Transformer selection for a 183

[LeftyStrat]

What modern KT88 tube is going to last with 550V on the plates around 540V on the screens?

I don't even think NOS would do well with 540V on the screens. Most designs I have seen run 550V on the plates and 300V on the screens.

[Mark]

http://www.drtube.com/datasheets/kt88-sed1999.pdf

I think I'd be really careful with the power applied to the screen grid,
and not exceed the screen grids 8 watt rating. You will have to inject a signal into the amp to determine that though.

In my limited experience I seen the screen pull serious current once it hits full output.

Good luck with the project and thanks for the transformer tips, it would be good to hear amps built with the triode iron. I have iron for a Rocket so it would be good to hear if there is sound commonality in the tone of the amps.

[RB]

If you are thinking about the 183 because you liked the tone in demos of the real thing or very good approximations you should stick to the original formulation.

That is a Twin PT, Marshall OT and 4 EL34s.

IMHO the 183 is the best d-style for people looking for more contemporary rock and rock-blues tone. Not what you want for Jazz/Fusion/Alt Country etc. If you want some Marshall growl when pushed this will do the trick.

I would have a 183 and a 102. If I could figure out how Quinn makes his dual voiced 102/183 sound so convincing I would build one of those.

Regards
Randy

[LeftyStrat]

Well, the memory is not what it used to be. I finally found the post I was thinking about:

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... light=kt88


Tony's amp had 500V on the plates and he used an OC2 to drop the screens by 100V. Assuming he used the original Traynor YBA-1 OT, it should probably be close to 4k. Maybe 70 watts?

Anyway, I always loved the tones on his clip.

[Chris333]

That's a good clip -- nice gnarly edge to the tone. Great playing, too!