Also, thanks for the reply. I might be interested in the future if you ever do sell some of your amps.
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The DIY Tube Head Thread
- Thread starter IronRadio
- Start date
so if the cost is so high on building tube amps, how do companies sell them for so low? (an SVT for 1700 doesn't seem so ridiculous on 1400 in components)
Well, a compay like Ampeg (Loud? whatever) won't be paying $1400 in component costs since they'll get OEM quantity pricing because of their sales volume and many of these components will be shared across models for further quantity discounts. I expect that not all of their components will be the best quality components either (maybe some, but not all). The OP's amp could be compared to a low volume boutique design. He also had custom cabinetry, faceplate, etc. which probably cost a bit that will be cheaper to do in mass production.
Cost of parts is much cheaper when you buy in high volumes plus cheap labor overseas for them now.
i'd be using it with a tube power amp, would it be better to add another tube for make up gain after the tone controls and maybe change the tone controls out for some active ones?
Well, they don't use gold plated porcelain tube sockets with NOS tubes in 'em. And they don't use silver plated nylon insulated mil-spec wire, audiophile grade caps and metal film resistors inside of a custom built British plexi-style cab with two custom made name plates on it..
Now you know why HIWATTs are so expensive... And many of my parts are better. Their amps are killer tidy though..
My next project? A DR-405 clone... All point to point though...
(long reverb ON)
VOLUME VOLUME VOLUME!!!
(long reverb OFF)
My amp tech and I were discussing this a couple months ago. It's the reason why boutique amps can easily cost $5000 or more. Actually, I'm surprised boutique amp builders do it. There's really not a whiole lot of return if you figure cost of parts and time spent on labor. Very few boutique amp guys can buy 200 transformers to get the big discount, nor can they sell 200 amps in a year. Some never even build 200 amps.
Excellent workmanship.
Can't wait for mp3 samples.
Would 'preciate a drawing of your circuitry on the bass amp.
Thanks,
Jamie
Can't wait for mp3 samples.
Would 'preciate a drawing of your circuitry on the bass amp.
Thanks,
Jamie
Wow that took me a little bit to get. Like the monster truck guys on TV from the 80's.
Cool. I was looking into doing a DR 201- looks relatively simple for a 200w tube. Any ideas on which would be good replacements for the Partridge transformers?Well, they don't use gold plated porcelain tube sockets with NOS tubes in 'em. And they don't use silver plated nylon insulated mil-spec wire, audiophile grade caps and metal film resistors inside of a custom built British plexi-style cab with two custom made name plates on it..
Now you know why HIWATTs are so expensive... And many of my parts are better. Their amps are killer tidy though..
My next project? A DR-405 clone... All point to point though...
True to my word, I'm starting on another amp inspired by the HIWATT DR405. It will be an incredible beast. 450W of ground shattering power. Guaranteed to not only to give the bass player a defense against the loudest drummer but to offer a considerable tactical offense too!
It'll use eight KT88s and weigh around 100#. The OT came in today, I decided to go with the mighty Plitron PAT-4141. Check out how huge this thing is! A pen for size comparison...
Next, a custom built DR405 PT...
It'll use eight KT88s and weigh around 100#. The OT came in today, I decided to go with the mighty Plitron PAT-4141. Check out how huge this thing is! A pen for size comparison...
Next, a custom built DR405 PT...
True to my word, I'm starting on another amp inspired by the HIWATT DR405. It will be an incredible beast. 450W of ground shattering power. Guaranteed to not only to give the bass player a defense against the loudest drummer but to offer a considerable tactical offense too!
It'll use eight KT88s and weigh around 100#. The OT came in today, I decided to go with the mighty Plitron PAT-4141. Check out how huge this thing is! A pen for size comparison...
Next, a custom built DR405 PT...
Sick.
That Xformer is like $400! 
. And to think I've been agonizing about the cost of some lowly Hammond iron for a project that I'm thinking about. You must have some bucks burning a hole in your pocket. That is going to be one uber-expensive amp! But when it's done...
(one for each KT88
)
. And to think I've been agonizing about the cost of some lowly Hammond iron for a project that I'm thinking about. You must have some bucks burning a hole in your pocket. That is going to be one uber-expensive amp! But when it's done...(one for each KT88
)
The gain you need would depend on the input sensitivity of the chosen power amp. You could modify the circuit any way that you want but then all bets are off as to how it might sound.
Paul
And speaking of gain, I was not getting enough out of my DB1 - which inspired this thread! Not enough power either. So I did two major mods. See if you can spot them in the following photo:
The power transformer? You're right! I'm now running 600V on the KT88 plates.
And the 9-pin tube to the right of the 6SL7? You're pretty good at this. Yes I added a 5751 and now the gain and power are most impressive. Before, I got a conservative amount of volume with both controls at "10". Now I get the same volume with both controls at "2". Quite a difference and just what I was hoping for!
The power transformer? You're right! I'm now running 600V on the KT88 plates.
And the 9-pin tube to the right of the 6SL7? You're pretty good at this. Yes I added a 5751 and now the gain and power are most impressive. Before, I got a conservative amount of volume with both controls at "10". Now I get the same volume with both controls at "2". Quite a difference and just what I was hoping for!
That Xformer is like $400!
(one for each KT88
This is probably the most expensive amp that I will ever build. Of course it's the world-famous AAI. The Hashimoto outputs were $450 each. All silver plated mil-spec wiring, Russian mil-spec teflon coupling caps, etc. Only the best parts. I put about $2800 into it including the cocobolo side panels with gold appointments.
