Two Six Pac's On The Bench

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  • Опубліковано 28 січ 2018
  • Here are the AES Six Pac Audio Amplifiers. Both amplifiers are here for repairs and modifications. In this video, I will reverse engineer these amplifiers and provide a schematic for us to look at. Power, frequency response, and distortion specs for these Six Pac amplifiers will also be provided. We will locate a design issue, then I will show you the solution, and how to fix it. Learn about crossover distortion and vacuum tube bias. Lots of tips and tricks to amplifier design revealed in this video. See the "Carlson Super Probe" in action, and much more! To learn things about electronics that you won't learn anywhere else, go to my Patreon page. Click this link: / mrcarlsonslab
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,1 тис.

  • @MrCarlsonsLab
    @MrCarlsonsLab  6 років тому +73

    To learn things about electronics that you won't learn anywhere else, go to my Patreon page. Click this link: www.patreon.com/MrCarlsonsLab

    • @daver1769
      @daver1769 6 років тому +8

      Great video as usual, if you have any interest in speaking with the person who designed these his name is Dennis Had, who is also a ham radio enthusiast, call sign W4USR. He is still making a line of amps called “inspire”, that can be found on eBay. Blueglow Electronics also did an interview with him on UA-cam. The “made in Apex, NC”on the back is what gave it away. He was responsible for starting Cary Audio, I believe these came sometime after that, but not 100% sure.

    • @lrodpeterson3046
      @lrodpeterson3046 6 років тому +1

      You're correct on the chronology. Dennis also founded a company called Dentron in the late '70s or early '80s. Made several impressive products. When that company folded, he founded Amp Supply, which also suffered a financing fate. His call in OH at the time was K8KXK. He the moved to NC, started Cary Audio, and changed call signs as noted above.

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  6 років тому +6

      Hi Igor. Take what your saying to an extreme. The extreme would be one bad triode and one good triode within one bulb. The answer is quite simple.... Yes they need to be matched, and matched closely at that. There is a reason for 2 very accurate plate resistors rated at 1% 50ppm.

    • @33cdh
      @33cdh 6 років тому +3

      Mr Carlson's Lab Another great video, Paul. I couldn’t put it down. Thanks a lot!
      73, de N9WHH.

    • @audiotechlabs4650
      @audiotechlabs4650 6 років тому +1

      Mr Carlson's Lab Thank you for the reply. I miss labeled the output tubes as EL 84s instead of EL34s. That's funny they named the smaller output tubes a higher number. Go figure. The small mod you did to more or less double the output wattage was great. I have a feeling I can learn a lot from your videos! Thankz

  • @Mr_ToR
    @Mr_ToR 6 років тому +54

    I think this is why the internet was invented. Thank you so much, sir. You are such an inspirational and beautiful, beautiful person. So much knowledge and experience, no insecurities, humble, not judgemental, specific to every detail without being condescending and most importantly always honest and sincere.
    There's no other channel on youtube I enjoy more.

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  6 років тому +3

      Thank you for you very kind comment!

    • @MrPatdeeee
      @MrPatdeeee 4 роки тому +2

      Amen, amen and AMEN!

  • @Relayer6a
    @Relayer6a 5 років тому +6

    Cool vid. I appreciate how you didn't trash tubes or the manufacturer. You actually made sure you were as complimentary as possible.

    • @scubaman2546
      @scubaman2546 5 років тому

      I agree with you, eh. It shows maturity... as an electrical engineer.

  • @nicolasjonasson4820
    @nicolasjonasson4820 2 роки тому +1

    I'm baffled by the numbers of UA-camrs that talks in a radio voice. Very unnatural. This guy is an exception for sure - thank you.

  • @waltermiller4663
    @waltermiller4663 2 роки тому +5

    I know that this will be way too long, but I feel compelled to say it. I find myself in amazement at Paul’s knowledge and physical skills. I have had a lot of experience along these lines. I am 82 years old, a military veteran (go 82nd Airborne) and for 35 years ran an electronics repair shop. Over that period, I worked with countless electronic techs and field engineers from various electronic companies like RCA, Magnavox, and Zenith. I was also a full-time hands-on tech doing service calls and bench repair on all makes and models of entertainment equipment including color TVs, stereos, security equipment, radios and electronic organs and keyboards. And, of course, I felt obligated to work on stuff for friends and family such as guitars and amps, dog fencing, and kitchen appliances. If it plugged in, we worked on it.
    I had to hire many dozens of craftsmen and oversee their skills and knowledge. Paul knows more and can do more than anyone that I have seen. Plus, he can explain it in a unique manner. Do you realize how many college graduate EE’s cannot look at a piece of equipment and then draw a schematic and explain what each component did? Maybe one in a thousand has his depth of knowledge and skills. I don't know where he accumulated this knowledge, but it is amazing to me.
    Paul, I think it would be interesting for you to make a video to explain where you got that experience and vast knowledge. How many years have you been working at it? Is it a hobby? Was it ever a full-time job? You seem to have a lot of experience with military and broadcast gear. Were you in military communications or have an FCC operators ticket? I see that you are a ham operator. What license level do you hold? I'm sure that a lot of your followers will find that information very interesting.
    Congratulations once again on your amazing dedication, knowledge, skills, and techniques.

