El84 based super amps

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Niteshade

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El84 based super amps
« on: 5 Nov 2010, 01:58 am »
I do not make much with El84's, but like them. Interesting thing is- they have a cult-like following like 300B's and various exotic tubes.

I was thinking about the following:

1] A NS-40 based on four El84's per side (40 watts/channel)
2] An 15 watt SEP based on three EL84's per channel

The price of these amps will be the same: An estimated $1600.00 each.

We can do the same with 6V6's and the price remains the same.

Guy 13

Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #1 on: 5 Nov 2010, 02:03 am »
I do not make much with El84's, but like them. Interesting thing is- they have a cult-like following like 300B's and various exotic tubes.

I was thinking about the following:

1] A NS-40 based on four El84's per side (40 watts/channel)
2] An 15 watt SEP based on three EL84's per channel

The price of these amps will be the same: An estimated $1600.00 each.

We can do the same with 6V6's and the price remains the same.
Hi Blair.
In my opinion, you should not have too many models available, instead, again in my opinion, you should have basic units in stock, so customers won't have to wait to enjoy the good sound of your amplifiers.
My opinion for what it's worth.
Guy 13

Niteshade

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Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #2 on: 5 Nov 2010, 01:09 pm »
I agree- good points! Having units in stock will come about eventually. A good EL84 amp still is not a bad idea. I have made them in the past and enjoy their presentation.

rollo

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Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #3 on: 5 Nov 2010, 02:03 pm »
 Good idea. Have you ever considered using GM70 tubes ?

charles

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Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #4 on: 5 Nov 2010, 02:49 pm »
There's a tube that is much better than a 845, GM70 or 211 and that's an 813 pentode.

A killer amp can be designed with these that can mop the floor with 300B's, 845's, etc..

It would be a fun project!  :D

Jed

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Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #5 on: 1 Dec 2010, 03:13 am »
Blair,

I think this EL84 amplifier is a great idea, and one I wouldn't mind owning to voice my new speaker lines.  I used to own some Fisher SA-16s and wish I never sold them.  I have family in Canastota, NY, and see you're not too far from there, so a road trip wouldn't be out of the question.  I live outside Rochester, NY, and should stop by to give your amps a listen and maybe bring along some speakers too.

Keep up the good work.  You clearly have a passion for amplifiers and it doesn't go unnoticed. I like your approach to refine the circuit designs and offer a great value. 

Jed K.
Clearwave Loudspeaker Design

Niteshade

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Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #6 on: 1 Dec 2010, 01:00 pm »
Thank you and you are welcome to come over! An NS-40 will be available for tour in January. If you'd like to listen it to and a few others, let me know. I'd like to hear your speakers too!

A new EL84 amp is right around the corner. It will most likely use a quad of them per side for some extra power.

Guy 13

Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #7 on: 1 Dec 2010, 02:01 pm »
Thank you and you are welcome to come over! An NS-40 will be available for tour in January. If you'd like to listen it to and a few others, let me know. I'd like to hear your speakers too!

A new EL84 amp is right around the corner. It will most likely use a quad of them per side for some extra power.
Hi Blair and all Audio Circle members.
The NS-40 that will go on tour, will it look the same as the NS-40 on your web site, you know, the red one ?
Guy 13

Niteshade

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Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #8 on: 1 Dec 2010, 02:14 pm »
The tour model will have rocker switches located on the back panel, a full wood wrap and of course our new name plate.

Guy 13

Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #9 on: 8 Dec 2010, 02:39 pm »
Hi Blair and all Audio Circle members.
I have a Niteshade Audio SE-15 amplifier, if I had only two choice of speakers impedance to connect to the output of my amplifier, which of the following would give me the best result: 3 Ohms or 12 Ohms?
Both speakers have 95db efficiency.
Guy 13

Niteshade

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Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #10 on: 8 Dec 2010, 03:06 pm »
The NS-15 has an 8 ohm output and it will drive anything from 8 ohms up to 16 ohms well. Three ohms- wow! That's low.

jtwrace

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Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #11 on: 8 Dec 2010, 03:13 pm »

Guy 13

Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #12 on: 9 Dec 2010, 01:06 am »
You can always try http://www.zeroimpedance.com/
Hi JTW and all Audio Circle members.
Thanks for the link, however, those are not cheap! Since Blair said that my amplifier could drive my future 12 Ohms load speakers, I will try the speakers connected directly to the amplifier.
Thanks anyway.
Have a nice week.
Guy 13 

Niteshade

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Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #13 on: 9 Dec 2010, 01:19 am »
Those matching transformers can be made much less expensively. I was actually going to have something like that in my future product line.   

Guy 13

Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #14 on: 9 Dec 2010, 01:24 am »
Those matching transformers can be made much less expensively. I was actually going to have something like that in my future product line.
Hi Blair and all Audio Circle members.
If my Niteshade Audio SE-15 amplifier can drive easily my future 12 Ohms speakers, why spend money on transformers ?
Does that make sense or am I a cheap skate?
Guy 13

Niteshade

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Re: El84 based super amps
« Reply #15 on: 9 Dec 2010, 01:29 am »
You wouldn't need them. I'm saying they're a good idea for people who have either low or high impedance speakers or amps that prefer to drive low impedance loads. (AKA: Class D, Tripath)