Restore Audio and New Projects

22/06/2024

Hi, I’ve just released a new video on my YouTube channel: it’s the last tutorial on the design of my new Hi-Fi tube amplifier, which will be based on 6V6 push pull arranged tubes.
After last video, where I covered several phase splitter designs, this time I’m focusing on the first gain stage of the power amplifier, which will be based on EF86 pentode, arranged as triode: the combination which I really like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfgfvWXGl9M

My next videos on this topics will be focused on the construction and then testing of my amplifier.
As usual, I'd be happy to further share experiences, and to respond to any question, if interested.
A good day !

This is the fifth video covering my new High End tube amplifier project ! I’m working on the design of a no-compromise 6V6GT push pull tube integrated amplif...

08/06/2024

Design work on my new 6V6 Hi-Fi tube amplifier is progressing !
I took the opportunity to issue a new video on my YouTube channel, which might be interesting.
This video is a new tutorial, where I’m showing several examples of long tail phase splitter designs, based on ECC81, 6N6P, or ECC99 tubes.
Phase splitter is a so important stage within a push-pull tube amplifier:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtoAUcKzuPc

As usual, I'd be happy to further share experiences, and to respond to any question, if interested.

A good day !

This is the fourth video covering my new High End tube amplifier project ! I’m working on the design of a no-compromise 6V6GT push pull tube integrated ampli...

26/05/2024

Over the years (the decades :-) ), I've developed - I believe - quite a good experience on how to design and build noise-free .

I thought it could be interesting to issue a couple of videos, covering the main criteria and practical advices on how to avoid hum and noise when designing and building tube amplifiers.

Here you go, this is the first video I'd like to share:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYlwWrSoVms

You can check the second video as well, on my YouTube channel.

I'm fully available to answer to any further question you might have; thanks for attention, a good day !

In this video I'm going to propose the first part of a tutorial, which is dedicated to a very important aspect for all who deal with Hi-Fi: how to avoid nois...

26/05/2024

Design of my new 6V6 is progressing well ! I took the opportunity to issue a new video on my YouTube channel, where I'm covering the design of phase splitters sections within tubes amplifiers !

This is a tutorial, which might be of interest for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6rkeJxv6uw

I'd be happy to respond to any queries on this, and to share further experiences.

A good day !

This is the third video covering my new High End tube amplifier project ! I’m working on the design of a no-compromise 6V6GT push pull tube integrated amplif...

06/04/2024

My second tutorial about Arduino microcontrollers and their utilization on Hi-Fi is issued !
As you know, I'm very much interested to microcontrollers programming, and to how those devices can improve user experience on Hi-Fi.
In this second Lesson, I’m going little more in deep with the functionalities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiWXxAueYlU
Thank you very much for your attention, more to follow soon !

24/03/2024

As you know, I'm very much interested to microcontrollers programming, and to how those devices can improve user experience on Hi-Fi.
I've just released a new video, where I'm aiming to provide a first tutorial on how we can utilize Arduino (and microcontrollers in general), on our Hi-Fi projects.
In this first Lesson, after an introduction of what ‘microcontroller’ is, we’ll see which are the features and the systems we can add and manage through it: OLED displays, remote controls, rotary encoders, control systems for tubes.
In the next video I’ll go more in detail on the programming of microcontrollers and Arduino in particular.

Enjoy !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJF4jeP_yBM

Thank you very much for your attention, more to follow soon !

14/03/2024

My new 6V6 tube amplifier project is progressing !
I’m currently working on the detailed design of the power amplifier section, which will be based on 6V6GT tubes in push pull configuration, fixed bias, with ECC81 as phase splitters.
First power amp's gain stage will be based on EF86 tubes; furthermore, separate chassis will support the power supply module, which will be based on 5U4 tube rectifier.
I've just released a new video, where I'm describing the current status of completion.
Furthermore, in the same video, I'm taking the opportunity to provide a tutorial on how push-pull tube amplifiers are designed; you'll see topics like loadlines, transfer characteristics, calculation of max expected power, etc, covered:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExAeHp1FsRc

I hope this could be interesting for you all; thanks for attention, more to follow soon !

