Low wattage POWER amp. Does it exist?

[myxolidian]

I've got a preamp that I'm totally happy with. Currently, I'm powering it with the power section of a Marshall JTM30 (6L6 x 2). Needless to say, it's pretty loud when cranked. I'm not sure a hotplate can get me down to adequate levels for nightime recording and not mess with the tone too much. Yeah, I can crank up the preamp gain to compensate for lack of power tube distortion and just turn down, but that's no fun.

Where can I buy (or build...if a kit is available) a low wattage (1W or less) tube power amp? Something like a Zvex Nano, but with an effects return so that I can run my preamp's out into it. Every low wattage amp I see has a built in pre and no effects (or line in) available.

Anyway, I've seen kits for low wattage tube amps. Seems simple to build. Is it pretty easy to add an effects return to these things? Anybody ever build one? Any suggestions?

[Baltar]

Re: Low wattage POWER amp. Does it exist?

take a look at madamp.de
they have a 2 and a 5 w guitar amp kit. there is also a forum, where
they for sure will help you if you want to build it without preamp section

[kneadmomunny]

Re: Low wattage POWER amp. Does it exist?

www.ax84.com has lotsa different styles and low wattage amps with sound clips and reviews and a very helpful staff.

you can buy pre-made ones, kits to build your own, or use the schematics to get your parts from radioshack

[myxolidian]

Re: Low wattage POWER amp. Does it exist?

Thanks for the links. Those Madamps sound great. But the forum looks sketchy on the English side. I'd hate to be stuck with a problem and have a language barrier/time zone issue on top of everything.

ax84 looks promising. I feel another hobby starting...

[DankStar]

Re: Low wattage POWER amp. Does it exist?

maybe:

http://www.tubesandmore.com/ 's tube amp kit. Do search for those exact terms and it'll pop up - mono and stereo versions.

[drpietrzak]

Re: Low wattage POWER amp. Does it exist?

Ohh. Those tubes and more kits look interesting!

[greco]

Re: Low wattage POWER amp. Does it exist?

You might want to talk to the folks at www.missionamps.com
I've heard great things about their products and support.

They might be able to help you with a low wattage design, or at least point you in a direction that you can count on.

Good luck with your first build if you decide to try.

I'm just getting started on a 6 watt Champ style amp., my first try at this. I regret not getting a kit as there are to many "bumps" in the road doing it by oneself (chassis drilling, board layout, sourcing components, etc.) but I'm a stubborn old fool and that seems to be helping a bit* (*said with laughter)

[Scott_F]

Re: Low wattage POWER amp. Does it exist?

greco, sounds like the addiction has begun. good luck.

[Baltar]

Re: Low wattage POWER amp. Does it exist?

Thanks for the links. Those Madamps sound great. But the forum looks sketchy on the English side. I'd hate to be stuck with a problem and have a language barrier/time zone issue on top of everything.

at the end, the only one you really need there for getting it running
is martin adams himself. he answers reliable.

[RiffRaff]

Re: Low wattage POWER amp. Does it exist?

Gerhart Gilmore JR. 1/2 watt tube amp in a kit form:

http://www.gerhartamps.com/products.htm

[Soujurn]

Re: Low wattage POWER amp. Does it exist?

Then there is the Zvex Nanohead amp.

Links to a demo with Michael Thompson. (Once you are there, click on the link named; Extra:Zvex NanoHead Amp)

http://www.prosoundcommunications.com/english/video/michael_thompson/

http://zvexamps.com/amp_view.html