It hums...

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Phil_S
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Re: It hums...

Post by Phil_S »

This is what I did just now:
Phil_S wrote: I replaced the plain wire with shielded as suggested. I think it is worse, not better. I am going to pull the shielded and go back to plain.

-Reconnect the ground wire from the 250K/6800 to the ground end of the power tube R/C. I will run a separate wire to the main chassis ground, removing it from the Plate and Screen filters ground on the board. (Yeah, I know that's a 2fer.)
Now, if I was smart, I'd quit. The amp has a low level but very acceptable hum. Really, it's very, very good. There is, however, some white noise when the volume is turned up to about 8-10. I believe this was introduced when I moved the preamp buss ground to the jack end. I'll see if I can leave well enough alone because there is no way to turn this amp up to more than 5 in the house, if that. If I can't leave well enough alone...well...

Many thanks to everyone. There were some very good observations and all the comments were helpful in making me think about this.

I looked back at my notes about the ground scheme. What they say is to connect the power tube cathode R/C at the ground point on the chassis. I put that on the buss with the main filters thinking it makes no difference. That's just wrong, especially in this case where there are two things that need to go the that R/C ground in addition to the R/C itself.
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Colossal
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Re: It hums...

Post by Colossal »

Phil,

How did you make out with your cardboard/foil ghetto shield plate?

Also, the input impedance on those old amps (2-5M!) is high, so the input sensitivity will be very high. Consequently, noise can couple very easily, which is probably what is happening.
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Phil_S
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Re: It hums...

Post by Phil_S »

The lack of a bottom plate was not a problem. I've got a head cab under construction. The bottom will be foil lined anyway.

In testing playing the amp, I thought it was very responsive to touch. I am guessing that comes with the sensitivity. I liked this amp a lot. I was thinking I might sell it when I'm done with it, but now I'm on the fence. It's too loud, but it plays like a keeper. We'll see.
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Colossal
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Re: It hums...

Post by Colossal »

Phil_S wrote:It's too loud, but it plays like a keeper. We'll see.
Glad you got it sorted out.

I'm sure it sounds killer. Too loud?!? Hrumph :x :roll:
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Phil_S
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Re: It hums...

Post by Phil_S »

Colossal wrote:I'm sure it sounds killer. Too loud?!? Hrumph :x :roll:
Umm...too loud for use when others are at home though the dog doesn't seem to care. When I'm working at home next week, I will see if I can take a "lunch" break and move it into the living room (14'x33') where cranked isn't so intense.
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Colossal
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Re: It hums...

Post by Colossal »

Phil_S wrote:I will see if I can take a "lunch" break and move it into the living room (14'x33') where cranked isn't so intense.
Well played 8)
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Blackburn
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Re: It hums...

Post by Blackburn »

I miss my 5B6... :cry:
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Phil_S
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Re: It hums...

Post by Phil_S »

After I finish it, there is a possibility it will be for sale because it is too loud. I have cabinet work to do. It could be several weeks. Watch for the completed item. I'll post it along with whether I think it's a keeper.
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