Simple 45

This is my SE 45 hi-fi amplifier.  I built it from scratch using a schematic from Uncle Ned's site at

I have a local copy here if that one's not available.  The tube compliment is, left to right, 80, 45,
6SL7, 45, 6SL7.  The 45s are used ones I got at an estate sale, and the 80 and 6SL7s came from
Uncle Ned.   The whole thing is built on a Hammond chassis which I painted with automotive lacquer
from spray cans.  It's amazingly easy to work with and produces a nice finish.  I used Hammond
transformers and power supply choke.  All of the Hammond items came from
  The output transformers are overkill for a 45 tube, being
rated at 30 watts.  I bought them with the thought that if I didn't like the sound or power output of
the 45s, I could use a more powerful triode.  That won't be necessary.  I can only describe the
sound of the 45s as sweet.  It's such a different sound from that of my push-pull amplifiers that it's
startling.  It's like being in the music, not looking at it through a window.  The amp was really easy
to build (not including the metal work which I found challenging, but that design is up to the builder).
I can't tell you how satisfying it is to build something like this and have it perform well from the start.
I'd recommend this amp for any first-time builder.  Here's some more pictures:
 

 

See the new  SE 2A3 amp.
See the new SE 300B amp

My interest in the tube hi-fi hobby started about 20 years ago when I was lucky enough to find a
just-serviced pair of McIntosh MC30 amplifiers and a Scott 130 preamp and 330C tuner
at a really reasonable price ($140.00 :o)   ).  I was hooked on the tube sound.  Also, the system fit my
personality as a tinkerer.  (Tube equipment is fun to tweak).  Ever since that initial find, I've been
collecting and restoring.  I've acquired another pair of MC30s and a McIntosh MX110 preamp-tuner
which I'm using as my "main system" for now.  I have among my collection a Harmon-Kardon Citation II,
a Dynakit ST 70, one of the most popular DIY amps ever, a trio of Eico HF-22s (schematic), a pair of
RCA MI-12188 theater amplifiers from the Liberty Theater in Tyler (thanks to Jake), and numerous other
bits and pieces of audio gear.  I can't stop collecting :-)  I just acquired an Atwater Kent Model 60 table
radio from the estate of D. K. & Lottie Caldwell, who founded the local zoo here in Tyler.  It'll need some
restoration.

I built a pair of Al Marcy Special quasi TQWT speakers using the Radio Shack/Fostex drivers (RS part
number 40-1197) and some plastic-covered particle board shelves from Lowes.  I was quite skeptical after
seeing the drivers, puny 4" things, but from Al's description on RAT, I put them together.  To say that I was
amazed is an understatement!  I invited friends to listen and they all looked for the "real" speakers.  None
of us could believe what we were hearing from such tiny speakers.  They are truly great with my SE 45 amp,
but can't quite handle the output of the 2A3 amp.  Some better ones are in the works using real Fostex
drivers in the 8" size.  I'll post some pictures and a review  when they're done.

Here's some links to start - more to come:
Michaels Tubestuff - Michael Appelt in Berlin
Bottlehead - good SE site

I'll be adding more to this site as time permits.  I have added the schematic to my MC30s and Scott 130.
If you have anything you'd like to link here or see here, please email me.