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Stereo Tube Amplifier

By Weslee Kinsler

The circuit is simple, yet is capable of excellent performance. I designed it specifically for use as an amplifier for the digital sound card in my computer. Audio input can be from any two-channel line level device such as a television, CD player, or VCR. It is of the tube type, using only 5 tubes total with no more than about 45 Watts power consumption from the outlet. It uses 3 types of tube 1 5Y3 GT vacuum rectifier, 2 6SF5 GT high-mu triodes, and 2 6K6 power beam amplifiers. These are all full-size octal type tubes which are commonly available today for between $3-5 each.

Schematic


Schematic for tube amp

Parts:


Part
Total Qty.
Description
Substitutions
R1, R10, R1362.2Meg Pot
R22470K 1/2W Resistor
R321 Meg 1/2W Resistor
R42220K 1/2W Resistor
R52330 Ohm 2W Resistor
R62220K 1/2W Resistor
R722.2Meg 1/2W Resistor
R821Meg 1/2W Resistor
R91720 Ohm 20W Resistor
R11233K 1/2W Resistor
R12222K 1/2W Resistor
C1, C940.005uF 400V Capacitor
C220.05uF 600V Capacitor
C3220uF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
C420.01uF 400V Capacitor
C52200uuF 400V Ceramic Disc Capacitor
C6, C7215uF 450V Capacitor
C8215uF 400V Capacitor
T11117V Primary, 350VCT Secondary, 6.3V Secondary, 6.3V Secondary
T227600 Ohm Primary, 4 or 8 Ohm Secondary
SW11SPST Switch
SP1, SP2212" or smaller, 4 or 8 ohm speakers
MISC15 tube sockets, 2 RCA jacks, PC board or chassis, wire, knobs, etc.

Notes:

1. Email Weslee Kinsler with questions, comments, etc.

2. The 6V6 GT tube may be substituted for the 6K6 to lower power requirements.

3. C8 is for radio interference suppression and may be omitted.

4. The 5Y3 GT tube should be mounted in a vertical position and be well ventilated. The 6K6 and 6SF5 tubes can be mounted in any position.

5. Controls should have an audio taper.

6. The power supply portion of this unit may be used for anything requiring 290-320v DC up to about 3 amps. >p>7. The author has provided a link to an updated version of this circuit. The newer revision contains parts changes based on the author's tinkering and experience with the circuit over the past few years.

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