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  2 роки тому

      Thank you for your very kind comment Walter!

  • @tehklevster
    @tehklevster 4 роки тому +32

    "After all you did purchase an amplifier not a signal generator" - tremendous :)

  • @enorbet2
    @enorbet2 2 роки тому +10

    I've always told myself (imagined?) that I've worked on, designed and built so may amplifiers, tube and SS, but especially tube, that I can visualize pulsating magnetic fields and their couplings in a working amp, so naturally I was seriously enthralled watching your noise probe in action! Just WOW! what a great tool... what a wonderful invention. Kudos! and congratulations, and of course, thank you.

  • @donlunn792
    @donlunn792 4 роки тому +3

    I cannot say that I fully understand the vid.At the age of 74,I am struggling.But I love your vids Paul.Love to “Try” and understand your vids.But there is no one, on you tube or Patrion, who can explain electronics like you.Awsome.

  • @LennyCooke636
    @LennyCooke636 4 роки тому +16

    This is what my Electronics class is missing. Hands-on demonstration with the explanation and reason behind it. Not just a bunch of complicated formulas thrown at random.

  • @mikevincent6332
    @mikevincent6332 Рік тому +3

    This is by far one of the best electronic channels on YT, Your teaching skills are off the charts!

  • @unlokia
    @unlokia 6 років тому +18

    Paul, Sir Carlson of British Columbia, I hereby bestow upon you a knighthood for your services to electronic education. God bless you Sir Carlson. 😀

  • @jim5870
    @jim5870 6 років тому +2

    I remember as a six year old kid being given an old Heathkit W-5M Mono Tube Amplifier, I remember being told it was obsolete junk, My brother and I played smashy smashy. I regret that now after watching your channel.

  • @southjerseysound7340
    @southjerseysound7340 6 років тому +22

    Amazing stuff,I just learned more in 40 min than I have in 15 years of reading books.You really have a way of making things make sense.I keep meaning to sign up for Patreon and believe me I'm usually not a fan of doing so.But in your case its a absolute bargain.Thanks for all you do too.I cant wait to get time to finish watching the rest of it.

  • @GORF_EMPIRE
    @GORF_EMPIRE 2 роки тому +4

    Fantastic troubleshooting. It's amazing how people designing things forget about inductance and magnetic fields. Just a little moving around of the filter made a large difference.

    • @davelowets
      @davelowets Рік тому

      ESPECIALLY with the high impedance circuits that comes along with vacuum tubes.

  • @jordanrenaud-pq7rx
    @jordanrenaud-pq7rx 6 років тому +11

    i wish so badly i were younger....your teaching is the best there is!

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  6 років тому +1

      Thank you for your kind comment!

    • @W1RMD
      @W1RMD 4 роки тому +1

      Back when I got started in amateur radio all we had was the ARRL Handbook and whomever's advice you chose to believe. If a time machine is possible, I wouldn't be surprised if Mr (Dr.) Carlson could invent it! Funny that I didn't see your username before I started this comment!

  • @harrickvharrick3957
    @harrickvharrick3957 2 роки тому +2

    To draw a schematic as intrinsic as the one we see here, and find a place in it for all the parts involved with all separate sub-functions is just such an art! It could easily take anyone 50 attempts sketching and one might still not get it right.

  • @tvtech2582
    @tvtech2582 6 років тому

    I started in electronics when I was just 15 years old.My father was a TV Tech,and after only 3 jobs in my life I am now 62 years old.Great video Mr,Carlson,Steve.

  • @1959Berre
    @1959Berre 6 років тому +59

    Wow, Paul. This was better than a classic spy movie.

    • @johnsweda2999
      @johnsweda2999 6 років тому +1

      1959Berre they should make him Q on Bond that might be pumping his ego too much!

    • @Giblet535
      @Giblet535 6 років тому +3

      Paul started pointing to components, then caught himself, and grabbed an insulated pointer. I thought it was going to be a Pink Panther spy movie. Or, an ElectroBoom movie.

    • @psient
      @psient 6 років тому

      The man is phenomenal, not ID directed at all and very well socialized during middle childhood.

    • @TheRedneckSage
      @TheRedneckSage 4 роки тому

      @@psient psient: hilarious assessment.

  • @HamRadioCrashCourse
    @HamRadioCrashCourse 3 роки тому +37

    You are the circuit whisperer. I wish I could see what you see when you look at these devices.

