View Full Version : John Wood Amp now in its new home
Audio Al
02-01-2016, 03:01
Thanks are due to
Anthony TD for checking out this beast of a amp :)
And to Dave ( Jollyfix ) for VERY KINDLY collecting this from Wales for me and bringing it via Glastonbury back to Brixton where I met up with Dave and collected it :) I was MORE than willing to pay some beer / fuel money but Dave declined my offer twice , What a TRUE gent doing this for a fellow forum user , these are the gestures that make a forum special , If ever I can help you in any way please ask , Once again a big thanks
I was told it was heavy :eyebrows: and boy it is ---king heavy :eek: I only needed to move it a small distance from my car in the front garden into the front room :eek: The 3 transformers weigh a ton :eek:, I have to plan how I'm going to lift it and will avoid moving it around for my health sake :lol:
It is at the moment in a temporary position ( God I need to move it again soon , wish me luck )
It was moved with the valves removed for safety reasons and Anthony kindly PM'd me the instructions on what goes where and numbered them for ease of installation
Next I moved onto connecting the speaker cables :scratch: 2 black posts and 4 red posts :scratch: What ohms are the 4 red posts ? anyone know ?
I chose the 2 red posts nearest the 2 black posts as I was told by Tel on WW that no harm will be done by connecting either of these :)
OK mains connected
Speakers connected
input from sut into line one switch on and see the glorious glow of those lovely tubes :)
TT switched on , lower the arm and off we go , err it sounds pants :doh: Thin lifeless and no volume , Arrr what have I done :eek:
Time for a cup of coffee and a recap , think :hmm:
OK switch everything off , swap speakers from my Braun LS130 2 my JBL L1 switch everting on and now I have a loud hum on the left speaker :roll eyes: , try swapping speaker cables from side to side same result :roll eyes: now what do I do ? move the interconnect and hum now gone :) but still sounds thin with no volume
Time for the Croft pre amp to go into the system
And :wow: its on song but as its now 3.00am I don't think my next door occupants will like some volume :)
I know I am going to love this amp as it sounds lovely at low volume so mid and higher volume should sound great , Then its time for some speaker swapping ;)
At the moment I AM ONE HAPPY PERSON :D
Before I get a
:worthless:
Here is a quick photo :eyebrows:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1708/24090765336_8fbbac7045_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CGPte3)
Eagle owl
02-01-2016, 06:05
Hi Al, buying and owning this amplifier brought me nothing but extreme stress which was not good for my health, I do hope it brings you complete happiness and satisfaction and I sincerely mean that.
Best wishes
Geoff.
jandl100
02-01-2016, 07:11
:lol: Quite a saga. So the wee beastie likes the Croft pre? What were you using to start with?
With a new bit of kit, plunk & play sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. -- many's the time I've plunked&played and thought "wtf? :scratch:".
Good that is is starting to show its true potential. :thumbsup:
PaulStewart
02-01-2016, 09:11
Al were you going SUT direct into line level with no RIAA phono stage? Sounds like it from your description and your description of the resulting sound. The Croft or any other pre or phono stage etc., will sort this out as it appears to have done. :) Let us know what it's like when you ramp it up.
Lodgesound
02-01-2016, 09:28
How does it sound with your reel to reel machines Al?
Audio Al
02-01-2016, 09:38
Al were you going SUT direct into line level with no RIAA phono stage? Sounds like it from your description and your description of the resulting sound. The Croft or any other pre or phono stage etc., will sort this out as it appears to have done. :) Let us know what it's like when you ramp it up.
Yes Paul I was at first going straight from the SUT into the line , thats when I realised it needed the Croft pre through the phono stage :)
Audio Al
02-01-2016, 09:40
How does it sound with your reel to reel machines Al?
Stewart , Only had it fired up for about 4 hours then fell into bad at 4 am , will use it with the MX55 today and report back later :)
Audio Al
02-01-2016, 09:49
Hi Al, buying and owning this amplifier brought me nothing but extreme stress which was not good for my health, I do hope it brings you complete happiness and satisfaction and I sincerely mean that.
