18Watt.com

I'm just ready to pull the trigger on an order with Nik.
Going with the complete combo chassis from Nik and will source xformers from Heyboer.
Cab will probabley be a Mojotone 1x12.
I spec'ed Mallory caps.

Any last minute suggestions/additions before the order goes in?

Thanks Guys!

Yes, Ask Nik to replace carbon comp resistors with by carbon film resistors, and to add the bleeder resistor on the 1st cap.

PS: you could use Nik's PT & OT with no problem, top quality products!

Fredaxis wrote:Yes, Ask Nik to replace carbon comp resistors with by carbon film resistors, and to add the bleeder resistor on the 1st cap.

+1 on that!

Thanks for the prompt replies Guys. What is the reason on the bleeder resistor. I would imagine going with the file resisitors is to reduce ambient noise?

The reason that I'm going with local iron is the with extra weight, the shipping costs just skyrocket and I figure there's less chance of shipping damage - I'd hate to open the box and see the trannies torn away from the chassis.

I bought a completed amp (without tubes - I installed my own) from Nik in April and it come thru without any incident. Trannies were in perfect shape...and the amp played great right out of the box. Shipping was via DHL and very, very quick...3 days IIRC...

I assume you made the calculation "shipping cost Vs Us local Xformer cost".
I never had any problem with Nik's packing, same quality level as his products.

For me, in Europe, the incremental shipping cost is still never as high as the additional cost of US products, so no question. And furthermore, the package were never intercepted by customs, so no import fees

The bleeder resistance is here to drain the high voltage from the cap when you switch off the amp. A good safety point if you plan on going "into" the amp for tweaks.

For simplicity just decided to go with Nik's transformer offerings.

He's doing a custom combo chassis. That coupled with the normal build time means I'm alittle more than a month away from my new toy!

Also went with the two suggestions made here on the bleeder and file type resisitors.

Thanks guys - the order is still not in yet - so if there are any more suggestions - let's hear 'em!

Yes Nanook, one more recommendation, ask Nik to send it to my adress

If you spent more with the shipping cost for the trannies, you can easily compensate with the cost of speakers.
The Sammys are perfect for this kind of amp, sounds wonder and not expensive.

First post here, tho have built some studio gear, mic pre's etc, this is an awesome site and i'm sorely tempted to jump into amp building...

Fredaxis and Dr Phil, is there a tonal reason for going with carbon film resistors? i was under the impression carbon comp gave a more 'vintage' sound in audio applications

peace

Jim

Paging Nanook:

Did you get the 36W from Nik?

Impressions?!?

Jim - Carbon film resistors are quieter and more stable than comps. There IS one place that comps may be beneficial (can't remember exactly where right now) but that's it.

AncientMariner wrote:Jim - Carbon film resistors are quieter and more stable than comps. There IS one place that comps may be beneficial (can't remember exactly where right now) but that's it.

Some people like Cabon COmp for the PI Plate resistors for their mojo there. However, there's some debate as to which wattage resistor to use. Some say you have to use 1/2 or 1/4 watt to do any good and that all 1 watts add is noise.

I don't know. I like how carbon films sound and also like the fact that they don't drift too much over time, so that's what I use.

no need for ordering CF resistors - they are standard in the new 36er instead of CC.
that´s what nik told me last week.
in my EF86 36er are CF resistors.
i will probably change some to metal film ones in the preamp stage due to a bit too much noise when the amp is fully cranked.

i used local trannies due to the fact that the shipping of a chassis and a pre assembled board was extremely cheap and the shinrock trannies here from germany are top quality stuff.

amp sounds killer - tons of tone, gain, gain and some more gain.....
i was lost in fender heaven with my blackface super reverb for a long period of time but i never forgot my old plexis, jmp, jtm and the super bass and so i decided to buy the ceriatone to get the marshall sound back into my house.
best idea i´ve ever had.
comparing price and result.... forget anything about "handwired" in marshall brochures.

yes - you will be able to find better amps.
a gabriel voxxer with all its details will be one - but again... comparing price and result... you will not fail if you go for a ceriatone.

cheers
MIKE