EF86 – 300B XLS SE Amplifier build

Here is a very nice build from Dan Kercher on his contraption of the 300B amplifier with auto bias. The driver is an EF86 with SiC diode biasing, the topology is a hybrid mu-follower and a source follower drives the output stage. Filaments are DC with Rod Coleman’s board:

Dan Kercher’s EF86 – 300B XLS SE Amplifier build

More details can be found below:

Hi Ale, 

I wanted to thank you for all of your PCBs.  I just finished a project that uses your Gyrators, SiC bias boards, and SiC Source Followers.  I'm so happy with the results.  Details posted on Audio Asylum.  

https://www.audioasylum.com/forums/tubediy/messages/27/276814.html


Cheers, 

Dan 

EML300B Mesh – initial test

My friend Mirek sent me from Czech Republic a few valves for testing, including a pair of precious EML300B Mesh valves. I managed to slot them into my system before departing for holidays. I only listened to them for a few hours, so these are only initial impressions.

EML300B Mesh

I like the sound and was expecting the additional level of detail and sound of the mesh plate. Worth addition clearly. I wouldn’t say it’s a significant step improvement, just minor, subtle details are clearer. You won’t go wrong with the standard EML300B. The Mesh is a nice upgrade but you will need to think (as always) where it best to put the money on. I’d invest in the iron and overall circuit before you get to throw more money on the output valves. That’s my view.

Anyhow, great job Emission Labs for this superb valve.

45 SE Amplifier – revisited

A unique sound

If you have a small room and high-efficiency speakers, then keep reading. If not, you can still enjoy reading about probably the best sounding output valve in my view. The 45. I wrote about it few times and have to say, it’s still one of the best. Better than a 300B but unfortunately can do only 2W. You can use it in Push-Pull and is superb. Have a look at this.

Continue reading “45 SE Amplifier – revisited”

300B Emission Labs

Back at the beginning of the year I purchased a pair of Emission Labs 300B for my new amplifier version (still working on it). I own several 300Bs but was keen to try these out given their reputation.

Jac from JacMusic sent me a matched pair which I traced them with the eTracer:

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EML-20A DHT Preamp

Recently I posted about this amazing DHT. Although my original intent was to use them as part of my Parafeed headphone project, I decided to try them as first stage on my system. I have been playing lately with mid-mu DHTs with great success, and this valve didn’t let me down at all.

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EML 20-AM DHT curves and model

There is one DHT which attracted me from Emission Labs which is the EML20. If you’re looking for a mid-mu DHT valve these days, this one is the way to go. In order to meet with the two key requirements of linearity and low microphonic noise, EML made a great effort in producing this valve. 

For me it’s a great candidate as a driver or for a Spud amp for headphones. I will likely use them in several places, but will start with a preamp stage,  as you would expect from me anyway.

First step: tracing the EML20AM

Continue reading “EML 20-AM DHT curves and model”