next build recommendations

[JoshBernstein]

Im looking to start another build soon, and I'd like to get some of your guys' input on what i should build. I'd like it to be at or below 1 watt, and push pull. Those are really the only requirements ive got, but i was hoping to get this one in kit form (im not really in the mood to deal with another scratch build with all the problems that will most definitely occur). The kit thing isnt really a requirement, but it would certainly make the process a bit easier.
Thank you
-josh

[xtian]

Head on over to ax84.com. I think that guy will still sell kits.

[Phil_S]

Good advice on ax84.com. If kits aren't available, you can take the plunge on a scratch build. Use an inexpensive Bud chassis (amazon.com) and make sure you get your order together so that you get all the parts from one place, or you'll get taken to the cleaners on shipping.

It looks like Guytronix is still the dealer of record for the Gilmore Jr. http://guytronix.com/ This was my first amp build and I recommend it. You'll get everything you need in one box. Gary Gerhart is the designer. Look here for sample clips of the "regular" Gilmore (not the Jr.): http://www.gerhartamps.com/
Gilmore Jr. clips are here: http://guytronix.com/sound-clips/ Scroll down for clips by Brent Hammel and Eric Nelson.

[strelok]

+1 on AX84. Check out the 4-4-0. You may or may not want the complications and/or the sound of the express preamp but you could always pair the power amp with something you think would suit your taste and experience level. It uses a 6SN7 for about 1-2 watts of power in push pull. Keep in mind it's a triode and many people don't much care for the sound of triodes in the output though. However you'll be somewhat hard pressed to get 1 watt from a push pull pair of pentodes, unless you really want to dig into obscure tubes that aren't made anymore.

[Phil_S]

In making a low watt amp, you can select just about any preamp you like. It is the power section that is responsible for output and a dual triode of one flavor or another is typically used. Obvious choices are 12AU7, ECC88, and 6SN7. To get the to operate in push pull, the common choice is a self split arrangement, but you might also think about a cathodyne splitter. The LTP and paraphase, IMHO, tend to have too much voltage swing for triodes and they don't sound good as a result.

The 6SN7 has the distinct advantage of offering VaMax=450. With this tube, you can dial in almost any B+ ladder you might want, solving the potential issues you might have with the other tubes, which spec at lower VaMax and resulting in preamp voltages lower than you might desire.

The 6SN7 is rated at 7.5W max for both plates. As a practical matter, you'd probably be getting half that. A 3-4W PP amp is not a whole lot louder than a 1W amp and I don't believe you'd actually notice that much difference.

12AU7 is also a good choice, VaMax=330 and 5.5W for both plates.

This is your opportunity to take a walk on the wild side, play with a design, learn a thing or two about preamps and power supplies. Think about it.

[JazzGuitarGimp]

Just throwing an idea out there - no idea if it's valid. Maybe someone with more experience will chime in.

Couldn't a pentode-sounding, low-watt, p-p power amp be built from two 5879 Sharp Cutoff Pentodes? In pentode mode, it has a max plate dissipation of 1.25W, so two would safely get you one watt of output power.

[Phil_S]

That's an interesting idea, but maybe not for a novice. It may need some oddball OT. It depends if he's up to an adventure in tube amp building.

[JoshBernstein]

The guytronix stuff actually looks pretty good. Im not looking for a whole lot of complications this time around, and the components that come in his kits look pretty solid. I like that the trannys are mercury magnetics... Ive never used them, but ive never heard a bad review before. Thanks for the advice!