Best wishes
Geoff.
Hi Geoff , I am sorry this had caused both yourself and John Wood so much stress , Did you read Anthony's report on what he found wrong with the amp ? and his opinion on the build of the amp
I am only 4 hours into listening using this amp and the clarity / separation / detail / tone is very good . Better than anything else I own or have owned
If ever you are up Dagenham way you are more than welcome to pop in for a listen
Thanks for the best wishes with the amp and your very generous request for the money to go too Cancer UK , This has already been done by Marco with the extra Government 25% on top as I am a uk tax payer
Hope your current system is giving you music pleasure , What are you using currently ?
Regards
Allen
jollyfix
02-01-2016, 09:53
My pleasure Al. :thumbsup:
Must have felt a bit strange driving into some dodgy looking estate ( its far from that) in Brixton. Meeting by some garages, in the dark with a 6'+ bloke with white van, semi full of audio equipment.
"I have a nice Amp for you, its heavy".:eyebrows:
+1
Nice one Dave. Forum kudos to you mate.
jandl100
02-01-2016, 11:00
:doh: :lol: you were using vinyl without riaa equalisation? yeah that would sound a bit thin! ;)
Audio Al
02-01-2016, 11:04
:doh: :lol: you were using vinyl without riaa equalisation? yeah that would sound a bit thin! ;)
Doh ! bit of a Homer moment in the early hours :doh:
:D
Audio Al
02-01-2016, 11:32
Currently running my MX55 R2R with the John Wood amp :eek: wowzer :eek:
Its amazing :eyebrows: Joan Armatrading has not sounded this good :D
Glad it's sounding great now, despite your 'daftee moment' earlier - well there had to be one, didn't there? You've got a reputation to maintain! :D
It's a superb amp, Al. Trust me, you will NOT better it, short of spending something like £5k on a Copper amp, or rather more on something commercial that could compete in that arena.
However, one thing I would definitely do, once you've familiarised yourself with the amp for a bit, is treat yourself to a nice matched quad of KT120s. Those will allow the full potential of the amp to be realised, and then it will *really* blow you away! You need to take a trip to Anthony's for that though, so he can re-bias the amp to take them.
In the meantime, however, enjoy! :cool:
Marco.
anthonyTD
02-01-2016, 12:52
Good to hear everything has worked out with the delivery, and setting up of the amp Al, I think i did mention it was a bit heavy. :lol:
Dave is one of the nicest guys i have met in a long time, a true gent, Good luck with it. :)
Anthony,TD...
Lodgesound
02-01-2016, 14:43
Currently running my MX55 R2R with the John Wood amp :eek: wowzer :eek:
Its amazing :eyebrows: Joan Armatrading has not sounded this good :D
Ahhh...thought it would shine through this amp Al...
awkwardbydesign
02-01-2016, 15:38
Its amazing :eyebrows: Joan Armatrading has not sounded this good :D
Obviously distorting then.:rolleyes:
And by that you mean?
Marco.
awkwardbydesign
02-01-2016, 18:19
And by that you mean?
Marco.
Oh, c'mon!
You think that JA's voiced is distorted, or you don't like it? :scratch:
I much prefer it when folk just spit out what they mean, crystal clear, minus any 'cryptic conundrums'! ;)
Marco.
I'm with Richard. Obvious. I smiled:)
I had an idea where Richard was coming from, but just wanted to eliminate any barbed inference to 'valve amp distortion'... You know, the usual pish from the uninitiated, in that respect? ;)
Marco.
Firebottle
02-01-2016, 18:37
Oh come on Marco it was a bliddy joke :eyebrows:
I know, but one never knows with these things... Plus, I don't know how anyone can't like Joan Armatrading! :eek:
Marco.
Track Record sucks.
