 50 years. JJ 12AX7 / 12AU7 and Sovtex EL84's.
So far so good, my PS voltages are about 5% high so as good as perfect (AC outlets are ~123 VAC). Had a little hum, ground loop, but since I had out my meter I put in my shorting jacks and measured the noise on the outputs 1.35mV & 1.44mV Left and Right respectfully.
I was surprised at the bass, quite good, actually sounded a little more solid than an EL34PP AMP I built using same tube compliment.
Next up is a Tele 12AX7 and RCA 12BH7 and then not sure yet with the outputs and let it play. Then a clean up on the wiring.
Also built one of David Gillespies EFB circuits which I need to test. Its already installed but not connected. I think I need to get some tightly matched tubes even though my board has individual VR's for each tube beforehand.
I have some matched EI's somewhere but could not put my hand on them yesterday. Not sure what I did with them.
Any suggestions for current production EL84's?