Ceriatone Molecular

[nico22]

Yep that 68k is the in Line res of the divider. Trim with 1n in // is the other part of that divider to ground... and you are right Those trims are only usuable for techs

 

[FourT6and2]

The 68k to the low input is nothing more than a series resistor, not going to ground. Having an internal trim pot serves little value to most non technical players since they're just likely to screw it up. Just wire in an 82k resistor and stop overcomplicating the circuit. Im simply not a fan of internal trimpots for consumers

I agree. I would prefer hardwired resistors instead of trimmers as well.

But... Nico and I are simply pointing out that you can set this amp up to be the same as the Atomica by adjusting the two trimmers. It seems like you're saying it can't be done.

Would be interesting to build an amp with ALL trimmers instead of resistors. You'd have a super versatile amp lol.

 

[scottosan]

The 68k to the low input is nothing more than a series resistor, not going to ground. Having an internal trim pot serves little value to most non technical players since they're just likely to screw it up. Just wire in an 82k resistor and stop overcomplicating the circuit. Im simply not a fan of internal trimpots for consumers

I agree. I would prefer hardwired resistors instead of trimmers as well.

But... Nico and I are simply pointing out that you can set this amp up to be the same as the Atomica by adjusting the two trimmers. It seems like you're saying it can't be done.

Would be interesting to build an amp with ALL trimmers instead of resistors. You'd have a super versatile amp lol.

Yes, the 3 of is could, but we'd just build the whole amp. Those are things that SHOULD NOT be left to the average player

 

[lespaul6]

Excellent discussion here... thanks for all the input. I can see future owners of the molecular referring to this thread for setting of the two trimpots... I wonder if they are set from the factory to the Atomica values? And what position one would turn the trims from the 12 noon position to get in the desired value?

 

[FourT6and2]

Excellent discussion here... thanks for all the input. I can see future owners of the molecular referring to this thread for setting of the two trimpots... I wonder if they are set from the factory to the Atomica values? And what position one would turn the trims from the 12 noon position to get in the desired value?

They are not set to the Atomica's values according to the layout diagram. You would have to measure the trimmers with a meter to determine where to set them. That said, they are 1M Log trimmers. So 470K would probably be around 3:00. For a log pot, 50% taper (500K) is around 195 degrees rotation. 82K is about 65 degrees rotation if my math is correct.

 

[psychodave]

Excellent discussion here... thanks for all the input. I can see future owners of the molecular referring to this thread for setting of the two trimpots... I wonder if they are set from the factory to the Atomica values? And what position one would turn the trims from the 12 noon position to get in the desired value?

They are not set to the Atomica's values according to the layout diagram. You would have to measure the trimmers with a meter to determine where to set them. That said, they are 1M Log trimmers. So 470K would probably be around 3:00. For a log pot, 50% taper (500K) is around 195 degrees rotation. 82K is about 65 degrees rotation if my math is correct.

One step further is using higher value pots with resistors across them to change the taper. For example, Cameron used 50k mid pots with 47k resistors across them. This is why you see me have my mids set to around 10-11 oclock. on a normal 25k pot this would me more like 1-2 oclock.

 

[FourT6and2]

One step further is using higher value pots with resistors across them to change the taper. For example, Cameron used 50k mid pots with 47k resistors across them. This is why you see me have my mids set to around 10-11 oclock. on a normal 25k pot this would me more like 1-2 oclock.

Meh. 470K is 470K regardless of where the arrow on the knob points.

 

[psychodave]

One step further is using higher value pots with resistors across them to change the taper. For example, Cameron used 50k mid pots with 47k resistors across them. This is why you see me have my mids set to around 10-11 oclock. on a normal 25k pot this would me more like 1-2 oclock.

Meh. 470K is 470K regardless of where the arrow on the knob points.

Point taken.

I was just explaining changes to taper for those that might not know (obviously you do)

 

[scottosan]

One step further is using higher value pots with resistors across them to change the taper. For example, Cameron used 50k mid pots with 47k resistors across them. This is why you see me have my mids set to around 10-11 oclock. on a normal 25k pot this would me more like 1-2 oclock.

Meh. 470K is 470K regardless of where the arrow on the knob points.

Point taken.

I was just explaining changes to taper for those that might not know (obviously you do)

to your point, people tend to adjust amps based on the dial setting and sometimes tend not to stray too far off the 10:00 -2:00 safe settings. It's psychological but valid nonetheless

 

[Braciola]

I don't know why Nik just doesn't make a large order of ClassicTone Iron.
I'd probably pick up one of his amps if he did.

 

[FourT6and2]

One step further is using higher value pots with resistors across them to change the taper. For example, Cameron used 50k mid pots with 47k resistors across them. This is why you see me have my mids set to around 10-11 oclock. on a normal 25k pot this would me more like 1-2 oclock.

Meh. 470K is 470K regardless of where the arrow on the knob points.

Point taken.

I was just explaining changes to taper for those that might not know (obviously you do)

to your point, people tend to adjust amps based on the dial setting and sometimes tend not to stray too far off the 10:00 -2:00 safe settings. It's psychological but valid nonetheless

That's true. A lot of players EQ with their eyes. Probably why some builders use reverse log pots for master volumes on amps with diode clipping. So players don't have to turn the knob up to 3:00. Instead they get to 10:00 and they're like whooooaaaa this amp is a beast!