She's okay in small doses
You should try this album, where she does some blues stuff, rather different from her usual material: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Into-The-Blues-Joan-Armatrading/dp/B000N0WY0G
There are some stunning tracks on that album, beautifully recorded, too: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Into-The-Blues-Joan-Armatrading/dp/B000N0WY0G
Check this out (not so many know that she's a fantastic blues guitarist):
rovy3x-qu2Q
Sounds stunning on a good system, especially when she lets go with that guitar - raunchy and soulful as f*ck!! :guitar:
Marco.
Thank you That's nice.
As reciprocity :-)
here's Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R8H8CNjjXo
And Joe Bonamassa "live"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKE3itL4ApY&list=PLd-F7k_JdoMKwH-tx-1w-GRGv9er2mhYn&index=2
Cheers, Danilo. Always good when hi-fi discussions end up revealing good music reccos! :thumbsup:
Marco.
Her Live concert at the Hall was good too
Yup, she defo has talent, especially if you don't just judge her on her 80s chart dross.... ;)
Marco.
Cant blame a person from a poor background trying to get some dosh for her hard work and talent, even if its dross :D They've mostly all done it, or tried it
Check out Beth Hart. A serious talent.
But.. she's a druggie and it often shows up during a performance
awkwardbydesign
02-01-2016, 20:20
You think that JA's voiced is distorted, or you don't like it? :scratch:
I much prefer it when folk just spit out what they mean, crystal clear, minus any 'cryptic conundrums'! ;)
Marco.
I had an idea where Richard was coming from, but just wanted to eliminate any barbed inference to 'valve amp distortion'... You know, the usual pish from the uninitiated, in that respect? ;)
Marco.
I know, but one never knows with these things... Plus, I don't know how anyone can't like Joan Armatrading! :eek:
Marco.
Yeah, well we know that subtlety is not your middle name! And uninitiated? How many valve amps have YOU made? I'm up to 4, not counting the ones I've modded. And I've listened (or not, by preference) to Joan Armatrading since her first album.
Is that blunt enough for you?
Lucky I'm not in grumpy mode, eh?
awkwardbydesign
02-01-2016, 20:26
OK, I'm better now.
Lol - calm down, dear! :lol:
I wasn't referring to YOU as being uninitiated, but rather those who make ill-informed remarks about 'the distorted sound' of valve amps, of which I accept you aren't one. Ill-informed remarks like that really make me bristle. Does that clear things up? :)
Unfortunately, I know nothing of your experience with valve amps, practical or otherwise (but would certainly be very interested to know more). I simply wanted to ensure that your earlier remark had nothing to do with what I've highlighted, which at the time wasn't 100% obvious to me, merely 90%, but in these types of discussions, that 10% difference often matters! ;)
Oh, and if you want to convey irony more effectively in future, then the use of a winky-smiley, such as above, is a good way of removing any element of doubt or confusion, such is the often imprecise nature of the written word alone.
Marco.
Ninanina
02-01-2016, 21:52
You should try this album, where she does some blues stuff, rather different from her usual material: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Into-The-Blues-Joan-Armatrading/dp/B000N0WY0G
Sounds stunning on a good system, especially when she lets go with that guitar - raunchy and soulful as f*ck!! :guitar:
Marco.
Glad you are enjoying the amp Al
Thanks for the link Marco, just ordered that one of Joans.. I happen to really like her but didn't know of the blues one :D
No worries, Bev. A lot of folk don't, which is why I mentioned it. Enjoy :santa:
Marco.
awkwardbydesign
02-01-2016, 22:13
Oh, and if you want to convey irony more effectively, then the use of a winky-smiley, such as above,
Marco.
But then it wouldn't be irony anymore!
Audio Al
02-01-2016, 22:17
Cough Cough
Can you go and argue somewhere else please and STOP crapping on my thread :)
Thanks very much :)
Well, the problem is that your version of irony *may* not be appreciated by others (or interpreted differently from how you intended), as you're relying solely on your use of language to successfully convey it, whereas a judiciously placed [ ;) ]removes all doubt.
