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Hey everyone. I built a 2stroke/ 5F2-a tweed Princeton type amp from an old viking stereo amp a while ago.I used the original PT(I don't know what type-there were no identifiable #s on it,and a Hammond 125CSE OT. It had 2 little Champ type OTs for stereo output.I am currently using a 12in greenback for a speaker.Tonally ,I am quite happy with it ,but it really sags when I crank it up.I can't use it for band practice because it runs out of steam way too soon.My question is,should I get a bigger OT or is my PT not cutting it as well?Has any one used a tweed princeton type amp with any success gigging or am I expecting too much from this setup (we are pretty loud as a band,but this amp hasn't got a chance even in a small 12 X 12 practice space. Whattya think?
Here are the voltages I am getting.
117VAC wall
333 v from the GZ34/5AR4
325v from pin 3 using a 6L6
300v from pin 4

160 v pin 1 on my 12ax7
168 v pin 6

Try a faster rectifier like 5AR4, hot a 5Y3. It will give more voltage so be aware of that. OR sub in a solid state diodes [more voltage].
Its a single ended amp so you should not notice a change in tone, but less sag.

But, you're expecting a lot from a little amp like that in a band situation

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Stephen
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Yep,I have been using a 5AR4 recently to get the voltage higher. I never tried out a real tweed princeton in a band situation so I had nothing to compare.I kind of figured that might be the issue.I have read a few posts from people saying they use an amp this size for gigs,but it won't work for me!

Well I tried out a SS rectifier setup for this 5fa-2 amp and I think I just need more out of itI got 9/10 volts more on B+. Would it be possible to use a 5E3 PT in this amp to increase the headroom/ volume?The PT I am using now is 270/270 V.I believe a 5E3 PT is around 330/330 V. I am not trying to get huge gains from this amp,but I think that the PT I'm using isn't quite up to the task,it was after all from an old Viking console stereo setup.My thought was to replace the PT with a beefier model like the 5E3 OTand use the old one in conjunction with one of the original OTs for a little EL84 powered practice / recording amp.I just can't stop tinkering!