A good day

This is the second video covering my new exciting project ! I’m working on the design of a 6V6 push pull tube integrated amplifier, which will have tube rec...

03/03/2024

Today I'd like to describe a restoration work I've been doing recently on a great FM tuner: Technics ST-9030.
As you might know, FM tuners are one of my great interests (I've designed one with tube output, you can check the relevant post here in this page).
I know that this is a vintage technology, and that this is going to be superseded by other standards like DAB+. Nevertheless, I believe that still good FM broadcasts can provide great sound and satisfying experience.
I've just released a new video, where this repair job gave me the opportunity to talk little bit about how the FM tuners work as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akoOeKVQ9a8

Thanks for attention, a good day, and stay tuned for more !

In this video I'll provide a general tutorial on how FM tuners are built; the opportunity is given by repair works I've been recently doing on a great Techni...

25/02/2024

I'd like to talk little bit about an exciting project I have finalized many years ago: it's a combo, with integrated speakers. I've built it in single unit, as well as the other guitar amplifier you can see in this page.
The power amplifier is based on 4 x EL84 tubes, configured as parallel push pull, for about 30W output power; GZ34 tube rectifier is deployed as well.
Power amplifier is equipped with power brake, in order for the musician to be able to drive the unit to distortion even with low power (3 W) fed to the speakers.
The preamplifier provides three input channels: Normal, Bright, Vibrato/Tremolo.
Speakers are 2 x 12" Jensen P12R alnico.
I've just released a new video, where you can find more details:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiYWmlUqVNQ

Thanks for attention, stay tuned for more projects !

This is a project I have finalized many years ago: it's a tube guitar amp combo, with integrated speakers. The power amp is based on 4 x EL84 tubes, in paral...

03/02/2024

Today I'd like to report about a project I had been working on some years ago: it's a head and matching 12" speaker, I built them for a friend of mine who plays electric guitar.
The power amp is based on 4 x EL84 tubes, in parallel push pull, for about 30W output power; GZ34 tube rectifier is deployed as well.
The preamplifier is configured with two input channels:
- 'Normal', based on EF86 tube; it has volume and tone control
- 'Brilliant', based on two ECC83 tubes; it has volume and three-bands tone control.
Then we've master volume control and 'cut' tone control for the high frequencies.
Speaker is based on a 12" Weber Ceramic Blue Dog, mounted in closed enclosure.
All you see was built by myself, including wooden cabinet and cover fabric.

I've just released a new video, which provides some more details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdC9sMcPDY8

Thanks for attention, I'm available for any further clarification !

15/01/2024

My 32W tube stereo receiver project is completed ! Front panel fully deployed, final successful tests accomplished !

This is a tube amplifier + preamp, built on the basis of 6P3C-E power tubes, in push-pull fixed bias configuration. ECC81 phase splitter, EF86 first power amp' gain stage. Preamplifier is based on an ECC83 per channel.

The receiver includes an FM tuner and a DAC module, both designed by myself; furthermore, a Bluetooth receiver is fitted in as well.

User interaction is based on Arduino microcontroller, which drives two OLED displays, and receives data from both IR receiver and an encoder. The microcontroller receives information from the several receiver sections as well.

I've just released a new video, for those who might be interested, where I'm providing a recap of the amplifier specifications and highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LXIJpjL9sE

In my previously released videos I had covered all designing and building steps for this tube receiver as well.

I'd be happy to provide more details or insight, so feel free to ask in case interested !

A good day !

02/01/2024

Front panel for my 32W tube stereo receiver is completed !

My project is nearing completion; stay tuned for next updates !

My YouTube channel is available as well, I’m posting updates and further details on the projects:

https://youtube.com/?feature=shared