Consider the fact that we wouldn't be having this conversation now if your use of irony had been 100% effective...........
That's what smileys are there for on forums [to give the reader a visual clue of the emotional intentions of the writer]. It's only the snooty, old-fashioned arrogant types, who consider them as an affront to their intelligence!
;)
Marco.
Cough Cough
Can you go and argue somewhere else please and STOP crapping on my thread :)
Thanks very much :)
He started it with his dubious 'distortion' remark, lol! :ner:
Anyway, message understood. I've made my point :)
Marco.
nickbaba
03-01-2016, 23:54
Am I in the right place for the Joan Armatrading thread? heh heh
Seriously, Audio Al, how are you enjoying your JW amp?
I have one (the same or very similar) JW built for me (with no problems whatsoever, I should maybe mention) - have to say I love it. I listen to a lot of 70s dub vinyl and bass-heavy music and the amp gives it some proper weight. It's an ugly sucka but it sure sounds sweet.
Audio Al
04-01-2016, 01:58
Hi Nick
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder , I think it looks great , very purposeful , It says look at me no gimmicks just pure grunt
I am only able to listen for short periods due to my work rota but have some leftover holiday coming up soon so extended time will be had , Stock up with some booze :cool: and off I go ;)
nickbaba
04-01-2016, 12:01
Yes, fair point. They're not flash - they do have a no-nonsense utilitarian vibe about them. Nothing wrong with that.
I do love my one. It's the first valve hi-fi amp I've owned (bought after reading all the praise for their sound on some other forums) and it had a hard act to follow, a McIntosh MA7000.
But it does sound great!
Audio Advent
05-01-2016, 07:35
But then it wouldn't be irony anymore!
Can we instead thread-crap about whether it's irony in the first place? Irony is a lot more funny (normally) than simple sarcasm so it's a shame when the two get mixed up and give irony a bad name.
I thought it was a dig about the history of this amp - that it was the distortion complained about to John Wood that made J Armstrong's voice sound so great! Imagine that... Now that WOULD be irony ! :lol:
awkwardbydesign
05-01-2016, 09:23
Can we instead thread-crap about whether it's irony in the first place? Irony is a lot more funny (normally) than simple sarcasm so it's a shame when the two get mixed up and give irony a bad name.
I thought it was a dig about the history of this amp - that it was the distortion complained about to John Wood that made J Armstrong's voice sound so great! Imagine that... Now that WOULD be irony ! :lol:
My last post on this subject; it was a tongue in cheek dig at Joan Armatrading. How anyone could imagine I was serious is beyond me! And I didn't call it irony, that was Marco. If anyone wants to continue this discussion (I have no objection, BTW) please start a thread. Over and out.
Irony or sarcasm, simply choose your preferred terminology... ;)
The point is, the intent behind the remark was ambiguous (i.e. not 100% certain), thus open for misinterpretation. Had a simple 'wink' smiley been inserted at the end of Richard's original post, no ambiguity would've existed - and neither indeed would have this part of the discussion!
Smileys, on forums, are your friend. I've never understood why some folk have an aversion to using them judiciously (i.e. sparingly, but strategically placed). Over and out :)
Marco.
Audio Al
05-01-2016, 10:59
Irony or sarcasm, simply choose your preferred terminology... ;)
The point is, the intent behind the remark was ambiguous (i.e. not 100% certain), thus open for misinterpretation. Had a simple 'winky' smiley been inserted at the end of Richard's original post, no ambiguity would've existed - and neither indeed would have this part of the discussion!
Smileys on forums are your friend. Over and out :)
Marco.
I'v told you once no thread crapping , Your heading for a one week ban :whistle:
Lol - as you will be, if you try fitting KT88s in that amp! :no: :nono:
More on that later.
Marco.
Audio Al
05-01-2016, 11:22
Lol - as you will be, if you try fitting KT88s in that amp! :no: :nono:
More on that later.
