Dilemma : What should i Build : 1987 or tube town px18 with a 68 spec board ?

[pat_rocks]

Hello Guys,

I have finally acquired a full batch of nos resistors, electrolytics, capacitors to build a full amp. They all read ok on my component tester.

Now here is my dilemma :

I can't decide between to build a 1987 or to build a tube town px18 with a full 68 board which is essentially a 18 watt plexi with 2 el84.

Knowing that nos iskra resistors are becoming a pain to find wouldn't it be a waste to use them for a 18 watt plexi ?

both amps will get a 68 board.

for the px 18 i already have a heyboer transformer and an accurate copy of a radiospares outpout transformer.

if i go for the 1987 i'll have to order from marstran the complete transformers plus the choke.

Knowing that the boards are almost identical there are only 3 resistors to change would you first try the px18 and then remove the board and try it on a 1987 and then make a choice ?

my objective is to use this amp as a mod platform for an evh sound plexi : josé master volume + three in one mod.

My issue to consider is space too the 18watt will be way smaller and lighter than the 50w.

what would you do ? any advices ?

 

[Marcomel79]

I have built the Tube Town PX18 and its an incredible sounding amp!

 

[pat_rocks]

I have built the Tube Town PX18 and its an incredible sounding amp!

i believe you ! i'm so divided about this now...

 

[Marcomel79]

i believe you ! i'm so divided about this now...

Obviously 50W is another beast, but 18W is enough to play with a drummer..

 

[playloud]

If the goal is to chase the ‘brown sound’, I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you build anything other than a 100W.

The Dagnall transformers are an integral part of that sound, including the sag/B+ of the PT. You won’t get that with a 50W clone.

It might not matter as much if the goal was to get ‘in the ballpark’, but given how passionate you clearly are, I think this is worth considering.

 

[pat_rocks]

If the goal is to chase the ‘brown sound’, I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you build anything other than a 100W.

The Dagnall transformers are an integral part of that sound, including the sag/B+ of the PT. You won’t get that with a 50W clone.

It might not matter as much if the goal was to get ‘in the ballpark’, but given how passionate you clearly are, I think this is worth considering.

Yeah i know this, or i could just ask heyboer to give me a bray specd transformer for a 50watt if they agree haha.



i believe it is possible to get this specific sound without using the exact same transformer with some tweaks. I really wanted to try to make a small amp sound like VH but making el84 sound like 6ca7 doesn't seem wise.

 

[junk notes]

Obviously 50W is another beast,

If the goal is to chase the ‘brown sound’, I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you build anything other than a 100W.

The Dagnall transformers are an integral part of that sound, including the sag/B+ of the PT. You won’t get that with a 50W clone.

It might not matter as much if the goal was to get ‘in the ballpark’, but given how passionate you clearly are, I think this is worth considering.

Yeah i know this, or i could just ask heyboer to give me a bray specd transformer for a 50watt if they agree haha.

what would you do ? any advices ?

Correct answers. (said the guy from the Big Iron club)