WD PRE3 problems, assistance needed.

[Ali Tait]

Might be an idea to convert the amp back to being a power amp.

[KC Jones]

Good point Ali, suppose it can always be changed back. I dont know what adding a volume control takes away from its power capabilities in the first place but it has been handy over the past few months before I used the PRE. I believe the current WD88VA power amp sports a volume too?

Thanks Jan, I may take your advice first, swapping valves seems to be a easier option. Bob advised the same, the supplied JJ tubes can be rather bright and the sound can be smoooothed by swapping to something like a Philips?

Actually just spent the past hour listening to a bit of my mate Billy Bragg, which sound rather damn fine! (Option 3, always use with the PRE3 and not the 6550 on its own).

Cheers - KC

[bearded fiddler]

At the moment I'm using a pair of Philips JAN 6189W. Compared to the JJ's they produce a smoother and richer sound.

[bob orbell]

Hi KC, with reguard to Ali's suggestion of going back to a power amp and removing the pot. (I think that is what he means) as I said when you collected the pre, I feel you will have far too much gain if you do this, try it first with the 6550 volume control turned to max, that is how it will sound, I think the KAT6550 is 500mv for full power, so some sort of PD is needed with the PRE3 whether fixed or adjustable. I have a pair of PHILLIPS JAN 5814 valves that you can try with your PRE3 if you wish. I will be in touch when the PHONO is sorted. BOB

[bob orbell]

Your PHONO 3S is now up and running KC, problem [1, broken track on the input relay board, now fixed. [2, input selector set to six positions. [3, one SUT diss on the secondary, now fixed, same thing as on others, two ends of the winding coroded, looks like they have been soldered with acid flux because of green corosion, do hope the new ones MS has are better. BOB

[KC Jones]

Thats excellent Bob, I shall be over Friday evening to collect.
Cheers.
KC

[KC Jones]

Phono is now fixed, just a couple of beginner errors! and a stepup transformer problem. Its now looking a lot neat 'n' tidier on the inside too - my solodering is a bit messy.

A huge thanks to Bob, a very friendly helpful chap who most definately knows his onions. Also I would not hesitate to recommend his work to anyone who needs hands-on diagnostics and repair.

Thanks Bob, much appreciated.

Kevin.

[Richard]

Well done Bob

[bob orbell]

Thank you Richard, and a big thank you to KC for his donation..

[bob orbell]

Here is a picture of KC Jones SUT showing the broken wires.