  • @TheRedneckSage
    @TheRedneckSage 4 роки тому +1

    Mr Carlson you are an absolute jewel. There is virtually no other place from which to get a more advanced level of instruction. Almost everything out there is nothing but beginner level conversation. Also, you have all of the hallmarks of a fine electronics technician, especially your meticulous attention to detail and logically concice navigation through the diagnostic process. When I watch you do your work i almost feel like I am smart for a brief period of time. So invaluable are your instructions I promise to donate soon in some fashion to your cause as I hope others will as well. You deserve prosperity in return for your generosity to us. Thank you sir.
    P.S. Please more guitar amplifier repair and modification videos.

  • @ricknelson947
    @ricknelson947 6 років тому +1

    Well done Sir. I miss working with tubes. “Dip the plate and peak the grid” is burned in my memory. Please keep the art alive as long as you can. I regret that I will have to live vicariously through your above and beyond, excellent instruction.

  • @jamesconner8275
    @jamesconner8275 6 років тому +58

    I know zero about electronics. I can find the circuit breaker box in my home and I know how to plug electrical cords into receptacles...and I can operate a power switch. But, I love to watch Paul's video because they are often like a good 'who-done-it' movie. You get to travel with Paul as he collects the evidence to find the miscreant part(s). And, he always gets the culprit.

    • @johnnyknight6447
      @johnnyknight6447 5 років тому +4

      just think about a hyper-fast fluid with magical, invisible fields that it stirs up as it moves, can kick you like a horse, stop your heart, cause brain damage and muscular damage, cause you to bite your tongue off, and burn you - then imagine that you can master and direct it to make your guitar sound awesome by making little, specific mechanisms with it, made out of chemicals that react by/with it well, that all work together to make what's called a "circuit," a "device," or a "machine."

    • @johnnyknight6447
      @johnnyknight6447 5 років тому +1

      also, imagine you can pattern or shape the flow to send messages between points... oh and the magic fields interact with each other (electric and magnetic fields [the electromagnetic force]).
      I think that's pretty much it

    • @burlingtonbill1
      @burlingtonbill1 4 роки тому +2

      I know just a tad bit more than you [about electronics] but a WHOLE lot less than Mr. Carlson or my dad [electrical engineer for Western Electric] or even my good friend Don Becker, for years an E.E. that I worked alongside of. I love how they all make it look so easy. [I was always a decent TECHNICIAN, but that's all.] I think this level of great insight into circuitry is at least a good part intuitive, and I mean that in a most respectful way. I always WANTED to be an engineer or electronics "genius" but never even came close. Carlson makes it VERY appealing -- downright FUN to watch. Maybe I can make the grade in the next lifetime....

    • @anthonywilson4873
      @anthonywilson4873 2 роки тому +1

      This level is when someone loves a subject and studies and practices to a level where they are a master. Experience comes with practice over the years. Think of the generations of humans who have found these forces of nature discovered their properties and employed them. We truly stand on the shoulders of giants. In those valves we have heated metals spraying electrons through a vacuum shielded and guided and affecting the paths of other electrons amazing. I should study it more. Excellent videography and well presented sir.

    • @greggaieck4808
      @greggaieck4808 2 роки тому +1

      Mr Carlson the owners two six packs amplifier is cool

  • @johnjacob757
    @johnjacob757 4 роки тому +33

    I am always amazed at your knowledge, but even more impressed with how well you explain it.

  • @dalehargreaves5196
    @dalehargreaves5196 2 роки тому +1

    The problem is we are swatting a fly with a sledgehammer. Khorns are the definition of a first watt speaker.
    I drive mine with a 3/4 watt 45 set. Sweet with properly designed crossovers.
    If you can drive 104db speakers with sixty watt push pull amps an make it sound good you are truly a god.
    Btw, I really enjoy your channel and you are providing a great service to electric enthusiasts.tyvm.

  • @OnEvenKeel
    @OnEvenKeel 6 років тому +1

    I've been watching your channel for several years (?) now. I've gone from a complete novice to actually understanding (and anticipating) what you say in this video. Awesome.

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  6 років тому +1

      That's great! Keep moving forward!

  • @sonicfuker
    @sonicfuker 6 років тому +8

    Another awesome MCL vid. This was the coolest one yet IMO, I love when you get into the testing of audio gear! Whipping out the audio probe and everything! Hope everyone survived the ice storm with minimal damage, that had to be pretty stressful.

  • @matlilly8795
    @matlilly8795 5 років тому +3

    When I went to school, it was in '99. Needless to say, I pretty much did digital electronics only. It ended me up at an engineering job dealing mostly with PLCs and writing software; not as exciting. Knowing nothing about tubes, you make very nice videos for an analog layman. I appreciate your videos, and hope you will continue to make them for the foreseeable future.

  • @MrPatdeeee
    @MrPatdeeee 4 роки тому +1

    In my 66 yrs of electronics, I have NEVER seen information delivered like Mr Carlson can do it. He is a truly "NONE better". Not to mention he is a genius "extraordinaire". May Jesus bless him and his always.
    And get this: I have taught electronics for 45 yrs; and much of what he teaches I have never heard, nor known, and that goes for my co workers. It is a pleasure to learn things in such awesome detail and understandable in such simplicity. Wow!
    If I had had the test equipment that he uses and knows it from beginning to end, the untold agonizing hours I spent trying to find the "root cause" of the problem, would never have happened. He is innately gifted from Heaven as assuredly as the sun comes in the "marnin".

