Modified Tripletone EL84 amp - Page 2 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Edward Huggins · 1st Apr 2021, 9:05 am

How nice to see this photo! Forgive me for being picky, but that stereo amplifier comes from 1962, possibly 1963.

Kyri · 8th May 2021, 9:11 am

I am in possession of this little amp which Roger kindly fixed up for me (recapped, and got it working). When I first acquired the amp, it was housed in a metal box and had some modifications done to it (mic trans) which I have since removed. It was pretty rusty, too.

Some time before this, I actually got another Tripletone in much better condition which had been recapped, but pretty much original. Beautiful little thing.

My first intention was to use the first TT for a guitar amp, so I went to the trouble of making a box, using some old cloth offcuts and it actually worked quite well. However in my journey into vintage amps for hifi use, once I discovered the "other" TT and having read about coupling them up I pulled the amp out of the cab. Once I had them together I found that despite a different preamp line up they sound almost exactly the same!

Anyway, I am still debating whether to try and physically join them as intended, and use the original (lovely) control knobs for which I only have one set, on the front one.

Having read up in other threads about coupling them together, I would love to do that but can't at the moment for two reasons. The 2nd one (which had the mic trans) would have to be in front because its pot shafts have been shortened, the amount of modifications now in the way of where the pot shafts need to go, would be a real pain to re-route.

If I put the one in better condition in front, I would still need to re-route some stuff to get access for the pot shafts even if I found or made some special adaptors to cope with the shortened shafts.

In the meantime, I cleaned up the rust as best I can (might repaint the transformer) and have added 1A fuses, some input and output connectors on the back of them, and bolted them both to a bit of ply which I could upgrade to some exotic wood structure if I keep them this way.

Here is a picture of my "double-tripletone". I am glad to have them. Also the guitar cab which is now an extension speaker.

Great threads on this forum about the Tripletones, good reads - Cheers!

Edward Huggins · 8th May 2021, 10:00 am

How nice to see these. I would use them just as they are. Without the 5 pots being coupled together, you will have an infinite variety of control options to ensure perfect balance and tonal adjustment. This is even more important when, as with this particular Tripletone circuit, you do need to use all 3 tone controls near to their maximum "boost" settings. Also, it will run cooler.

qualityten · 12th May 2021, 1:52 pm

That chassis looks very much like those used by Beam Echo/Avantic.

Kyri · 12th May 2021, 4:52 pm

I really like these amps. I have been trying various old speakers with them. A set of Goodmans Mezzo 2 are excellent, probably my favourite for full sound but heavy wooden beasts that you really need the space for. Space saving is not my priority so its fine. Another option is a set of speakers I put together myself, which are smaller and much more like monitors. They are super clear, sparkly even, due to the tweeters and smaller size.

Heatercathodeshort · 12th May 2021, 5:27 pm

My old mate at Servio Radio would have been tickled pink at reading these good comments all these years later. It's a simple amp giving well above 'record player' quality. I'm a great believer in keeping it simple. it's probably an age thing. I have no idea if he is still with us but if he is he must be into his late 90s. John.

Kyri · 14th May 2021, 12:08 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Huggins

How nice to see these. I would use them just as they are. Without the 5 pots being coupled together, you will have an infinite variety of control options to ensure perfect balance and tonal adjustment. This is even more important when, as with this particular Tripletone circuit, you do need to use all 3 tone controls near to their maximum "boost" settings. Also, it will run cooler.

Well, Edward you will be pleased to know I have decided to keep them side by side, for reasons including those you stated. After reading the thread about a £13000 turntable I got the idea to improve the ply mount by deepening it and veneering it which I am currently in the process of doing. Pictures to follow when I have something to share.

Cheers!
Kyri

Edward Huggins · 14th May 2021, 5:42 pm

Great news! In my experience of this particular Tripletone version a nice tonal combination (Jazz/Easy Listening) is to turn the Bass to near maximum (a near full turn to the right), the Middle backed off a bit and the Treble about half way. The EL84 in this (with it's smallish OPTX) can sound a bit "peaky" bearing in mind there is no NFB. See what you think, just a suggestion.

