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My personal KLV and 6SELA
power amp ranking |
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Several people asked me to give recommendations which power amp they
should use. So I made this page. This represents my personal opinion
using speakers which really do not need high input power... Anyway,
I hope this helps... |
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Original |
Sound quality using
the amp in its unmodified (serviced) condition. |
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Parts |
Stars for having (even)
better parts - as MPs instead of electrolytics. The output
transformers are neglected here. |
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Circuit |
I like:
Tube rectifiers, chokes in the power supply, moderate voltage
designs, low feedback. I do not like: Too high B+, voltage doubling
power supply designs, too much output power. |
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Final |
This
is my (very personal) opinion about the sonical quality of the model
after having carried out the mentioned modifications. |
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Collection |
Rare
or hard to find model? Is it worth to collect this model for a special
circuit design or other aspects or features? Nice looking? |
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Model |
Picture |
Original |
Parts |
Circuit |
Modifications |
Final |
Collection |
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KLV402
KLV403a |
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**** |
***** |
***** |
Install an RCA jack input leading directly to the driver stage to
omit the input stages. |
***** |
***** |
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KLV502 |
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**** |
***** |
***** |
Install an RCA jack
input leading directly to the driver stage to omit the input stages. |
***** |
**** |
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KLV203
KLV204
KLV204a |
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**** |
***** |
**** |
Install an RCA jack
input leading directly to the driver stage to omit the input stages. |
***** |
***** |
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KLV408
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 |
*** |
**** |
**** |
Install an RCA jack
input leading directly to the driver stage to omit the input stages. |
**** |
**** |
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KLV408a |
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*** |
**** |
**** |
Install an RCA jack
input leading directly to the driver stage to omit the input stages. |
**** |
*** |
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2765 |
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- |
**** |
*** |
Output Transformer
must be converted for low impedance speakers. Best for 16-32 Ohms. |
**** |
*** |
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2805 |
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- |
**** |
*** |
Output Transformer
must be converted for low impedance speakers. |
*** |
** |
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2798
(later) |
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- |
**** |
** |
Output Transformer
must be converted for low impedance speakers. |
*** |
** |
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2796 |
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*
16-32 Ohm
speakers |
*** |
* |
Output Transformer
should be converted for low impedance speakers. |
** |
**** |
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2797 |
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** |
***** |
** |
Use the "inner"
winding on the OPT (see OPT section).
714102/65/1849 =
71916-J102D999 OPT recommended!
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**
(***) |
**
(***) |
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2803 |
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** |
***** |
** |
Use the "inner"
winding on the OPT (see OPT section).
714102/65/1849 =
71916-J102D999 OPT recommended!
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**
(***) |
**
(***) |
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2798
(early)98 |
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** |
**** |
** |
Use the "inner"
winding on the OPT (see OPT section).
714102/65/1849 =
71916-J102D999 OPT recommended!
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**
(***) |
** |
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KLV503
2737
2730 |
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- |
**** |
***** |
New output transformer
needed.
***** final possible
!!!
Great base for DIY
projects. |
( - ) |
** |
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KLV551
2735
2754 |
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- |
**** |
*** |
New output transformer
needed.
***
final possible !!! |
( - ) |
** |
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To
compare: |
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Leak
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ST20 |
** |
** |
*** |
Most TCC Metalmite
caps are dead - the resistors drift ... |
** |
** |
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Heath |
W5M |
*** |
*** |
**** |
Great OPT. Williamson
circuit with too much feedback. Looks great! |
**** |
*** |
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Dynaco |
ST70 |
*** |
*** |
*** |
Nice OPTs. No real
choke. 7199 = uncool tubes. |
*** |
** |
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Marantz |
8b/8/5 |
*** |
*** |
**** |
Nice OPTs and bias
meter. 6CG7 = uncool tubes. |
**** |
*** |
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Other comments: |
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- I have seen seen
several KLV units (as V502) with blown power transformers. This is
caused by connecting the units to 230V leads voltage (instead of
200V). I do not think the 6S ELA power transformers are really
better.
- for being a single
ended amp the sound of the KLV 203 can not be really compared with
the others
- the Siemens Selenium
rectifiers and also the electrolytic caps are of very nice quality (much
better than Sprague or Mallory parts of the same age)
- the Siemens & Halske
S-H resistors are still unreached in the world of vintage parts...
- the American /
British amps got higher collection rates as I like their versability
and the easy handling for their size and jacks |
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