  • @bwithrow011
    @bwithrow011 2 роки тому +1

    Dr. Carlson is a walking encyclopedia of all electronics knowledge. Imagine reverse engineering an amp like this. Thanks for posting this Dr. Carlson

  • @faxcapper
    @faxcapper 6 років тому +12

    Choices....ugly rainy day here....had to choose between vacuuming/dusting or Paul's video. Paul's video won.....vacuuming can bloody well wait! :-)

  • @MichaelBeeny
    @MichaelBeeny 6 років тому +4

    Many years ago I worked with an amplifier manufacture, on final test, the toroidal mains transformer was rotated to obtain a hum null, (50hZ of course) much like you did with that choke.
    To see minimum cross over distortion we used a 10khz tone and looked at the extracted distortion. One could very clearly see the glitch within the distortion which could be completely removed as the bias was increased. With total THD as low as 0.01% the cross ever glitch was almost the only visible distortion apart from low level noise. Needless to say this was a transistor amplifier!! Great video as always, thank you.

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  6 років тому +1

      Thanks for taking the time to write Michael! Now the big question... how much feedback did that transistor amp have :^)

  • @admiral54barns56
    @admiral54barns56 4 роки тому +1

    This right here, is exactly what UA-cam was created for! Educational video's like this are invaluable.. More people need to create video's like this.. Thank you so much for wonderful and informative video Sir.

  • @davidbircham8466
    @davidbircham8466 4 роки тому

    I know nothing about electronics or valve tubes. I stumbled upon this video after looking up the numbers of some valves i have in a piece of art work someone made into a lamp to see if any of them could be suitable to make a guitar amp. Basically a desiccating jar filled with old valves and a light bulb in amongst them Cool effect. Anyway point is this is the most informative thing I've watched in i can't remember. Outstanding. Thank you for sharing. Im stuck here in New Zealand home Isolation because of the Covid 19 Virus. Will certainly be subscribing and watching more.

  • @TheRadioShop
    @TheRadioShop 6 років тому +46

    Paul, another great tutorial on the amplifier. You explained the science of this unit to a tee., Well done. Enjoyed every minute of it.

  • @MaxKoschuh
    @MaxKoschuh 6 років тому +37

    oh, wonderful
    tube audio engineering with Paul
    and unlike other UA-camrs, without being condescending about "tube sound"

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  6 років тому +18

      Thanks Max! I try to stick to the Facts. (ok... so that rhymed :^)

    • @boblake2340
      @boblake2340 6 років тому +7

      You're a consummate professional. It shows. Superb teacher too. Not that many like you.

    • @MrPatdeeee
      @MrPatdeeee 4 роки тому

      @@MrCarlsonsLab "Jest the facts mam!"

  • @rb3425
    @rb3425 Рік тому

    I used to live a few blocks from where those amps were built and sold. They were always way out of my price range. Now I am in my 50s and finally, have them. Without attempting to open a huge rabbit hole... maybe it is all in my head but I still enjoy tubes over solid state.

  • @wallychambe1587
    @wallychambe1587 4 роки тому

    I am glad to see there are people that still know how to really work electronics and old school tube equipment!

  • @free_electron
    @free_electron 6 років тому +115

    I know why the amplifier was humming! It didn't know the words :D

    • @EscapeMCP
      @EscapeMCP 6 років тому +7

      Bom bom tsssch.

    • @gyrgrls
      @gyrgrls 5 років тому +13

      This is why I keep my amplifier underneath a Singer sewing machine. Of course, bad puns like this one probably won't have anyone in stitches. It's about as funny as bobbin for french fries. I mean, I'm hanging by a thin thread, as I destroy the social fabric. My career has gone down the tubes, since I decided to live off the grid. I no longer pay rent; I pay space charge. Admittedly, I still have a lot on my plate.

    • @robertm2000
      @robertm2000 4 роки тому +1

      That one was old whent the Dead Sea was a little bit sick!!

    • @hiteck007
      @hiteck007 4 роки тому

      @@gyrgrls Nothing wrong with living off Grid mate.I set up a RAPS (Remote Area Power System) System for my oldies 20 years ago & it's still going strong. It's a Hybrid system and even has enough power for the small workshop and start 2 hp motors easily on top of running the house. The only thing is Batteries Die occasionally.

    • @BruceNitroxpro
      @BruceNitroxpro 3 роки тому

      @@gyrgrls , So bad that it's good!

  • @deathblowhere
    @deathblowhere 6 років тому +14

    Hey Paul! Thank you for another great repair video! As always, top-notch content!
    Regards, Phil

  • @lars-goranandersson3448
    @lars-goranandersson3448 2 роки тому +1

    You are the best educator I ever met. Thank's a lot for your interesting lessons here.

