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Re: [Amps] Stock up on tubes?

To: amps@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Amps] Stock up on tubes?
From: Roger D Johnson <n1rj@roadrunner.com>
Date: Mon, 05 Dec 2016 17:27:48 -0500
List-post: <amps@contesting.com">mailto:amps@contesting.com>
This is like swapping engines in a car. It sounds simple but is fraught with problems.

1. Input Z of 8877 is different requiring rebuilding of input circuits.

2. Power transformer will not handle increased requirement of more powerful 
tube.

3. Completely new pressurized cooling system needed.

4. Output circuit might not handle increased power.

5. ad infinitum

73, Roger

REPLY:

If it were my SB 2xx amp I would replace the 3-500(s) with a single
8877. It is a smaller tube so it should fit OK, and a single 8877 has
more power capability than a pair of 3-500's and needs only about half
the drive for the same output. The filament voltage is the same and
filament current is less, so no change is needed there.

I have never actually done this so there might be a gotcha I'm not
aware of and you would need to proceed carefully, but if successful
you would have a much better amp. More headroom, better reliability,
less drive and in most cases an 8877 does not need a parasitic
suppressor. My homebrew 8877 amp does not have one and is perfectly
stable on all bands. I have seen numerous other 8877 designs that do
not have one either.

Making a change like this is not for the inexperienced and if you are
unsure about it, you should probably find an Elmer to help you.

73, Bill W6WRT
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