5E3 Layout for least humm

[rschiller]

I have two original 1958 Deluxe 5E3s. One has nearly noiseless background humm. The other about 2db higher noise. Both are acceptable low background noise levels and obviously use the original Fender layout. Both amps have electorlytic cap replacements as needed; I use F&T for filters. While I have left the layouts stock as this is what the market wants, I have found that replacing the input to stage II with a metal film 100k drop resistor does reduce noice by about 1-2db. Again the market place wants carbon composition for originality. I also suspect using the later mid-60s Fender wiring on the input jacks of grid leak and stop resistors on the jacks rather than on the board will contribute to slightly less background humm.

I will be building a 5E3 clone and notwithstanding all the above, what have folks found to be the optimal layout for minimal background humm and noise? Quality clone builders such as Victoria, Speed Shop and Fender use the original layout. Other options would be Hoffman's layout (attached) though the ground scheme here not as appealing to me. Rob Robinettes layout places the III drop filter cap closer to where it needs to be. (attached) A 4th option is Gerald Weber's layout - see image. Gerald puts the coupling caps on the volume pots and the III drop cap between the input jacks and first preamp tube socket claiming it eliminates occasional oscillation.

I appreciate all reasonable input, specially from those that have tired various layouts.

[LOUDthud]

Didn't the original 5E3 wiring simply ground one side of the filament supply ? I remember seeing that silly braided wire going to the chassis right next to each preamp tube.

[martin manning]

Didn't the original 5E3 wiring simply ground one side of the filament supply ? I remember seeing that silly braided wire going to the chassis right next to each preamp tube.

Yes, and the pilot lamp holder had one terminal grounded through its frame as well. You can see that on the old Fender layout drawing.