  • @bradmccormick2278
    @bradmccormick2278 2 роки тому

    For being unscripted... You did an excellent job! I will be reviewing more of them.
    Just a friendly FYI... The word is audible, not AudiAble.

  • @Uvisir
    @Uvisir 5 років тому +4

    Mr Carlson. I applaud you for doing this channel. It is the most informative channel I've come across in a Long time. I learn alot from you. Seriosly. It's like going to a classroom. Very serious stuff and no hassle.
    Keep on doing what you do!

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  5 років тому

      Thanks for your feedback!

    • @scubaman2546
      @scubaman2546 5 років тому

      As a high school teacher, I noticed he changes his tone... it's technical a-plenty.... yet his voice won't make one sleepy. Nicely modulated, eh.

  • @iksdk
    @iksdk 4 роки тому +3

    He's a clever guy and good at showing things, like to watch these vids....

  • @bobbymarcum772
    @bobbymarcum772 4 роки тому

    Perhaps UA-cam confused that Swedish guy who plays Minecraft's total view stats with yours, bc that would make a LOT MORE SENSE. Great video!!

  • @passenger6735
    @passenger6735 2 роки тому +1

    A brilliant mod on the bias resistor. Absolutely necessary

  • @djhaloeight
    @djhaloeight 6 років тому +3

    Another excellent video, Paul. Beautiful amplifiers and your narration is excellent and informative as always. 👍🏻

  • @freepress8451
    @freepress8451 6 років тому +3

    A newbie to the channel and I enjoyed every minute, now in catch up mode :)

  • @pauldow1648
    @pauldow1648 6 років тому

    As a very amateur hifi hobbiest I find a challenge in the practical matter of comparing the schematic to the unit. Watching you do it is most informative. In fact your series to date is just super. I watch uncle doug and a couple other similar tube channels .... Top notch tube stuff for us tubers.
    Thanks.

  • @ronlentjes2739
    @ronlentjes2739 2 роки тому +1

    Always very good. Ya I learned my electronics the hands on blowing everything up first, then ask questions later method. Very cool to watch someone who's go it!

  • @juliaset751
    @juliaset751 6 років тому +4

    Thanks, you have explained this very well. I have a pair of Six Pac’s, stock with the factory upgrades to better resisters, caps, wire, and connectors. The bias pot is a problem; it’s so sensitive that just touching it changes the bias. They put out a ton of heat, and a re-tube will cost you. One sweet sounding pair of amps.

    • @davelowets
      @davelowets Рік тому

      The bias pot on alot of amps are touchy like that. I like to replace them with sealed, 10 turn pots..👌

  • @tm80notgoodwithnames58
    @tm80notgoodwithnames58 6 років тому +4

    Finally I got time to watch this, and it was worth every second! Funny that you are talking about hi-efficiency horn speakers and hum, when I am listening with my Altec Lansing monster with 105 and 110dB/w sensitivity :D

  • @adriancressy8363
    @adriancressy8363 4 роки тому

    I can listen to this guy all day....Clearly and easily explains electronics. Good review / reminder / discovering electronic theory

  • @borysandreyev9717
    @borysandreyev9717 4 роки тому +1

    I watched it as a thriller! Perfect! Clear and visible explanation! Thanks! Good luck!

  • @davidsalerno3630
    @davidsalerno3630 4 роки тому +3

    Great video, thanks! I'm a recently retired EE that has been designing solid state electronics for 42 years, but I've gotten interested in tube design. I built things with tubes as a HAM operator back in my teens, but never designed anything. Videos like this are very helpful. I'd like to build my son a tube guitar amp.
    BTW - They would get much more effective ripple rejection by placing the 1uF cap that's presently on the emitter of the voltage regulator on the base instead (or do both). The base is a high impedance, the emitter is a low impedance. It would also greatly reduce the momentary stress on the NPN, since there is a surge current into the 1uF at turn-on (depending on the rise time of the 400V B+ rail). Also, interesting that they didn't place any small caps across the series '5408's in the B+ rectifier to help equalize the voltage drop across them.
    The location of the B+ filter inductor certainly is a poor and curious one.

    • @halbertking2683
      @halbertking2683 4 роки тому +3

      Mr Salerno, there are many companies making complete guitar amp kits now. Mojo musical supply,Trinity Amps, Tube Depot,Stewart Mac Donald. Fender 5E3 Deluxe,5F6 Bassman,Ab763 Deluxe Reverb,Marshall JTM 45,1974 18 watt are all popular and great circuits.I warn you though. Your gonna fall into the rabbit hole and keep going. I'm not an EE but i started working on crusty old guitar amps full time in about 1982 and never looked back.Good luck. P.S. Antique Electronics sells chassis and boards.Schematic Heaven is a web site with tons of schematics and BYOC and General Guitar Gadgets sell FX pedal kits, a whole nother rabbit hole.

