Extended Foreplay 12AU7 regulator tube

triode · 3299

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline triode

  • Full Member
  • ***
    • Posts: 77
on: September 23, 2020, 01:52:32 PM
Hi,

Just wondering how critical the shunt regulator tube (middle one) to the sound in Extended Foreplay III?
Is it worth to use some exotic NOS tube there?

Also, how we know if this regulator tube need to be replace? I guess, the tubes in signal path are easier to spot if they're going weak (loss of gain, loss freq extension, etc); but what about the regulator tube?
If this regulator tube fails without noticed, would it damage the rest of the pre-amp?

Thanks 



Offline Paul Birkeland

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
    • Posts: 19316
Reply #1 on: September 23, 2020, 02:13:14 PM
You can pull the regulator tube out while the preamp is running and nothing is going to happen more than maybe a little pop as the contacts release. 

The signal tubes will get fuzzy sounding when they wear out, but I bet it would be pretty tough to hear a regulator tube that's really worn out, but at some point the cathode voltages will drop below the threshold of operation of the TL431, and at that point you might hear a little noise that otherwise wouldn't be there.

Paul "PB" Birkeland

Bottlehead Grunt & The Repro Man


Offline triode

  • Full Member
  • ***
    • Posts: 77
Reply #2 on: September 23, 2020, 02:34:02 PM
Thanks Paul



Offline Natural Sound

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
    • Posts: 994
Reply #3 on: September 23, 2020, 03:41:07 PM
So, if one suspects the regulator tube is failing a voltage check for regulated 150V would be prudent? I'm guessing the same would be true for the 0D3 in a non-extended version.



Offline Paul Birkeland

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
    • Posts: 19316
Reply #4 on: September 23, 2020, 03:45:38 PM
You would see Kreg voltages on the middle PC board drop significantly when the 12AU7 ages.  I'm not sure I've ever seen a worn out 0D3.

Paul "PB" Birkeland

Bottlehead Grunt & The Repro Man