D Deluxe

[lovetone]

Hi Steve

Can you explain how you set the trimmer please?

how and Where did you measure the 6 volts differential?

[Zippy]

#2 gets a Mercury Magnetics 5E3 transformer set.

Which set? Are you getting the clone set (380-0-380) or a set adjusted for modern wall voltages (350-0-350)?

[67plexi]

#1 has a 384-0-384 PT. B+1 pin 8 GZ34 399 volts. B+2 360 volts B+3 312 volts B+4 288 volts
V-1 pin 1 173 volts V-1 pin 6 173 volts V-2 pin 1 199 volts V-2 pin 6 256 volts.
MM transformer set 380-0-380. Will let you know how it turns out.

Steve.

[67plexi]

Just finished #2 with the first issue Benton octal tube socket shorted
this is the second time will never use them ever again.
Next the Mercury Magnetics transformer set sounds marginal at best.
I used the same tubes so that's not it. All voltages are in spec.
#1 totally out preforms this second build, The good part of this story is
I did get one more 1959 OPT today. Thanks Mercury Magnetics I feel
like I shoot my self in the foot with your product Oh give it time to brake in
It either sounds good out of the gate or not, Tone Clone my ass.
Am I happy I will be after I buy a new PT like I used in the first build.
Hard lessons soon not forgotten. So much for the twins. Happy 4th of July.


Steve.

[groovtubin]

Just finished #2 with the first issue Benton octal tube socket shorted
this is the second time will never use them ever again.
Next the Mercury Magnetics transformer set sounds marginal at best.
I used the same tubes so that's not it. All voltages are in spec.
#1 totally out preforms this second build, The good part of this story is
I did get one more 1959 OPT today. Thanks Mercury Magnetics I feel
like I shoot my self in the foot with your product Oh give it time to brake in
It either sounds good out of the gate or not, Tone Clone my ass.
Am I happy I will be after I buy a new PT like I used in the first build.
Hard lessons soon not forgotten. So much for the twins. Happy 4th of July.


Steve.

I`ve had Decent luck with the Mmag power trans n HotRod fenders.., but i`m a tellin ya, the Magnetic components sound far better! A JTM 45 build was just stellar with them, + old mullard mustards n carbon comps! Sorry ta hear bad news...

Jim@Omegaamps

[67plexi]

It's ok live and learn no big deal. This was my first personal build not using a vintage OPT. I'm sure 99% of the people would be satisfied with #2
I have one rule if it does not sound great with the bench test speaker
it does no go in the cabinet until it does.

[groovtubin]

It's ok live and learn no big deal. This was my first personal build not using a vintage OPT. I'm sure 99% of the people would be satisfied with #2
I have one rule if it does not sound great with the bench test speaker
it does no go in the cabinet until it does.

Yep vtg trannies a big deal, have a 80`s 124 circuit on bench w/late 60`s twin reverb power n a dual showman OT, just SICK! B+ 420...

jim@OA

[mhartman]

What kind of short was it? I had an issue on one of my SSS builds where lacquer from a new transformer flaked off the wires and got caught between the octal power tube pins - the lacquer shorted and then a carbon trace formed. At that point in time, the socket was shot.

[67plexi]

Yes I had a arc OPT finish lead to filament. The other Belton octal
had a short inside the socket that one was interesting not this amp.
I got it dialed in as close as it can be, still has a harsh top end.
My trim pot measured 8.2k I was only able to obtain a 5 volt differential
on the PI. Next I tried out a new JJ/Telefunken GZ34-TK 368v B+2
next step was a RCA 5Y3 that gave me a 10 volt drop to 358v good.
Then Mullard made in England 12AX7 V-1 & V-2 that gave the amp some warmth. I'm going to play it for a week give it a chance if I don't hear an improvement then replace the transformers. Also the new batch of Belton
octal tube sockets every lug hole where you solder the wires was a different size I had to ream them all out so USA made 20AWG solid wire would fit.

[martin manning]

Hmm... is there a problem with counterfeit Belton sockets, I wonder?

[mhartman]

Hmm... is there a problem with counterfeit Belton sockets, I wonder?

That's what I was thinking. If you look on eBay, there are some close knock offs.

[martin manning]

Turns out there was some discussion on TAG wrt fake Belton sockets late last year: https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... 059#275059
Noval sockets having undersized holes in the solder lugs was mentioned...

[jelle]

I get mine from CeDist. No issues whatsoever. High quality part.

And I am not surprised that the MM transformers do not work well in a 5E3. I do like them in amps that do not rely on poweramp distortion. Like a jazz amp.

[67plexi]

My sockets are not counterfeit just quality of the HIGH



Steve.

[jelle]

Wow, that one is shot!
I have used hundreds of those without issues. Keeping my fingers crossed.