Chapter 2 - Moving Up the Learning Curve

Here was my second layout using a standard Hammond steel chassis. This doesn't even look like the same amp from Chapter 1.

Do you notice any modifications here?

I beefed up the power supply BIG TIME! Added another CAP and choke. Not to mention, the beefiest modification of them all - The great Hammond 300BX. It is almost 50% larger than the 274BX (also costs 50% more) and is the same size as the OPT. It runs slightly above room temperature and barely luke warm when covered by a potted box. This transformer will outlast all of us, not to mention almost everything else!!

Insides beginning to look better. I am definitely moving up the learning curve.

Onwards to Chapter 3!

Chapter 3

Note the scotch tape I used to support two of three the big ass CAPS. The amp was still humming. It did quiet down a bit more and have been reading and posting a lot of messages on rec.audio.tubes for help. And finally, the problems were solved only after 2 weeks of tweeking, of course with help. (so for, I used enough WBT solder to do 4 pairs of monoblocks!). It took 2 weeks to locate the problem and only 5 mins to fix. It turns out, I didn't know that I was suppose to ground the negative end of the speaker terminal and also one of the legs to the 6SN7 filament. Note: I reduced the hum evenmore by grounding the other lead of the 6SN7. However, that requires two resistors. I also used shielded wires.