Single-ended triode (SET) amplifiers with Type 45 triode tubes are special, and two amazing gifts, a pair of Tamura output transformers and a blank aluminum chassis, obligate me to make a special amplifier.
2nd viewing of this video. Great story behind this build! I picked up a Sony TC 500A reel to reel player specifically for the Coral Holey Basket drivers, the transformers came as a bonus and I didn’t think about them when I purchased it. I’ve come to understand just how big a bonus this was! Been researching Type 45 amp schematics, and somehow, this schematic was overlooked in my research. I’m adding it to the “pile” of options I’m considering. Look forward to seeing how your build progresses!
Having built many tube amps, the 45's are my favorite. I built my 45 amp in the 90's without a current source, DC filaments or any FETS, still it's a memorizing amp to listen to. It does not have thundering bass but for vocals, most jazz and classical its a pure joy to listen to. When my friends came over and listened, I was often asked how much power my amps run, to which I responded, " A whopping 2000 milliwatts each, of course." I have a pair of Lowther PM6A drivers in a folded horn config and it produces loads of volume for our living room. For loud rock and other sources with lots of bass, I use my EL84 amps feeding Klipsch Heresy's which are also very efficient. Try some James Taylor of Joni Mitchell on your 45 mono-blocks and get ready to hear those sources in a very special way. Oh, the Tamura transformers are among the best ever. In the 90's seems like I paid ~$250 each; they are MUCH more expensive now. Good luck !!!
You have very generous friends! I wish I was lucky as you.. The 5842 usually needs carbon comp grid stoppers directy at the grid tube pins.. Also plate stoppers if possible.. Around 200R in value for starters.. I would personally try without the Mosfet driver first so you could compare Vs. just the 5842 high gm triode input/driver first.. The 4700uF cathode bypass capacitor has a great impact on SQ.. So at least put an Elna Silmic II in there.. They are not that pricey IMHO…
Thanks for all your great vids. The type 45 is a sweet sounding tube. It has a somewhat similar sound signature to 2A3’s, imo. As long as one’s speakers are high enough in sensitivity, those few watts are plenty, especially if the PSU is up to the task. Tamura makes (or made) some fantastic power transformers and OPT’s. Very kind of someone to gift them to you. SET or SE amps just have a certain special quality to them. I’m not anti-solid state, and actually use them especially during the summertime. I always have a tube based phono stage and line stage pre driving it though going into aprox 95 dB sensitivity speakers. Thanks again. Appreciate everything you do with your vids and the information you share.