1st Apr 2021, 9:05 am	#21
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,327	Re: Modified Tripletone EL84 amp How nice to see this photo! Forgive me for being picky, but that stereo amplifier comes from 1962, possibly 1963. __________________ Edward.

8th May 2021, 9:11 am	#22
Kyri Tetrode Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Lancashire, UK. Posts: 57	Re: Modified Tripletone EL84 amp I am in possession of this little amp which Roger kindly fixed up for me (recapped, and got it working). When I first acquired the amp, it was housed in a metal box and had some modifications done to it (mic trans) which I have since removed. It was pretty rusty, too. Some time before this, I actually got another Tripletone in much better condition which had been recapped, but pretty much original. Beautiful little thing. My first intention was to use the first TT for a guitar amp, so I went to the trouble of making a box, using some old cloth offcuts and it actually worked quite well. However in my journey into vintage amps for hifi use, once I discovered the "other" TT and having read about coupling them up I pulled the amp out of the cab. Once I had them together I found that despite a different preamp line up they sound almost exactly the same! Anyway, I am still debating whether to try and physically join them as intended, and use the original (lovely) control knobs for which I only have one set, on the front one. Having read up in other threads about coupling them together, I would love to do that but can't at the moment for two reasons. The 2nd one (which had the mic trans) would have to be in front because its pot shafts have been shortened, the amount of modifications now in the way of where the pot shafts need to go, would be a real pain to re-route. If I put the one in better condition in front, I would still need to re-route some stuff to get access for the pot shafts even if I found or made some special adaptors to cope with the shortened shafts. In the meantime, I cleaned up the rust as best I can (might repaint the transformer) and have added 1A fuses, some input and output connectors on the back of them, and bolted them both to a bit of ply which I could upgrade to some exotic wood structure if I keep them this way. Here is a picture of my "double-tripletone". I am glad to have them. Also the guitar cab which is now an extension speaker. Great threads on this forum about the Tripletones, good reads - Cheers! Attached Thumbnails

8th May 2021, 10:00 am	#23
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,327	Re: Modified Tripletone EL84 amp How nice to see these. I would use them just as they are. Without the 5 pots being coupled together, you will have an infinite variety of control options to ensure perfect balance and tonal adjustment. This is even more important when, as with this particular Tripletone circuit, you do need to use all 3 tone controls near to their maximum "boost" settings. Also, it will run cooler. __________________ Edward.

12th May 2021, 1:52 pm	#24
qualityten Octode Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wallasey, UK. Posts: 1,310	Re: Modified Tripletone EL84 amp That chassis looks very much like those used by Beam Echo/Avantic.

12th May 2021, 4:52 pm	#25
Kyri Tetrode Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Lancashire, UK. Posts: 57	Re: Modified Tripletone EL84 amp I really like these amps. I have been trying various old speakers with them. A set of Goodmans Mezzo 2 are excellent, probably my favourite for full sound but heavy wooden beasts that you really need the space for. Space saving is not my priority so its fine. Another option is a set of speakers I put together myself, which are smaller and much more like monitors. They are super clear, sparkly even, due to the tweeters and smaller size.

12th May 2021, 5:27 pm	#26
Heatercathodeshort Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Warnham, West Sussex. 10 miles south of DORKING. Posts: 9,147	Re: Modified Tripletone EL84 amp My old mate at Servio Radio would have been tickled pink at reading these good comments all these years later. It's a simple amp giving well above 'record player' quality. I'm a great believer in keeping it simple. it's probably an age thing. I have no idea if he is still with us but if he is he must be into his late 90s. John.

14th May 2021, 5:42 pm	#28
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,327	Re: Modified Tripletone EL84 amp Great news! In my experience of this particular Tripletone version a nice tonal combination (Jazz/Easy Listening) is to turn the Bass to near maximum (a near full turn to the right), the Middle backed off a bit and the Treble about half way. The EL84 in this (with it's smallish OPTX) can sound a bit "peaky" bearing in mind there is no NFB. See what you think, just a suggestion. __________________ Edward.