10W Caldera

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V2a

V2a

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Lots of interest in low-power amps after NAMM, with the new Marshalls, mini JJ, etc.

Here's mine.

Caldera preamp. Vintage and Modern modes accessible via front-panel Era switch. All tube signal path; no diode clipping.

New 10W output section powered by a pair of EL34s. I've also tried it with KT77s, JJ 6V6S (and some 6L6s in the prototype).

In addition to the usual stuff, the rear panel sports a FAT switch and room for an effects loop (which I haven't installed).

Now I need a new, smaller head cab!

RD9gikNh.jpg
 
And an A+ for using EL34's ! To be honest, these lower Watters are a great solution for small studio recordings. My 50 or 100 is overkill and house shaking. I don't even play out. The iron in them also weighs a ton.
 
Opinions sought:

For a low-power amp (with EL34s), which would you prefer for the highest gain setting:
- JCM800 (to be used with boost for high gain)
- BE/Jose/Yeti without diode clipping

Basically, would you prefer a quieter amp that you could hit with a pedal or an amp with the distortion built in?
 
I'm working with a local woodworker on head cabs. The first such cab was done in purple tolex with a ventilated front grill. The handle was loose fit for this photo op.

O8SzlmUh.jpg
 
V2a":3bbq7bt3 said:
Opinions sought:

For a low-power amp (with EL34s), which would you prefer for the highest gain setting:
- JCM800 (to be used with boost for high gain)
- BE/Jose/Yeti without diode clipping

Basically, would you prefer a quieter amp that you could hit with a pedal or an amp with the distortion built in?
Click to expand...
You're second option is different options in itself, since the BE implementation of diodes is pretty significant tonal and from a topology standpoint from the other 2. I feel the BE without diodes sounds better than a Jose without diodes, but a Jose with diodes (and correct power tweaks) sounds better than a BE with diodes. Many people that I've spoken to don't really use the SAT switch on the BE because it's to dark.
 
scottosan":3k9bmqj1 said:
V2a":3k9bmqj1 said:
Opinions sought:

For a low-power amp (with EL34s), which would you prefer for the highest gain setting:
- JCM800 (to be used with boost for high gain)
- BE/Jose/Yeti without diode clipping

Basically, would you prefer a quieter amp that you could hit with a pedal or an amp with the distortion built in?
Click to expand...
You're second option is different options in itself, since the BE implementation of diodes is pretty significant tonal and from a topology standpoint from the other 2. I feel the BE without diodes sounds better than a Jose without diodes, but a Jose with diodes (and correct power tweaks) sounds better than a BE with diodes. Many people that I've spoken to don't really use the SAT switch on the BE because it's to dark.
Click to expand...

Just to clarify, I'm not going to put in a diode-clipping circuit in this particular amp. I might add one later on, but I'm trying to keep things simple so that I can reduce the footprint. I started off with gain at about JCM800 levels but then increased it (and filtered out some mud and fizz). And I'm wondering if people would be interested in something beyond the studio-series JCM800 that Marshall just released.
 
Thanks Jeff - I'm happy with it too. I'm currently building another in plum (a bit darker than this purple) with the ventilated salt-n-pepper grill shown earlier.
 
I really like the black. Any thoughts of going up to 50 watts?
 
ClintN667":2hlklb3s said:
I really like the black. Any thoughts of going up to 50 watts?
Click to expand...

Yep. I've got an old 50W prototype lying around; soon I'll steal the main components for a new build.
 
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