Marco.
I had a long conversation on the phone with John and he said that is what should be fitted , He also told me the amp has a lifetime guarantee :eek: He also invited me uo to his place as he can do a couple of upgrades to the amp at no cost ( Free ) hows that for customer service :) I may be ordering one of Johns Pre Amps :eyebrows:
Well, that's fine then, as long as HE is the one fitting the KT88s (KT120s would be better still), re-biasing the amp accordingly, and not YOU! ;)
DO NOT EVEN CONTEMPLATE DOING THIS YOURSELF.
Marco.
Audio Al
05-01-2016, 11:38
Well, that's fine then, as long as HE is the one fitting the KT88s (KT120s would be better still), re-biasing the amp accordingly, and not YOU! ;)
DO NOT EVEN CONTEMPLATE DOING THIS YOURSELF.
Marco.
If I am going to see John with the amp does it sound like I'm doing it myself :scratch: :)
I'm just making sure that's crystal clear and understood, as with how this amp is designed, when re-biasing it (to fit KT88s or 120s), you're working near potentially LETHAL voltages! ;)
Marco.
nickbaba
05-01-2016, 14:18
he can do a couple of upgrades to the amp at no cost
Hi Al - As we have the same (or very similar) amps, I'd be very interested to know what upgrades John was offering?
anthonyTD
05-01-2016, 15:41
Hi Al,
Good to hear that john is going to be taking care of this amp from now on, its his baby, so no one knows it like him, if you do decide to go for KT120's, then he will of course be able to bias them accordingly.
I too prefer KT88's over 6550's, which is why i dont, as a rule fit 6550's in any of my own amps, However, and as you know, in the case of your amp, thats what i fitted to test the amp, and that's what stayed in it. :)
Anthony,TD...
I had a long conversation on the phone with John and he said that is what should be fitted , He also told me the amp has a lifetime guarantee :eek: He also invited me uo to his place as he can do a couple of upgrades to the amp at no cost ( Free ) hows that for customer service :) I may be ordering one of Johns Pre Amps :eyebrows:
RE the assumptions above that "KT120s would be better still" , heater currents are higher for KT120s so unless John has rated the power supply for that additional current, you may find that KT120s cannot be used but John will advise as he will know. From memory, at full output the KT120 uses between 100mA to 300mA more compared with a KT88/6550. Just thought it worth making the general point to anyone lurking who might be tempted to substitute KT120s in their valve amps that might use different valves, that you are likely to end up with a large bill and lots of smoke if you don't first check that your amp circuit and in particular your power supply is rated accordingly. Not all will cope with the additional current. Always check with the designer to avoid, ahem, disappointment.
Post-edit, sorry, I see that Anthony has made a similar point above.
Really glad to hear that John is still in business and providing the sort of customer service that he is widely recognised for...good on him and I wish him well.
Audio Advent
06-01-2016, 08:06
Give us a little write-up on what you get up to Al when you go.
Audio Al
06-01-2016, 08:12
Give us a little write-up on what you get up to Al when you go.
Will do, it won't be until after 18th as I have no spare time until then , looking forward to it :)
Audio Al
14-01-2016, 11:50
:eyebrows:
Had some time with THE amp now and I am loving it , Cant wait until I have the KT88's fitted and the internal mods done :eyebrows:
This amp has so much more reality and live sound , grip , it sounds just right in the right places if you get where I am coming from :)
I also forgot to mention Johns advice when fitting and biasing the valves , Once biased leave them to die don't keep re biasing , John said he had a customer of 15 years who did this and is still using the same KT88's , The efficiency has lowered but they are still running :)
Currently listening 2 Green on Red , This time around ;)
You should try this album, where she does some blues stuff, rather different from her usual material: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Into-The-Blues-Joan-Armatrading/dp/B000N0WY0G
There are some stunning tracks on that album, beautifully recorded, too: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Into-The-Blues-Joan-Armatrading/dp/B000N0WY0G
Check this out (not so many know that she's a fantastic blues guitarist):
rovy3x-qu2Q
Sounds stunning on a good system, especially when she lets go with that guitar - raunchy and soulful as f*ck!! :guitar:
Marco.