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

There's posts of transformers dying on every amp's forum, if you look hard enough.

I had no issues with the Yeti I had. No qualms with gigging wit it. Are there better transformers out there? Sure. But, everyone acts like buying a Ceriatone will have transformer trouble, and its simply not the case.

I've recommended people buy the Ceriatone amps from Nik without the transformers, but the reasons are 1) I think the ClassicTone 50watt OPT is the best sounding 50watt OPT I've heard for a Marshall-style build, and 2) you will save a pile of money on the shipping from Malaysia that offsets the cost of the transformers. I also feel like the lighter chassis package sans the iron has a better chance of making it to my house in one piece and not get destroyed by the shipping gorillas.
I've never personally had any issues with Ceriatone iron reliability.
And here's the breakdown on the costs:
Molecular amp - Full working chassis without tubes and head cabinet - $920USD 21kg ( to keep this apples to apples, I'm using this option for the full working amp, which is also the cheapest option for a full working amp) .
Package 1 with assembly - $720USD 8kg. same as above without the iron.
ClassicTone Plexi Transformer package with upgraded laydown power transformer - $208 USD
So far, you've spent an extra $8 for the Classictone iron, but now lets look at shipping:
Cheapest option for 21kg from Malaysia to Canada - $202 USD
Cheapest option for 8kg = $73 USD
So my net cost is $121 USD LESS with the Classictone iron, with the understanding I have to do the instal of the iron. That's a big win for me personally. If ya can't do the work yourself, then factor that in to the equation.
YMMV

Also don't forget our duties and taxes! I have the classictone OT in my frankenstein 800 and I too think it sounds great. Awesome barking crisp mids. Sadly thoughm our dollar is so shit right now that ordering one of those from the states is also expensive.. Personally, I am happy that Nick posts the layouts on his site. I can go in my amp and tweak until something sounds good.

 

[fusedbrain]

There's posts of transformers dying on every amp's forum, if you look hard enough.

I had no issues with the Yeti I had. No qualms with gigging wit it. Are there better transformers out there? Sure. But, everyone acts like buying a Ceriatone will have transformer trouble, and its simply not the case.

I've recommended people buy the Ceriatone amps from Nik without the transformers, but the reasons are 1) I think the ClassicTone 50watt OPT is the best sounding 50watt OPT I've heard for a Marshall-style build, and 2) you will save a pile of money on the shipping from Malaysia that offsets the cost of the transformers. I also feel like the lighter chassis package sans the iron has a better chance of making it to my house in one piece and not get destroyed by the shipping gorillas.
I've never personally had any issues with Ceriatone iron reliability.
And here's the breakdown on the costs:
Molecular amp - Full working chassis without tubes and head cabinet - $920USD 21kg ( to keep this apples to apples, I'm using this option for the full working amp, which is also the cheapest option for a full working amp) .
Package 1 with assembly - $720USD 8kg. same as above without the iron.
ClassicTone Plexi Transformer package with upgraded laydown power transformer - $208 USD
So far, you've spent an extra $8 for the Classictone iron, but now lets look at shipping:
Cheapest option for 21kg from Malaysia to Canada - $202 USD
Cheapest option for 8kg = $73 USD
So my net cost is $121 USD LESS with the Classictone iron, with the understanding I have to do the instal of the iron. That's a big win for me personally. If ya can't do the work yourself, then factor that in to the equation.
YMMV

Also don't forget our duties and taxes! I have the classictone OT in my frankenstein 800 and I too think it sounds great. Awesome barking crisp mids. Sadly thoughm our dollar is so shit right now that ordering one of those from the states is also expensive.. Personally, I am happy that Nick posts the layouts on his site. I can go in my amp and tweak until something sounds good.

Amps and parts ship into Canada duty free from both Malaysia and the US, so it's a wash which way you go.
You're gonna get hit with 13% sales tax, but again it would apply to either order.
The feds always get their cut

 

[peterc52]

On another note, it seems like Nik have some wizardry coming along...

 

[lespaul6]

On another note, it seems like Nik have some wizardry coming along...

Yep

 

[gtr31]

surprised he has no modern Hi gain non Marshall stuff . like Recto, Slo , Dzl , Archon

 

[scottosan]

surprised he has no modern Hi gain non Marshall stuff . like Recto, Slo , Dzl , Archon

I think you get to a point where the cost and complexity ratio to what people will pay makes it a harder sale. I think people buy them for the price point. Not sure how many people will pay hundreds more

 

[ClintN667]

surprised he has no modern Hi gain non Marshall stuff . like Recto, Slo , Dzl , Archon

I think he has a Slo and a Diezel type amp in the works. I think the Diezel was going to be an amp built around channel 3 of the VH4.

 

[ClintN667]

I was looking at the layouts and noticed he is using the OTS100/OTS50 transformers. I wonder why instead of the Chupa's transformers?

 

[FourT6and2]

Whoops, wrong thread.