Packard Bell amp for consideration

[Fangio]

Hi all,

thought I'd share this home made tube amp that I've had here recently for a quick test, in my bi-amp setup with the 4343s for the MF/HF/UHF part. Would like to hear a bit about it - options to use or some background from the tube knowledgeables here, is anyone familiar with that stuff.

It sounds very good to my ears and surprisingly outperformed the solid state power amps in my current setup - a very rich and warm sound particularly through the horns, very detailed. Its somehow cool although the finish seems to leave a bit to be desired. As you can see its labeled Packard Bell and using a EL84, thats pretty much all I know about it. Maybe I'm wrong but isn't that one of those console amps that I've read about over at AK, and it seems these get more and more appreciation on the market lately?

Last not least, in case I'd get over the look and wanted to buy it as an improvement for the use described above, I'd like to learn a bit about the worth - where do such things range in connoisseurs eyes.

So, in short what do we have here? As always thanks in advance for any input.

[Chas]

I am not familiar with this exact amp, but I have spent many years with vintage and home brew tube equipment. EL84's are very nice, sweet sounding tubes if you can keep them within their power capabilities. You have probably noticed that they do drive your 4343 top end quite nicely up to reasonable levels.

Even though it would alter the sound character somewhat, I would highly recommend you change out all the capacitors, including the electrolytic filters, since they would be pretty tired after 40 years or so. Also, I would verify that the resistors are still within spec.

The output transformers look like typical, economical (i.e. narrow bandwidth) devices for the period if you were to measure them on a test bench. But, many people prefer their sound this way. It can be very pleasant, though somewhat low resolution compared to others.

I hope the above 2 cents helps.
Charles.

[Fangio]

Interesting to know about the output transformers Chas, thanks. I believe it was revised already, at least partially but will keep in mind to verify that.

[Steve Schell]

Fangio, welcome to the wonderful world of tube amplification. My introduction came years ago via a Curtis Mathes stereo amp from a console. It used single ended 6BQ5 outputs as I recall. Yours is a little fancier with higher output power using the push pull 6BQ5 outputs, though some listeners prefer single ended amps. In any case, isn't it a revelation how much closer to real an inexpensive old tube amp can sound after a lifetime of exposure to solid state stuff?

I haven't kept up on the prices of units like yours. They used to be available all over the place at swap meets for $5 or $10, but I doubt that is the case anymore. Searching around on ebay is a good way to get an idea of current prices.

[Fangio]

Steve, thats great - have hoped you would chime in here, thanks a lot. Always a pleasure to get your carefully worded expert opinion.

I felt the same - and know already that route won't be considerably less expensive than solid state amps, in the long run. But - the combination of tubes and horns is indeed very pleasant, imho.

As for this amp, I'm afraid I got it loaned actually with the ulterior motive to hook me.. ;) We'll see.