  • @jaredtangeman9669
    @jaredtangeman9669 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks for making such great videos! I love how much detail you provide. You fill in every detail of the way you test things and then why and then what to look for. I typically have your videos on while I'm tinkering in the garage and I always learn something new.

  • @Landrew0
    @Landrew0 6 років тому +2

    This is why I always like your channel.
    You always seem to know how to be careful enough to do the right thing.

    • @Landrew0
      @Landrew0 6 років тому

      This case is now the exception, and thanks you for this also.

  • @thehoovie
    @thehoovie 6 років тому +13

    I watched for over over an hour and i thought i was only 20 mins in. Love Love Love your vids.

  • @carloalbertobirocco6264
    @carloalbertobirocco6264 5 років тому +4

    No.1 ..... no words! Respect, Mr. Carlson!

  • @gstanley75
    @gstanley75 6 років тому

    Top notch PhD coverage of an audio amp design from circuit to impact of layout.

  • @Mikeaaron777
    @Mikeaaron777 2 роки тому +1

    I never dreamed it could be as easy to quiet hum as component placement.

  • @harbselectronicslab3551
    @harbselectronicslab3551 6 років тому +5

    What amazes me is all the research into making that a great amp has been undone with bad component placement like that..........its like going 90% of the way and then slap happy for the last 10%.......crazy stuff.

    • @InXLsisDeo
      @InXLsisDeo 6 років тому

      Yeah the design is good but the implementation looked pretty messy.

  • @rebelba42
    @rebelba42 6 років тому +15

    Great Job Paul, this amp is a real beauty and your friend is a lucky guy, having you, working on his amp! Can't believe 1,5h are gone! I'd really appreciate to hear and see the final result. Many thanks for sharing this with us!

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  6 років тому +1

      Thanks for your kind comment Ralf!

  • @jjs3863
    @jjs3863 10 місяців тому +1

    I have a guitar amp with suspected distortion in the output stage. Thanks to this video, I suspect the PI may be ‘tired’. Thanks MrC for the insight!

  • @keithlillis7962
    @keithlillis7962 6 років тому

    I don't know much about electronics, but I recognize an expert when I see one! Very interesting indeed.

  • @sebokaz
    @sebokaz 6 років тому +3

    Thanks for another great video Paul! I would think about switching from choke input to CLC filtering for B+ with a full wave bridge rectifier connected to two 300v secondaries in parallel. This would allow to a) more effectively use both electrolytic capacitors with no risk of over voltage and b) greatly reduce hum and vibration from the choke which does not seem to fit for choke input application anyway. The risk of this mod is that some B+ voltage drop might occur which would be difficult to fix.

  • @xray111xxx
    @xray111xxx 6 років тому +4

    Wow I love your your videos. I am an audio fan from way back. Tubes rule!

  • @stevemacbr
    @stevemacbr 2 роки тому

    The 'Noise Sniffer' was a great idea & product.
    - Yet another top class 'inside the case & mind' of Mr Carlson's lab.
    .

  • @nickkiahtipes2785
    @nickkiahtipes2785 5 років тому +1

    The INVERTER is the heart of any tube amplifier...........you are awesome. Since running into your channel earlier today I have my first integrated understanding of how a high speed switching supply works and I've been repairing them for over a decade. I really appreciate you posting this. I'm looking forward to more. One of my clients owns two monoblocks from NC that are coming in for service in a couple weeks. They have been here years ago. The bias (and standby) method is pretty different. I installed allen bradley multi turn trim pot with a locking shaft to avoid problems with the bias adjustment knob. Man, some of the parts and the wiring method, 100 Ohm screen resistors on all things pentode.......these look just like the monoblocks from North Carolina that have been to my shop before.

    • @nickkiahtipes2785
      @nickkiahtipes2785 5 років тому

      duuuuude!!! hahahaha I used the RV6 type but Damn!

  • @guitari-guitartuition1369
    @guitari-guitartuition1369 6 років тому +6

    Just brilliant, fantastic and accurate in every way! I shall see you on patreon !

  • @yereverluvinuncleber
    @yereverluvinuncleber 5 років тому +20

    For audiable - see audible.

  • @juano402
    @juano402 2 роки тому

    One of the most well made and informative videos i’ve ever seen on youtube, and I’ve seen a lot of videos…

  • @gregorythomas333
    @gregorythomas333 6 років тому +1

    I was having such a bad day...following a bad weekend.
    And then I saw this video was up...so much better now!

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  6 років тому +1

      Glad to make your day better Gregory!

  • @kd2eat
    @kd2eat 6 років тому +12

    Two six packs in 90 minutes! You Canadians! ;-p Very nice and informative. Thanks! :-)

  • @mrclubike
    @mrclubike 6 років тому +3

    Best quality picture on UA-cam

  • @jlucasound
    @jlucasound 4 роки тому

    You just showed all of us a simple and safe way to check capacitors for residule charge. Thank You.

