How to bias a Cayin manual biased amp

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kinku

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How to bias a Cayin manual biased amp
« on: 30 Jan 2013, 08:34 pm »
Cayin comes in two flavours, either auto or manual biased versions. I am wondering if anyone can give a step by step instruction on how to bias the powertubes in manual biased version.What would be the bias volatage for  EL34 and KT88?Yes I have a DMM ,no I never did this before..

milford3


kinku

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Re: How to bias a Cayin manual biased amp
« Reply #2 on: 30 Jan 2013, 10:59 pm »
thanks but the Cayin models have potentiometers on their top (except A88-T). All you need to do is use the bias points on top pannel and adjust the pots. But unsure how to do it?It is very silly.

medium jim

Re: How to bias a Cayin manual biased amp
« Reply #3 on: 30 Jan 2013, 11:05 pm »
Cayin comes in two flavours, either auto or manual biased versions. I am wondering if anyone can give a step by step instruction on how to bias the powertubes in manual biased version.What would be the bias volatage for  EL34 and KT88?Yes I have a DMM ,no I never did this before..

The bias should be set at 1.56mv for el34's, not sure if it different for kt88's.

Jim

kinku

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Re: How to bias a Cayin manual biased amp
« Reply #4 on: 30 Jan 2013, 11:57 pm »
For A50T they recommend 0.3-035mV. :scratch:,which basicaly uses EL34

richidoo

Re: How to bias a Cayin manual biased amp
« Reply #5 on: 31 Jan 2013, 12:38 am »
You have a typo on your voltage range.  If you meant  .030 - .035VDC, then that is similar number value that EL34 prefers for bias current, 30-35mA. So you could assume that IF 6550/KT88 types are allowed in this amp (make sure - rtfm,) then the voltage bias setting for those would be 60-75mA, or .060 - .075VDC, per manual. But that is a lot more current than the EL34s require, so the PS must be designed to handle it, or else your main fuse will blow.

As for the bias procedure, it's usually something like this:
Let the amp fully warm up, minimum 15 minutes or more. Everything, even iron core transformers should be fully hot. Mute input signal. Connect your meter to the test points. Adjust the bias pots to the recommended setting. Check that all the pots are correct, as sometimes turning up one pot will rob from a previously adjusted pot. Once they are all stable and same value to spec, then you are done. Disconnect meter, install tube guard, pour a nice red, put on John Coltrane's "Lush Life."

If you are replacing tubes, or tube rolling it is more complicated:
Power on the amp with the old tubes still installed. Connect meter to test points and turn down the bias adjustment pot to minimum setting, using the meter to verify that you are at zero, and not full high. Some amps are fully clockwise, some are fully counterclockwise to achieve zero bias current. Never guess, never remember from last year, always check it. Tubes are expensive! Turning on the amp with full bias will fry the new tubes quickly. Once all bias pots are set to zero, then power off the amp, replace tubes, power on, warm up, slowly crank in 90% of the Cayin recommended bias setting. The meter reading will move up slower than the screw cranks, so you have to go slow, so you don't overshoot. Once you have all bias pots up to 90% and all measurements are stable, then bring them to 100%. With brand new unburned tubes leave meter connected for 30-60 minutes to make slight adjustments as they burn in. Then check it again after playing music for 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, then however often you prefer, probably 3-6 months. For JJ, or vintage 3 months, for New Sensor or high quality chinese 6 months.

richidoo

Re: How to bias a Cayin manual biased amp
« Reply #6 on: 31 Jan 2013, 12:44 am »
Manual:   http://www.cayinusa.com/web_admin/upfiles/uploadfile/0406215802Cayin%20A-50T_120V_.pdf

Last page has the bias procedure. The amp probably can't take KT88/6550 types.

kinku

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Re: How to bias a Cayin manual biased amp
« Reply #7 on: 31 Jan 2013, 06:01 am »
Thank you Richidoo.Yes Cayin A50-T can not take  Kt88 ,but the manual biased version of A70-T can(which I have my eyes on). I checked the manual again ,it also says bias voltage set at 0.30-0.35 volts.Steve from VAS mailed me few hours ago to set KT88 bias voltage as 0.4V at A70T .So not sure why you said 0.030?
So places where EL34 is used one can not use KT88 due to higher bias current needed.What about using EL34 where KT88 has been used ?I am asking because A70T manual biased version comes with KT88 ?

kinku

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Re: How to bias a Cayin A70-T manual biased amp
« Reply #8 on: 2 Mar 2013, 06:30 pm »
Just found the manual for Cayin A70-T. :thumb: (manual bias with KT88 tubes).Bias voltage is between 0.35V -0.4V.(static current of 35mA to 40mA) in each bias pots.Recommend readjustment after 100-150 HOURS OF USE WITH new tubes.
The yellow light on startup is the triode mode and red light indicate ultra linear mode.
Thank you for all your helping hands. :D