The JE Labs/ Angela SE 2A3 amplifier, revisited

Okay, we're getting a lot closer now but B+ is lower than I'd like, at ~330V even with a GZ34 which doesn't drop that much. Target is 350V.

The current supply is LCLC, with a 390v.d.c transformer > GZ34 > Chicago 8hy choke > (85ohm) > 100uf > 5hy Lundahl (15ohm?) > 100uf

I know y'all are big fans of that second choke, but pulling it would get me closer to my target voltage... though I'm not sure just how much closer. Alternatively, I could "tune" the voltage up with a small value cap just before the choke -- I've seen that referred to as cLCLC -- but I don't know which is the more "elegant" approach.

Anyone care to weigh in?

Yup, I've done the cLCLC trick to tweak... it's a great way to make "nearly correct" flea market transformers do what you want! The question is, I think, which will bother your idealism more? That your PS is not 100% truly choke loaded, or that your B+ is 5.7% lower than predicted? What about increasing the 2a3 resistors a smidge so the B+ is bogged down less? Lots of ways to achieve inner peace.

Will you be able to hear the difference? The only way to know for sure is to make these changes adjustable while the amp is running. For instance, add a 100 ohm pot on a 20' piece of cable in series with the cathode resistors. Or, a DPDT toggle switch to the ground side of your leading capacitor. It's not without risk, but your bloodline is well established, right?
 
...It's not without risk, but your bloodline is well established, right?
Hah, this is just what I needed!

Turns out a 1uf cap was just what the doctor ordered, and I took the opportunity to drop this old beauty in for the job...

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Once the B+ voltage was where I wanted it, I tied up a few loose ends -- literally -- and put the lid on this project for a bit. It has been playing nicely in the system since this afternoon.

I'm looking forward to shipping this off, soon!

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OK boys and girls, this is as close as we get to glamour shots around here... (y'all can just pretend those output tubes are something nicer, because they definitely will be!)

They look amazing! I wouldn't have thought to use the Hammond enclosures "upside down". Instinctively, I would have had the cover plate on top, with seams and attachment screws plainly visible. The smooth rounded edges and corners without seams look superb.

cheers, Derek
 
Hey Nate. I just looked up Hammond aluminum cases like yours......am I seeing those prices correctly??? A 9x9x5 box is over 200 bucks!!!
 
They look amazing! I wouldn't have thought to use the Hammond enclosures "upside down". Instinctively, I would have had the cover plate on top, with seams and attachment screws plainly visible. The smooth rounded edges and corners without seams look superb.
Thanks Derek! I really like these enclosures and the overall aesthetic too, but it can be awkward working inside the boxes at times.
 
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