  • @thevacuumtubejunky9774
    @thevacuumtubejunky9774 6 років тому +1

    Those are some serious audio amps. I bet those cost a fortune. Nothing better than vacuum tube audio equipment.

  • @marcocosentino7239
    @marcocosentino7239 6 років тому +9

    Great video! You check frequency response with the DSA without negative feedback against a dummy load. I think it would have been more interesting using a real speaker for that test because it would have introduced non-linearities (which maybe NFB would have corrected). Also at which output power was the plot performed?

  • @peteshulver9221
    @peteshulver9221 6 років тому +6

    Absolutely glued to this video for the whole time, really informative and interesting and a great explanation of how it works .what is the drive voltage for the audio input for this type of amplifier, I would guess around 3-500 mV?

    • @sammyblackchow9541
      @sammyblackchow9541 6 років тому

      Since there's no input pot or tone/gain control circuitry and a real pre-amp stage I assume that it has the gain set for a line output device to drive it. A line input level electrical signal typically has a voltage ranging from 0,3 to 2 Volts

  • @sebastiaanversluis
    @sebastiaanversluis 6 років тому +2

    Thanks for this video! I, as many others, really enjoyed it. This is real quality education. I recently designed my first simple tube audio amp. Parts are mostly in. So the building process can start soon. Watching your video's delivers me a lot of tips & tricks which i can utilize during and after the build. Liked especially the zener cooling tip in this video :) Looking forward to future video's. Thanks a lot for sharing!

  • @jaycronen
    @jaycronen 2 роки тому +1

    There is a tremendous amount of knowledge in this video! Just what the doctor ordered! Great job Paul thank you!

  • @pliedtka
    @pliedtka 4 роки тому +6

    I'm a bit late here. My first reaction at the beginning of the lecture was 'holly ... so much lab equipment, this guy must be very serious, maybe slightly nuts, why does he need so many scopes'. Definitely I would be in heaven with just a few of the lab pieces. This might be one of the best vacuum tube dissection video I have have seen. Strange, the designer(s) should be a bit more aware of magnetic coupling and other issues that you mentioned. But, many people this days usually own rather inefficient loudspeakers, my self included - maybe when they manufactured the amp it wasn't tested on 95dB+ 'real' speakers. A lot of people get a bit hyped up at prospect of purchasing tube gear. Not that I'm against tubes, but like you mentioned one should know what is he getting into, especially NOS tubes and tube rolling. I remember to use tube tester, because the Pro Audio place fixed a lot of tube gear, definitely a must for someone does for living. The probe is a really cool testing tool. Also some of Hi-end equipment back in the 80s, 90s had copper shielding or plating to fight RFI issues.
    Those Scandinavians, always up to something in audio. I will watch more of your videos, well worth the time and very informative. Thanks.

    • @dreamdiction
      @dreamdiction 4 роки тому

      "Why does he need so many scopes?" It's his equipment collection - like a personal museum.

    • @MrPatdeeee
      @MrPatdeeee 4 роки тому

      "Strange, the designer(s) should be a bit more aware of magnetic coupling and other issues that you mentioned."
      Why pray tell? What with the horridly and obnoxious, loud noise called music now, WHO in the pluperfect hallelujah cares? Huh?
      Not to mention that the hum and the audio is so ensconced into noise and distortion from hell; that nothing could bring it out, but Jesus. Sad indeed.

    • @pliedtka
      @pliedtka 4 роки тому

      With very sensitive spkrs, hum and other issues are noticeable between songs, or very low signal levels, say if someone listens to classical music. Not everyone cares about latest POP music. Plus it's a good design practice to make equipment as quiet as possible.
      And, I absolutely admire the number of test equipment the man has in his lab. He knows his stuff and he's not afraid to correct the design of this particular product 👍. Sorry if I offended anyone.

  • @rickgoebel6724
    @rickgoebel6724 6 років тому +3

    Where did the time go? Once again you have done an excellent job on this video. Perhaps as a follow up (sequel?) you could show us how and where you got that choke reinstalled. Secondly I wonder if you could include the description of the operation of the phase inverter tube circuit. Finally I wonder if a metal shield could be constructed around the choke as well as rotating it's mounted position. Again, very well done!

  • @speedbuggy16v
    @speedbuggy16v 6 років тому

    I know just enough about electronics to get myself in trouble, but learn something every time I watch your channel, thanks for sharing! Your friend is making me green with envy especially with your modifications to his amplifiers. I would probably never leave the house if I had a pair of those amps and a set of K horns....

  • @fredfeldmeier8228
    @fredfeldmeier8228 4 роки тому +1

    Amazing.!! The best part of electronic engineering.. vacuum tube amplification.. keep up the good work.. thank you

  • @ne8r
    @ne8r 6 років тому +10

    Would be interesting to see the effect of copper shielding around the transformer coil for both hum and induction value.

    • @TishaHayes
      @TishaHayes 6 років тому +2

      maybe not copper but nickel-iron

    • @sammyblackchow9541
      @sammyblackchow9541 6 років тому +1

      I've added a copper shorting strap around power transformers. It reduced the external magnetic field and didn't change its operation at all that I could tell.

