rocket checkup

[andrew]

I built two versions of the Rocket but I am using only 2-EL-84s. They both sound great and are very quiet ( tubedogsmith and Paul Ruby versions ) I would like some advise on the PT and OT. My house is 117v, the PT has primary taps for 120v and 125v( I'm using 125v). The secondary taps are for 270v and 340v at 150m.( I'm using 270v) I'm using a 6.6k 22watt OT but I also have a 8k I could use. My voltages are B1-331 B2-329 B3-268 B4-219 B5-208 The choke I have is a 5h but the Rocket uses 15h. If any of you could evaluate this to get me in a better Rocket zone I would sure appreciate it!

[CaseyJones]

I built two versions of the Rocket but I am using only 2-EL-84s. They both sound great and are very quiet ( tubedogsmith and Paul Ruby versions ) I would like some advise on the PT and OT. My house is 117v, the PT has primary taps for 120v and 125v( I'm using 125v). The secondary taps are for 270v and 340v at 150m.( I'm using 270v) I'm using a 6.6k 22watt OT but I also have a 8k I could use. My voltages are B1-331 B2-329 B3-268 B4-219 B5-208 The choke I have is a 5h but the Rocket uses 15h. If any of you could evaluate this to get me in a better Rocket zone I would sure appreciate it!

If you're not over 120 volts in your house use the 120 volt primary. Measure your filament voltage with an accurate DMM, you want it as close to exactly 6.3 as you can get it for optimum tone and tube life.

Just for fun try 5 volts on the filaments if you have a set of expendable tubes. Then if you have 12AX7s that test low on emissions try jacking the filament voltage. You'll end up with little 12AX7 "zombies", they'll wake up from the dead and work o.k. at least until sunrise! If they weren't dead trust me, they will be!

8k primary is perfect for 2 x EL84 so I'd try that one.

270-0-270 is perfect for 2 x EL84s.

Some people get all hung up over chokes but I don't. I'll use a 5-10 henry choke for a 4 x EL84 amp and no choke at all for a 2 x EL84 amp.

[andrew]

Thanks for clearing up things for me CaseyJones!

[rhinson]

if you want a good output for a 2 el84 rocket try the dyanco z-565----the little brother to the a-470 that k.f. used in the rocket. i've built one using it and it sounds very sweet. rh

[andrew]

I see there is a Dynaco z-565 from Triode electronics for $70. I may try one some day but until then I'll hook up the Hammond 1650F. On a different topic which rectifier tube should I use? I have an old Motarola 5Y3, a JJ GZ34, and a Lowery 5U4. Thanks guys!