Into the Blues was one of the best records I bought in 2015 (or it might have been 2014), and is one of my favourite Joan Armour-plating records. :)
I had a long conversation on the phone with John and he said that is what should be fitted , He also told me the amp has a lifetime guarantee :eek: He also invited me uo to his place as he can do a couple of upgrades to the amp at no cost ( Free ) hows that for customer service :) I may be ordering one of Johns Pre Amps :eyebrows:
No waiting required ~ http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?128940-John-Wood-Audio-Preamp
Audio Al
15-01-2016, 11:17
No waiting required ~ http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?128940-John-Wood-Audio-Preamp
Very nice but no phono stage
The one I was speaking to John about was all transistors with Phono stage , Bass and treble and balance adjustments
No waiting required ~ http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?128940-John-Wood-Audio-Preamp
Trouble is, you can't view the images unless you're a logged-in member! :doh:
Why can't folk just embed their images, by using Photobucket or Imageshack, and be done with it? That way, everyone (including non-members of Wigwam) could then view them, and thus the ad would attract a wider audience? Might increase chances of a sale, too! ;)
Marco.
:eyebrows:
Had some time with THE amp now and I am loving it , Cant wait until I have the KT88's fitted and the internal mods done :eyebrows:
This amp has so much more reality and live sound , grip , it sounds just right in the right places if you get where I am coming from :)
I also forgot to mention Johns advice when fitting and biasing the valves , Once biased leave them to die don't keep re biasing , John said he had a customer of 15 years who did this and is still using the same KT88's , The efficiency has lowered but they are still running :)
Currently listening 2 Green on Red , This time around ;)
Have another amp with a lotta KT88's in myself, sounds lovely and powerful. Green On Red is a favorite band for many years, also check out the albums "No Free Lunch" and "Gas, Food, Lodging" on your new setup. :)
Well, that's fine then, as long as HE is the one fitting the KT88s (KT120s would be better still), re-biasing the amp accordingly, and not YOU! ;)
Marco.
John built some amps for me and I got the impression he wasn't too keen on KT120s. My amps are probably due for a revalve soon so i will pose the question again - mind you I have 8 KT88s here as back ups
Hi Ian,
I suppose it depends on the circuit, and at the end of day, your tastes. There is no definitive answer. All I can say is that in the Copper amp, there was simply no comparison: the 120s ate the 88s alive! :trust:
Marco.
I have read many good things about 120s so I don't doubt what you say
nickbaba
24-01-2016, 19:56
Question for Audio Al: do you notice that your central transformer block gets pretty hot with use, while the 2 either side remain cool?
I've noticed this recently with my J.Wood amp and I'm not sure if it should be that way or if there's something up with it?
Does yours do this too?
Audio Al
24-01-2016, 20:06
Question for Audio Al: do you notice that your central transformer block gets pretty hot with use, while the 2 either side remain cool?
I've noticed this recently with my J.Wood amp and I'm not sure if it should be that way or if there's something up with it?
Does yours do this too?
Its not something I do feeling transformers when the amp is on , If I am brave enough next time I may give it a go
Lol - you are such a daftee :D
You can't get a shock from the transformers; they're not 'live'! :eyebrows:
Marco.
The Black Adder
24-01-2016, 20:24
If it's Class A the transformer will get quite warm/hot. The output transformers will be cooler and obviously conduct heat from the chassis after a while.
I would expect that, the centre will be the power transformer so will run hot to the touch (modern transformer winding wire is designed to run up to more than 100C, thats the wire not the transformer) The outer two will be the output transformers so I would expect them to only be heated by radiation from the valves and general temperature of the casework.
