In my last post I discussed what it means to make an amplifier go to 11. But in spite of the issues involved, many amp builders simply can’t help themselves. Even before the first connection is made they start craving more power. However, the truth of the mater is that increasing amplifier power is almost always a fool’s errand. And even the rated power outputs of most commercial amplifiers have nothing to do with listening, and everything to do with marketing.
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These Go To “11”
The year was 1984. The spoof “rockumentary” titled “This Is Spinal Tap” was just released to theaters and it was then that this immortal phrase entered the modern lexicon. I’m referring, of course, to that classic line “These go to 11”.
In the intervening 40 plus years, a million and one jokes have been made about things that go to 11; including amplifiers. As amp builders we would like to know what it takes to make our amp projects go to 11. Unfortunately, the answer is more complicated than you might think.
Continue readingNew Tubes in the Curly Maple
The TAD 6V6GT-STR “Redbase” Premium tubes showed up and I got them installed in the 6V6 Curly Maple amplifier. I took new voltages and have been listening to the tubes with a variety of music. These tubes are very detailed and musical. They produce a stronger bass than the 6V6Gs and a very even tonality in the ultra linear topology. I would consider these a nice upgrade for any 6V6 amplifier.
Continue readingWords With New Meanings
Today marks five weeks since I hurt my ankle. And this morning I managed to do my full mile plus morning walk without any issues. My dog was happy about this as well. At 18 years old the definition of “walking it off” after such an injury meant maybe a day. I guess now over 40 years later “walking it off” means five weeks. Who knew?
But I’ve also made a slight deviation with the 6V6 Curly Maple amp.
Continue readingSometimes Life Gets Complicated
So I’ve been laying low for the last couple of months and not entirely by my own volition. I finished up the Curly Maple amp on the first of June and have not yet gotten the project page posted. But rest assured, the entire write up on the new amplifier is coming soon.
Continue readingSome New Tubes
I haven’t gotten the time to complete the testing on the Curly Maple yet, but I did receive a couple of tubes for which I’ve been waiting so I can try them in the new amp.
Continue readingAnother JJ Bites the Dust
While working in my office today I suddenly realized that the music had stopped. Looking at the Source Selector Preamp showed that the output levels were not moving. A little investigating revealed the culprit.
Continue readingThe 6V6 Curly Maple Amplifier is Complete
The resistors for which I’ve been waiting to finish the amp showed up in the mail yesterday. Today I got the final resistor installed and did a full check on the amplifier.
Continue readingAssembly Complete… Almost
I took some time yesterday to finish up the 6V6 Curly Maple assembly. Everything is complete and in place except for the main dropping resistor, Rd.
Continue readingTop Plate Complete
I had a good bit of time to work this morning and I completed the top plate wiring. The next step is to get it affixed to the chassis.
Continue readingCurly Maple Power Supply Progress
I carved out some more time to work on the amp today. I managed to get the entire power supply section wired in.
Continue reading6V6 Curly Maple Progress
In spite of some other things commanding my time, I’ve finally managed to get started on the wiring for the new amplifier.
Continue readingA Quick Note on Content
Something has come up a couple of times recently and I’d like to quickly address it once and for all.
Continue reading6V6 Curly Maple Mechanical Assembly
I took some time this morning, now that the paint is dry on the top plate, to install the mechanical aspects of the amp. The top plate is now fully populated.
Continue reading6V6 Curly Maple Amp – On the Launch Pad
While dealing with my other spring chores, I’ve been working to get the finish applied to the amplifier’s top plate. While not perfect, I believe it is acceptable enough for me to proceed.
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