British Thermionic Audio Company

Our range includes

ECC83
• ECL84
• EL84
• EL34
• KT88
• 6V6

Our range includes

• 15W push-pull
• 35W push-pull
• 75W push-pull

A 100W push-pull output transformer will be released shortly

Our Famous Heater Power Conditioner

Our heater power conditioner provides a regulated DC supply for 6.3V heaters. The use of a DC supply avoids inducing hum through the hears itself, or through the wiring. AC supplies normally deliver a voltage that depends on the mains supply. In Europe and the UK, this is "Eurovoltage" which is permitted to be anywhere between 207V and 253V. Originally, this was due to "harmonisation" which meant that everywhere in the EU could claim its voltage conformed with regulations. Here, in the UK, different places have always had different voltages ranging from 200 to 250v. But it was mostly held within +/- 10V in any one place, and you bought light bulbs, and set your equipment voltage selector accordingly.

You cannot realistically keep changing the voltage setting on your amplifier several times a day! Most amplifier manufacturers recommend the 230V setting.

If you set your equipment for 230V, then 207 would be 10% low. By Ohms law, a heating device with 10% less volts applied, will draw 10% less current - use 21% less power, and run much cooler than intended. A power amplifier may deliver less power and more distortion, but all valves will live noticeably longer.

If you set your equipment for 230V, then 253 would be 10% high. By Ohms law, a heating device with 10% more volts applied, will draw 10% more current - use 21% more power, - and run much hotter than intended.

The output should be OK, but the valve's life will be seriously compromised.

If you set your equipment for 210V, then 207 would be fine. BUT, if the voltage were to rise to 253, this would be an increase in voltage of 20%, and an increase in power of 45%. A valve would not last long with that much over voltage, which is why the manufacturers recommend setting the voltage to 230.

Our Heater Power Conditioners offer switch selectable outputs of:

• 5.0V - for extra long life - this is provided for 5.0v heater valves. It will not compromise performance, and it will extend the valve's life because this value will never be exceeded. It is particularly recommended for valves which are valuable and hard to replace.
• 6.0V - this will extend the life of 6.3V valves while remaining within the recommended specification of the valve. However, some may feel it impacts the performance of their output valves.
• 6.3V - the valve will have its rated life - and possibly more, because the regulation ensures that this is never exceeded. This may be preferred to 6.0V for output valves, as the maximum performance will be delivered.

There are currently two models available: 2.5A and 5.5A.

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