[HAM] What are the appropriate ohms values for the cathode bias resistors for the different output valve types ?Kon Zissis kziss at ozemail.com.auSun Jan 6 08:30:06 CST 2008
Hi everyone. I would like to know what the correct ohms values and wattage ratings are for the cathode bias resistors used in valve amplifiers that have cathode biased output stages. What would be the appropriate cathode bias resistor values for the following power output valves : EL34 , 6L6, 5881, EL84 ( 6BQ5 ) , 6V6 , KT-66 , KT-88. The Leslie 122 / 147 cathode bias resistor for the 6550's is 150 ohms , and the Leslie 31 H , 32H and 21H cathode bias resistor was 75 ohms for the 6L6 , 5881 and 6V6 valves in them . Are the 150 ohms for the 6550 valves and the 75 ohms for the 6V6 , 6L6 and 5881 valves the best optimum values for the cathode bias resistors ? I have a Marshall JTM-45 guitar amplifier which has two EL34 output valves in class A/B push pull configuration and I am planning on putting in a switch so that I can select either the grid bias operation or the cathode bias operation. IA few years ago I did a temporary experiment with the cathode bias operation in my friend's amplifier which has EL34 valves in it and the cathode bias operation produced a very pleasing softer and more compressed sounding "singing' effect to the guitar sound whilst the fixed bias operation produced a harder attack sound . I would like to do the cathode bias switching modification but I am not sure about what is the correct ohms value and wattage rating for the cathode bias resistor. At the moment because the Marshall JTM-45 operates with grid bias , the cathodes of the two EL34 valves are grounded and the negative voltage is sent to the junction of the two 220 K ohms grid resistors of the EL34 valves. With the cathode bias switch position , the ground connection will be switched off from the cathodes and the cathode bias resistor will be activated and the junction of the two 220 K grid resistors will be grounded. Thank you in advance for a reply. All the best. Kon
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