2204 small box kit ?

Get support and show off your MetroAmp 50 Watt kit builds.

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jamme61
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2204 small box kit ?

Post by jamme61 » Sat Jan 28, 2017 11:57 am

I'd like to build a jmp style Marshall 2204 but in a small box size ( 1987x size head) looking for info to who sells a kit, or how and where best to source the parts? Thanks for any help

danman
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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by danman » Sat Jan 28, 2017 3:13 pm

Valvestorm is your place! They have everything you need to build one and excellent service to boot! He does not sell it as a kit but allows you to pick and choose your favorite components. There is also a link here for the old Metroamp kit instructions should you need them....http://valvestorm.com/2204%20Kit

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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by danman » Sat Jan 28, 2017 3:18 pm

I should have mentioned that you would need this page to order your parts. The 2204 and 50watt are very similar except for the chassis, faceplate and a couple of components in the preamp so he has most of the items listed under the 50 watt build checklist. Just email him if you have any questions concerning the proper parts to order...http://valvestorm.com/50watt%20Kit

jamme61
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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by jamme61 » Sat Jan 28, 2017 3:52 pm

Thanks what do you think of going with classic tone iron? The metro iron is a lot more money but is it worth it?
Thanks again for the help

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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by danman » Sat Jan 28, 2017 5:13 pm

I love the Classictone iron in all of the builds that I have used it in! Many other folks out there also speak highly of it. Another option is Marstran transformers. They are built by Heyboer (same company that does Metro) to Marstran's specs. I have used his transformers in a couple amps that I am very happy with...http://www.marstran.com/ This page...http://www.marstran.com/Historic%20Data%20Base.htm and this page are also a wealth of great info on Marshalls...http://www.marstran.com/Marshall%20Pictorial%20Page.htm

danman
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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by danman » Sat Jan 28, 2017 5:19 pm

Mojo and Triode also offer kits. I built a Triode one several years back but it seems that nowadays they are having shipping and communication issues with customers. There have been several threads on different forums reporting issues with customer service in the past year. Mojo has a great reputation but I have never dealt with them on an amplifier kit. I have always had great service from Valvestorm and he ships quickly.

jamme61
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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by jamme61 » Sat Jan 28, 2017 5:38 pm

Great thanks for the info- i was going to use mojo but they only make the full size JCM800 kit. I want to make a small box jmp style. I ordered everything from valvestorm. Just need to figure out the transformers? I could save a ton going with classic tone but I believe (using the metro 50 watt chassis) that I need to buy the lay down style power transformer and not sure which to buy. I have a e-mail into valve storm but if any one knows let me know. Thanks and wish me luck :D

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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by danman » Sun Jan 29, 2017 10:31 am

The Classictone 40-18089 is the basic laydown 50 watt PT. It will deliver about 450v on the plates of the EL34. The 40-18054 is the upgraded laydown style. It has thwo secondary voltage options. The higher winding gives you about 450v and the lower gives you around 400-410v if I remember correctly. It also gives you a 50v bias winding which you do not need as the bias voltage is tapped from the secondary winding on these Marshall circuits. Most of the 50 watt Marshalls ran a plate voltage of 450v but there was a time in the late 70's where Marshall dropped the voltage down to 380-400v. The second PT will give you the option to run at both voltages but I have found that I prefer the lower plate voltage in my 2204. It allows it to break up just a touch earlier and warms up the sound slightly.

jamme61
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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by jamme61 » Sun Jan 29, 2017 12:53 pm

danman wrote:The Classictone 40-18089 is the basic laydown 50 watt PT. It will deliver about 450v on the plates of the EL34. The 40-18054 is the upgraded laydown style. It has thwo secondary voltage options. The higher winding gives you about 450v and the lower gives you around 400-410v if I remember correctly. It also gives you a 50v bias winding which you do not need as the bias voltage is tapped from the secondary winding on these Marshall circuits. Most of the 50 watt Marshalls ran a plate voltage of 450v but there was a time in the late 70's where Marshall dropped the voltage down to 380-400v. The second PT will give you the option to run at both voltages but I have found that I prefer the lower plate voltage in my 2204. It allows it to break up just a touch earlier and warms up the sound slightly.

Thanks i was wondering about that- I had two late 70's JMP 2204 both were around 390V which I thought improved the sound on the amp over the later jcm 800's with the higher plate voltage. I already placed my order, I'll have to try and change it to go with the updated version. (Makes sense)
Thanks

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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by danman » Sun Jan 29, 2017 2:47 pm

That PT cost a bit more but I think it's worth it to have both options. If using the lower voltage secondary you may find that you will need to remove one of the dropping resistors on the board. They are usually 2 10k resistors or a 10k and 8.2k mounted end to end on the right side of the board next to the bias circuit. Using both dropping resistor with the lower voltage secondary option may lower your preamp voltages below Marshall's spec. Running a single 10k and a jumper wire in place of the other will help to bring preamp voltages up a bit. You may find though, that you prefer the browner sound of the lower preamp voltage and decide to run both 10k's. Good luck with the build and post some pics for us when you get started. :hairband:

jamme61
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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by jamme61 » Sun Jan 29, 2017 4:15 pm

Thanks great info :hairband:

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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by wdelaney72 » Wed Feb 01, 2017 12:25 pm

the kits are great, but I like to pick my capacitor and resistor types.

For 1959/1987, I like NOS Allen-Bradley CC Resistors with SoZo Caps.
For 2203/2204, I prefer Vishay/dale Metal film resistors with Illinois Capacitors.

Ceramic disc tone caps over silver mica for all.

Taking nothing away from the Metro and Marstran transformers, I've been very happy with ClassicTone transformers as well.
Walter

"There's no great thing in being a soloist. I think the hardest thing is to play together with a lot of people, and do it right." - Angus Young, 1984

jamme61
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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by jamme61 » Sat Feb 11, 2017 4:07 pm

I finished it :champ: and couldn't be happier-posted pics and even my first clips on youtube :D if interested go here

https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index ... d.1794015/

danman
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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by danman » Sun Feb 12, 2017 9:38 am

Congratulations! I saw your thread over at TGP a few days ago. Looks very nice!

jamme61
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Re: 2204 small box kit ?

Post by jamme61 » Tue Feb 14, 2017 9:17 am

Thanks - worked out great

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