Audio Al
24-01-2016, 20:48
Lol - you are such a daftee :D
You can't get a shock from the transformers; they're not 'live'! :eyebrows:
Marco.
I can see it now on my headstone
" MARCO " said it would be OK :deceased:
I can see it now on my headstone
" MARCO " said it would be OK :deceased:
:lol: just dont touch the wires. the tx body is fine.
jandl100
24-01-2016, 20:54
Audio Al ==>>
http://i.istockimg.com/file_thumbview_approve/16874231/2/stock-illustration-16874231-electric-shock.jpg
nickbaba
24-01-2016, 21:34
yes please don't fry yourself on my behalf AA!
As fond as I am of the amp I wouldn't normally be fondling my transformers... it was an accidental discovery. Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
thanks everyone, this sounds like normal operating behaviour after all. Phew.
Lol... How do you think manufacturers would be able to sell valve amps if mains transformers on the outside were 'live'? Take the 'hood' off, while the amp is connected to the mains, and touch the internals, then you might get a 'nice wee perm'!!! :eek:
Otherwise, with a properly designed valve amp, used correctly and sensibly, there's more chance of you getting a 'shock' from your electricity BILL, than the electricity itself! :D
Marco.
I am running a pair of JW audio monobolcks with slightly over rated transformers and mine get very warm, some might say hot. I can touch the mains transformers and they feel very warm/hot but not hot enough to burn.
That's not uncommon, Ian, especially with Class A designs. My Copper amp is similar. After the amp's been running for some time, the mains transformer should get warm, but not so hot that you can't leave your hand on it for a bit, without having to pull away.
If the latter is happening, then it suggests that the transformer is being 'driven' too hard for its size (amp drawing too much power), so either a bigger, higher rated, transformer is needed, or a reduction in the amp's power output. Normally the best way of achieving the latter is for someone who knows what they're doing to re-bias it.
Marco.
Ali Tait
25-01-2016, 12:03
Perfectly normal for the mains transformer to get warm or even fairly hot.
I guess that "fairly hot" is subjective... I'd be concerned if the one on my amp got so hot that I could hardly touch it. Anything less than that I guess would be ok.
Marco.
Ali Tait
25-01-2016, 12:35
The 5 second rule is a good guide - if you can't keep your had on it for 5 seconds, there may be a problem.
Yeah, I'd go with that :)
Marco.
Ali Tait
25-01-2016, 13:13
Nelson Pass came up with that one, more for heat sinks on Class A amps, but it works equally well for mains trannies I think. :-)
Audio Al
25-01-2016, 17:37
I'm visiting John tomorrow for the upgrades and the KT88 to be fitted :)
nickbaba
25-01-2016, 21:20
I think you will love the KT88s, Al. That's what my amp came fitted with from JW.
On the question of re-biasing for new tubes, can anyone tell me if that's still necessary if you're tube-rolling with same spec tubes from a different brand? eg if I swapped my stock Sovtek KT88s for Gold Lion KT88s would I need to get the amp re-biased?
Audio Al
25-01-2016, 21:56
I think the answer is yer but would advise you speak with John Wood
Ali Tait
25-01-2016, 21:59
Generally yes, there is always variation between valves, even of the same make.
You should also recheck regularly as they will change.
Audio Al
25-01-2016, 22:10
You should also recheck regularly as they will change.
Johns advice on this is to leave them alone after the first biasing and not to keep re biasing as they get older
Each to their own I suppose. I found my kt88 amp changed over time and went out of spec on the odd valve or 2. adjusting this in my case every 6 months improved the sound for me. I dont suppose you have to though. I found that at least 1 was down about 15%, does no harm and its generally pretty easy task on modern amps
nickbaba
25-01-2016, 22:42
Re-biasing my own amp is far beyond my abilities...and JW is a long way away from London and the amp is large and heavy.
It would be interesting to swap tubes but if its a risk to the correct running of the amp its probably not worth it...
Re-biasing my own amp is far beyond my abilities...and JW is a long way away from London and the amp is large and heavy.
