Big Bad Bob wrote:
** FYI, I have a prototype 2x EL84 output stage here that
delivers over 50 watts with low THD and no overheating.
The trick is to use a split supply of 325V and 650V for
screens and plates respectively.
probably works ok for hi-fi but I wonder how it would handle output tube
overload distortion for a guitar amp...
** Just fine, the European made amps that used a similar set up were instrument amps. Clipping the output wave causes low plate dissipation but high screen - keeping the screen voltage down helps a lot.
I guess you could run clipped sine waves through it to find out. I used
to test power amplifiers under conditions like that by dunking a
somewhat-high-wattage 8 ohm resistor (tied to speaker outputs) in a
glass of water. It's funny to watch it boil the water just a bit...
** I use a bucket of water with a pair of 100W, tubular ceramic, 8 ohm WW resistors. A simple switch box allows 4, 8 and 16 ohm loads. Copes with 2kW fine.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/8-ohm-100-W...-/201153517823
..... Phil