Harman Kardon Prelude Hot Rod Build

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SolidbdyJazzfan
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2014 3:04 pm
Location: Cincinnati

Harman Kardon Prelude Hot Rod Build

Post by SolidbdyJazzfan »

Hi all,

I've begun a conversion of a mid-1950s Harman Kardon "Prelude" from a 10 watt, 6V6-powered (cathode biased), tube rectified hi-fi mono amp to a 6L6GC powered guitar amp (using Tremolux-level transformers, a GZ34 rectifier and both cathode and fixed bias if that turns out to be feasible).

I know that some here are on TDPRI as well, and my build thread was started there back in May (in "Shock Brothers DIY Amps"). I'm not a fan of bumping my own threads there, so I thought I'd ask my pressing question here.

The schematic for the EL84-powered version of the Harman Kardon "Prelude" below shows a connection from the cathode of the preamp tube's first triode to the plate of the second triode. The 6V6 version is substantially the same. Could someone please tell me the purpose of this circuit? It doesn't appear to be a cathode follower.

Thank you!

Jon

[img:1024:718]http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad5/ ... 24bb02.jpg[/img]
tele_player
Posts: 311
Joined: Sat Sep 29, 2007 3:27 am

Re: Harman Kardon Prelude Hot Rod Build

Post by tele_player »

Looks like negative feedback to me.

Robert
teemuk
Posts: 248
Joined: Mon Dec 20, 2010 4:01 pm

Re: Harman Kardon Prelude Hot Rod Build

Post by teemuk »

It's negative feedback allright.

Furthermore, in some switch positions it's rather frequency-selective to apply the RIAA or AES equalization.
SolidbdyJazzfan
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2014 3:04 pm
Location: Cincinnati

Re: Harman Kardon Prelude Hot Rod Build

Post by SolidbdyJazzfan »

Thank you very much, tele_player and teemuk! I see that now. I was thinking of the signal flow going from cathode to plate, but it's feedback from plate to cathode.

I've eliminated the switch, thereby eliminating the caps and resistors mounted on the switch, but I preserved that circuit to a certain degree. I do like the "voice" of the stock preamp so if it works out well after the power stage increase I'll keep it.

Plan "B" is to remove the stock PC board if the traces can't handle the increased voltage or if there's too much noise, and go with a Garolite turretboard with a simpler preamp.

Thanks!

Jon
tictac
Posts: 617
Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2006 4:42 am

Re: Harman Kardon Prelude Hot Rod Build

Post by tictac »

Heater current; you do understand 6L6 tubes draw double the heater current of a 6V6....

You may want to check the heater current difference between an EZ81 and the GZ34 you're intending to use....

If you want to take the chance and risk frying your PT that's up to you but at least you've been warned...


TT
SolidbdyJazzfan
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2014 3:04 pm
Location: Cincinnati

Re: Harman Kardon Prelude Hot Rod Build

Post by SolidbdyJazzfan »

Yes, thank you, tictac. I ordered (and just received from Triode) a transformer set for a Tremolux.

I think the weak link will be the ancient PC board traces. My Plan "B" will be to replace that with a simple Garolite turretboard.
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Structo
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Location: Oregon

Re: Harman Kardon Prelude Hot Rod Build

Post by Structo »

Welcome to the forum SolidbdyJazzfan.

Please put your location in your profile, it will help us recommend things to you.

Thanks
Tom

Don't let that smoke out!
SolidbdyJazzfan
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2014 3:04 pm
Location: Cincinnati

Re: Harman Kardon Prelude Hot Rod Build

Post by SolidbdyJazzfan »

Thank you, Structo! I just added my city to my profile.

Jon
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