Using E180CC / 7602

[Mucker]

I had a chance to test an E180CC in my fully upgraded (Bottlehead) Stereomour II and measured around 130 volts on the plates. My Mullard CV4024 measure just above 200+ V. The E180CC didn't sound bad but is the voltage too low to harm anything or to affect sound optimally? I tried to dig around on the forum but couldn't understand what is needed. My home voltage pushes upwards of 123V.

I am really happy with the CV4024 Mullards with Gold Lion PX2A3 or 2A3EH (both of those sound identical to me). I will just dump the E180CC if hardware changes are necessary.

Thanks!

[Paul Birkeland]

I think the amp would work better with the driver C4S R1 set to just over 100 ohms in my opinion.  This will bring the bias voltage up to more like 3V, and the plate voltage up to about where it would be with a 12AT7.  The heatsinks that are already on that board are likely adequate for this.  If you have the shunt regulated driver upgrade, that may also need some adjustment for this to work properly.

[Mucker]

Thanks for the quick response Paul. I do have the shunt regulator installed. If the change is made will the 12AT7 work without issue or is it a swap back and forth thing. If so I will just use the 12AT7 which I am very happy with.