"Stereo Vaccuum Tube Preamp" - from china...

[Erlend_G]

https://www.allelectronics.com/item/amp-2t/stereo-vacuum-tube-preamp/1.html

These units have caught my attention for some time. Well, I guess you won't get much quality for 20USD (considering one 12ax7 valve, which I hope is included; costs 30USD in Norway...)-

But really; have anyone ever tried one of these; (of resonable quality), for guitar use?

... as long as I don't get any "warnings" from you guys; I'm tempted to buy/try one.. who knows, maybe it'll sound great? :/

-I guess it would/could be a great base for modding/engineering it into something "else", like, a overdrive unit; active tone control-

Thanks for all your input,

-Erlend

 

[Erlend_G]

...sorry if this would belong in the "amplifier" forum. But my thoughts about this unit/concept makes me think of it as a preamp/pedal/effect.

(sorry for this naive question. But could you "bridge" the L/R channels in series; with a potmeter, and maybe clipping diodes between? =) )

Peace !!

-E ♪

 

[Erlend_G]

I'm in a creative wave now; where I find "all sorts" of crazy ideas and solutions; to create i.e. guitar effects and various instruments!

...was about to order 200USD worth of parts from kitronic.co.uk ... but had to contain myself . Atleast until I've made a functioning, theoretical design.

 

[Securb]

I can't see it as a bad idea. Blackmore got his gain from an AIWA tape deck stereo preamp. A few companies have tried to duplicate the preamp in varying degrees of success. Some say the company that came the closest is the BSM with their RPA Special Booster.

 

[NegativeEase]

Looks great!

 

[PFDarkside]

Just go Guitar -> L In -> L Out -> R In -> R Out -> Amp for cascading gain staging.

Do you have an EQ you can use before, between or after the preamp? You might need to cut out some bass to avoid a nasty mess. (Or maybe not, who knows)

 

[Erlend_G]

I was just about to order;

but waiting for my welfare to come in Thursday first. Also, I need to find a fitting 230V power transformer/adaptor (can't be that hard)

rock on guys!

-Erlend ♪

 

[Erlend_G]

Just go Guitar -> L In -> L Out -> R In -> R Out -> Amp for cascading gain staging.

Do you have an EQ you can use before, between or after the preamp? You might need to cut out some bass to avoid a nasty mess. (Or maybe not, who knows)

Yeah, well- I do have a very nice Boss 10-band from the 1980's. Currently it sits in the FX loop of my Blackstar; but- I guess I have the electronics knowledge to make a passive high-pass/lo cut filter .

 

[Aceman]

Get it and tell us what it does!

 

[Erlend_G]

Get it and tell us what it does!

Yeah, really- I'm gonna get one! (with chassis) . A bit... stupid maybe; considering the parts and build quality might be garbage.

On the other hand; who knows- maybe it's a hidden gem ....

-E

 

[Erlend_G]

...having trouble finding a fitting power supply- 230VAC - 12V AC (!) , 1 amperes... But I've sent an email to a norwegian webshop, who atleast USED to have fitting ones in stock.

Really looking forward to this project; - earlier I had been considering those "tube headphone/ mp3 player" amps from wish.com. But those were just TOO shabby..

sorry for bumping.

-Erlend

 

[Artie]

...having trouble finding a fitting power supply- 230VAC - 12V AC (!) , 1 amperes...

You could always do it in two steps. Use the transformer they recommend, and then one of their Euro convertors. Still not TOO pricey, and one source.

https://www.allelectronics.com/item/actx-1214/12-vac-1-amp-wall-transformer/1.html

https://www.allelectronics.com/item/tc-1600a/1600w-euro-travel-converter/1.html

 

[devastone]

That should be a relatively common adapter. Need to find the European equivalent of Digikey or similar.