  • @clarencek3658
    @clarencek3658 6 років тому +7

    Love it!

  • @thefloop2813
    @thefloop2813 2 місяці тому

    Thats such a clean hand drawn schematic. When i draw a schematic, usually only i can read it well. And there are almost always scribble-outs somewhere, especially when its a busier circuit.
    That is one oddball PSU circuit.

  • @amateurism1
    @amateurism1 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you Mr Carlson, you said something in your video that helped me out a ton, thank you! We all wish we knew what you have forgotten.
    I'm revoicing a Sunn amp into a high gain machine (with only basic skills) you showed me that I may be mistakenly utilizing my heater power supply in AC, not half wave rectified DC, thank you again!

  • @IvoryTowerCollections
    @IvoryTowerCollections 6 років тому +47

    Would have like to see the final arrangement inside the chassis after you were done?

  • @Thomasp671
    @Thomasp671 5 років тому +3

    Wow... if you can’t find a Sam’s or a good schematic for your project just draw one of your own lol
    Geeesh!!! that schematic is so good it looks almost original... I would not know where to begin to draw one of those for a large complete circuit such as this... maybe a small one but not in that detail as you have Carlson.

  • @SargentRay
    @SargentRay 4 роки тому

    Man oh man, i know nothing about electronics yet i'm so fascinated just watching you trouble shoot and fix stuff, i'm binge watching all your videos now. I can only dream of building or restoring such beautiful amps myself. But hey we can't be good at everything right ? Thank's for sharing, cheers from Canada.

  • @ScoopDogg
    @ScoopDogg 2 роки тому +1

    I'am always impressed when I watch you work, I would love to have just 10% of your knowledge

  • @Zirok1982
    @Zirok1982 6 років тому +8

    Hmmm. Did you simply throw that switch on the back of the amp to the 4 ohms position to get 100W out of it? Great video as always, Paul! A joy to watch.

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  6 років тому +3

      NO... But good try!

    • @dmitryshtshitkov710
      @dmitryshtshitkov710 6 років тому +1

      My guess is you shorted out the 22k resistor in the feedback loop. Or just dialed the bias way too hot. There is no harm in a little redplating for a good show-off =P

  • @russellhltn1396
    @russellhltn1396 6 років тому +74

    I haven't seen where anyone figured out the 100W mod. Those EL34 can take up to 800V, so my guess is that you added a cap on the input side of the choke to boost the B+ voltage.

    • @MrCarlsonsLab
      @MrCarlsonsLab  6 років тому +46

      **We Have A Winner!** Good call Russell... about 22uF /900V (2 caps).... B+= 600V

    • @ianbutler1983
      @ianbutler1983 6 років тому +4

      Nice Russell, Paul even gave a clue (I see now) about adding that and the effect on the output.

    • @helmutheller1538
      @helmutheller1538 6 років тому +3

      I am sure that cap also would have reduced the hum from the choke. Why didn't you install it permanently?

    • @googleantispy3850
      @googleantispy3850 6 років тому +1

      Probably just a matter of using the 4 ohm out instead of the 8 ohm out. Fairly standard to see amp power out jump nearly 2x when going from 8 ohm to 4 ohm. This was one of the many specsmanship tricks from manufacturers to get their amp power ratings way up.

    • @joeambly6807
      @joeambly6807 6 років тому +16

      Not in tube amps

  • @jamesmachado9366
    @jamesmachado9366 3 роки тому

    Wow really illustrates why having the power supply in a separate chassis is a great idea,especially on a preamp. Not a cheap solution but you have all the room you need for a no compromise power supply. Great video.

  • @MrDorkLard
    @MrDorkLard 6 років тому +1

    Wow! Feature length video and it still didn't feel long enough. Great work!

  • @SomeGuyInSandy
    @SomeGuyInSandy 6 років тому +13

    Whew! I thought you were going to electroboom yourself for a minute there. This video is Awesome!

  • @CXensation
    @CXensation 5 років тому +3

    To me it looks like the power supply filtering was never quite optimized in the design phase of this otherwise high performance amplifier. Clearly the ripple current trough the reactor is too high and the reactor is not correctly physically oriented related to the output transformer.
    I have an idea that redesigning to a lower ripple and re-orient the reactor, still located same place, would do almost the same as you moving it away from the input section out to the side.
    Moving the capacitor connection directly to the diodes through a low ohm current limit resistor, and then connecting 2 smaller capacitors in series on the output side of the reactor, would possibly get you close to the same result.
    But it would save you a major physical rebuild.

  • @naknakacknak
    @naknakacknak 5 років тому

    Excellent video on what is likely a common problem with many of the lower priced tube amplifiers and amplifier kits.

  • @amtprodu
    @amtprodu 2 роки тому

    I learned SO MUCH from this!!! Thank you for taking so much time and detail. You excel at teaching, as well as electronic diagnosis.