It sounds like you're on the right track. Have you purchased an attenuator yet? That might be your favorite toy if you get a good one. It really allows the amps to sing without destroying your hearing.Brianmac wrote: ↑Sat 02/01/20 7:43 amJMP - I'll take that advice and try to be patient. I've been tweaking the preamp cathode resistor and bypass cap values a bit, and upping grid stopper to the PI as it seems to me that there is too much preamp gain in the TMB channel (extra gain stage) for the power tubes to shine.
For other EL-84 circuits I have built a Spitfire, a C ghia, and a simple AC-15 - so far I do like the 18W better. The Spitfire in particular does not get much character until my ears are bleeding. Some like that I know, but I like my amps to have some grind when used without a pedal.
Thanks,
Josh