It would be interesting to swap tubes but if its a risk to the correct running of the amp its probably not worth it...
the bias needs to be reset - there must be a local hifi/valve/tube engineer who could do this for you
nickbaba
26-01-2016, 12:51
I do know a guy... but anyone recommended in London area? (preferably SW).
David Coe (Juancho on wigwam) is in Wimbledon ... recommended.
pm me if you want his email.
jollyfix
26-01-2016, 13:35
David Coe (Juancho on wigwam) is in Wimbledon ... recommended.
I have heard good things about David Coe, reasonable price for good work.
Audio Al
26-01-2016, 19:55
http://www.ampregen.com
Has worked on a valve amp I own , The man did good :)
Audio Al
26-01-2016, 21:48
KT88 Gold Lions now fitted and biased ;) by John Wood himself :)
brian2957
26-01-2016, 21:53
:popcorn: Lucky man Al . I bet this amp sounds superb . Great service too . :)
KT88 Gold Lions now fitted and biased ;) by John Wood himself :)
Pics or it didnae happen :D
nice one Al..:D
Audio Al
26-01-2016, 22:09
Pics or it didnae happen :D
nice one Al..:D
Here you go as requested
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1682/24006837913_a98884ddc4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Czpjwv)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/Czpjwv) by Allen Wells (https://www.flickr.com/photos/134779142@N03/), on Flickr
;):D
nickbaba
26-01-2016, 22:12
Nice, Al. Let us know how you get on with the new KT88s. Gold Lions... I've read good things about them. Never tried them for myself.
Deffo tempted to roll the Sovteks I have. They're OK but... can't help thinking they could be bettered.
brian2957
26-01-2016, 22:13
Here you go as requested
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1682/24006837913_a98884ddc4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Czpjwv)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/Czpjwv) by Allen Wells (https://www.flickr.com/photos/134779142@N03/), on Flickr
;):D
Thanks for the piccies Al . Very nice indeed :)
Nice, Al. Let us know how you get on with the new KT88s. Gold Lions... I've read good things about them. Never tried them for myself.
Deffo tempted to roll the Sovteks I have. They're OK but... can't help thinking they could be bettered.
Had a set but only tested them. they sounded marvellous
Here you go as requested
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1682/24006837913_a98884ddc4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Czpjwv)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/Czpjwv) by Allen Wells (https://www.flickr.com/photos/134779142@N03/), on Flickr
;):D
Lovely mate... nice one.. that will sound like a mockingbird courting :)
nickbaba
26-01-2016, 22:33
Had a set but only tested them. they sounded marvellous
I'm happy to hear you liked them.
Yes they are fine... there's nothing wrong with them. Probably not a whole lot of difference between them and new Svetlanas and even new Gold Lion re-issues as far as I understand it they are all made in the same factory by the same company (New Sensor), who have licensed all the different 'classic' brand names!
Have another amp with a lotta KT88's in myself, sounds lovely and powerful. Green On Red is a favorite band for many years, also check out the albums "No Free Lunch" and "Gas, Food, Lodging" on your new setup. :)
Songwriter/author Dan Stuart talks about the blues, Jean-Paul Sarte, Jim Dickinson, the 60's and Mexico - Blues.Gr
http://blues.gr/profiles/blogs/songwriter-author-dan-stuart-talks-about-the-blues-jean-paul
Audio Al
10-02-2016, 18:01
I have had a few weeks with the John Wood amp now and it certainly floats my boat and has woken up my speakers :) Currently using the amp with my newly rebuilt Tannoys and boy do they rock :eek:
Sound great with R2R as well ;)
anthonyTD
10-02-2016, 19:11
Good to hear that Al. :)
A...
I have had a few weeks with the John Wood amp now and it certainly floats my boat and has woken up my speakers :) Currently using the amp with my newly rebuilt Tannoys and boy do they rock :eek:
Sound great with R2R as well ;)
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