Ceriatone 50w to 100w conversion

[nickm57]

As the title says, I'm looking at doing this, just need a little more clean headroom.
I have a ceriatone 100w power transformer.

I am looking at the Magnetic Components classic tone multi output. Any opinions vs the heyboer ?

Also I'm running 6l6's, so any advantage/differences using the #124 style 470r/5k1 vs the 1k/3k3?

thanks Nick

[JD0x0]

IMO the easiest way to get more headroom is go with dual KT88's you wont need to wire in two more sockets just beef up the trannies. You wont be getting as much wattage as you would with a quad but you can easily get 80 watts out of two KT88's not to mention the tubes themselves have more headroom than the 6L's

I have a 50 watt OTS and it does breakup pretty early (I blame the PI, maybe my next build will use a hiwatt PI) Also i think some of the headroom issues has to do with ceriatone's transformers they seem to breakup pretty early too.

[Frankie]

I have buildt two ceriatone D- amps. One OTS, and one HRM both 50w.
I have changed the Power tranny, and the OT. The amp sounded much, much better with hammond trannies. I no longer have problems with all the parasite oscillation I had in both of them. They sounds bigger, and more woody, and the OD is much tighter, and I lost the fizz, and the farty bass.
I will advise you to consider only to change trannies. The 50w plays loud enough, but with 100w you even get more headroom, but then you must have a little tranny to supply your relays. On the hammond 290DEX, I did use the 5 vac secondary to supply the relays. Remember this is a 230Vac primary tranny. So if you need 120Vac, It`s a different number.

Frank.

[Frankie]

The 120 Vac primary.Hammond 290DX.

http://www.hammondmfg.com/guitarLinePWR.htm

Frank.

[nickm57]

Hi
Thanks for the replies.

I have the 100watt power transformer from ceriatone, replaced a 50watt one that blew. Down here we are 240ac. So no need for the relay tap.

The amp still concerns me in terms of reliability. As the 50watter blew without warning, at sound check on a show.

I know that the 50 watter can get quite loud but it gets a bit mushy.
I find that a 4 valve amp justs sound different, more midrange girth for want of a better discription.

If i need to I'll set it up with the #124 half power set up.
I have an old AC30 and even though it's rated at a lower wattage than the 2X6l6 amps I have, the power section just seems to have more in it.

Any comments on the 470 vs 1k setup?
Anyone done a comparison of Magnetic Components classic tone with the heyboer equivalent.

[Frankie]

Hi
Thanks for the replies.

I have the 100watt power transformer from ceriatone, replaced a 50watt one that blew. Down here we are 240ac. So no need for the relay tap.

The amp still concerns me in terms of reliability. As the 50watter blew without warning, at sound check on a show.

I know that the 50 watter can get quite loud but it gets a bit mushy.
I find that a 4 valve amp justs sound different, more midrange girth for want of a better discription.

If i need to I'll set it up with the #124 half power set up.
I have an old AC30 and even though it's rated at a lower wattage than the 2X6l6 amps I have, the power section just seems to have more in it.

Any comments on the 470 vs 1k setup?
Anyone done a comparison of Magnetic Components classic tone with the heyboer equivalent.

Then I would have gone for the Hammond 290 Fex, 100w PT, and a extra supply for the relays. You don`t know what you are missing if you go for the ceriatone tranny, it just don`t deliver the creamy sound to a dumble.
Believe me I have tried two builds with them, and one was with a 100w PT.
They are causing problems all the way, cause they seem to cause parasite oscillation no matter what you tweak the amp, and lead dress.
Now it`s said, and that is my experience with them. You may be lucky and have a good one. :)
Good luck! Hope you get it nailed down. ;)

Frank

[fp2000]

I would like to hear the opinion on the 470 vs 1k setup. I have the same dilema here.
Anyone?
Thanks

[hitchcaster]

i think the 470ohms sound better with 6l6's...... i tried the 3.3K with 470ohms and thought the 5.1K sounded better to my ears... didn't try 1K with 3.3K though.. thats my .02

[nickm57]

I've done some research(Internet searching ), but can't get a definitive.
That 6l6 output is lowered by the 1K setup? and comments that the difference can't be heard? which seem to contradict.

Also a comment on the Ceriatone output sag. Transformers or filtering.

[talbany]

EL34 screens are wimpy compared to 6L6's. That's why the 1K resistor is needed for EL34 as compared to 470 for the 6L6's."
An EL34 screen can dissipate MUCH more wattage than a 6L6GC.......it's just that the grid#1 and grid #2 geometry of an EL-34 causes the screen to draw more current.
The 1K (vs 470) on a pair of 6L's will be less punchy and slightly more compressed at high volumes.. Some say 1k will have an effect on the higher frequency's slightly darker although I really cant tell that much of a difference..(ever hear a Plexi)If you run the amp (especially 50w) for long periods of time at high volumes the 1K's will give you better screen regulation and help extend tube life...Grid resistors whole other deal..

Tony