Looking to build a seriously hot rodded 2 channel 2204...could use some tips
Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2020 2:06 pm
Hey all! It's been a hot minute since I've posted on here. I built 2 of the Metro kits back in the day - a 69 100 watt clone, and a 67/68 100 watt clone. I've since had both modded into Pandoras by David Hopkins. Seriously sick amps!
It's led to me getting the itch to build again, and also to really try to learn and understand the functionality of these things. I want to do another build, and also understand how it works, rather than just follow the Metro instructions. I'd also like to never have another amp be at the mercy of FedEx or UPS ever again!
David was suggesting I do a 2204. I dig this idea, and I'd like to get a little wild with it. Here's some of the things I'd like to incorporate:
• An actual switchable clean channel, with separate dedicated EQ
• Keep the filtering as low as possible, to make it as chewy, saggy, and bloomy as possible. I've experienced super tight, immediate amps, and it is definitely not my thing
• Metro loop
• Added preamp tube for an additional gain stage
• Pre-phase inverter master volume
• Switchable clipping circuitry
• Virtual variac (for moar sag)
• Resonance knob
Here's some other stuff I'd like to look into and understand better, not only to learn more about in general, but also maybe to incorporate into this build:
• Elevated heaters
• Star grounding
• Tube rectifier?
• Cascaded gain stage
Honestly, I'm open to all kinds of crazy stuff. I have no aversion to adding extra tubes, or any number of additional pots and switches. I can easily design front and back faceplates. And I'm a graphic designer / production artist by trade, so I could map out even the most complicated layout before even ordering parts. Anyone have any tips they can share on any of this stuff? The switchable clean channel with a dedicated EQ is of serious interest to me. I'd love a gorgeous Fender clean, and then be able to switch over to a massive, saturated hot rodded Marshall sound. I suspect I need to figure this out first, and that's the jumping off point to add all the other candy.
It's led to me getting the itch to build again, and also to really try to learn and understand the functionality of these things. I want to do another build, and also understand how it works, rather than just follow the Metro instructions. I'd also like to never have another amp be at the mercy of FedEx or UPS ever again!
David was suggesting I do a 2204. I dig this idea, and I'd like to get a little wild with it. Here's some of the things I'd like to incorporate:
• An actual switchable clean channel, with separate dedicated EQ
• Keep the filtering as low as possible, to make it as chewy, saggy, and bloomy as possible. I've experienced super tight, immediate amps, and it is definitely not my thing
• Metro loop
• Added preamp tube for an additional gain stage
• Pre-phase inverter master volume
• Switchable clipping circuitry
• Virtual variac (for moar sag)
• Resonance knob
Here's some other stuff I'd like to look into and understand better, not only to learn more about in general, but also maybe to incorporate into this build:
• Elevated heaters
• Star grounding
• Tube rectifier?
• Cascaded gain stage
Honestly, I'm open to all kinds of crazy stuff. I have no aversion to adding extra tubes, or any number of additional pots and switches. I can easily design front and back faceplates. And I'm a graphic designer / production artist by trade, so I could map out even the most complicated layout before even ordering parts. Anyone have any tips they can share on any of this stuff? The switchable clean channel with a dedicated EQ is of serious interest to me. I'd love a gorgeous Fender clean, and then be able to switch over to a massive, saturated hot rodded Marshall sound. I suspect I need to figure this out first, and that's the jumping off point to add all the other candy.