New Crackatwoa build. Voltage issues [resolved]

[Thermioniclife]

As I stated earlier I do not feel that will solve the problem, but I would install the 2.49k resistors and check the voltage again. But having said that those resistors would not cure your problem. I think they are there to let a little current flow to ground at startup so when you plug in your phones you will not get a pop in the phones. Of course when PB responds I'm sure he will have the answers you require and dispel my whacky advice.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Did you put the resistors back on the new jack? They are not optional.

 

[plasticon47]

Hey Paul and Thermioniclife:
I mentioned I only have 2.49K resistors to use.  I went ahead and installed them on the XLR jack and checked voltages.  Now, all voltages are good, including 0VDC on the RED and WHITE wires (pins 1 and 3 on the XLR jack).

I saw Paul's post just now about the resistors not being optional (so I have my answer!)

Three questions:

1.  Is is okay to use the 2.49K resistors I have in lieu of 2.2K resistors?  Am I losing anything (power/sonically/other) by doing this?
2.  If I don't use the resistors (what I was doing previously), is that what caused the readings at the jack of 78VDC for the WHITE and RED wires (pins 1 and 3 respectively).  I want to make sure I don't have some other unidentified issue?
3.  Am I good to go? (i.e. - can I power up and connect my headphones now?)

Thanks to both you guys for your kind help.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Yes, if you don't have the resistors installed, you'll get a lot of DC voltage appearing at the output of the amp and you'll risk damaging whatever headphones you plug into the amp.

The value of the resistors on the headphone jack isn't super critical on the Crack-a-two-a because we soft start the operation of the 6080, so the voltage appearing on the amp side of the coupling caps rises very, very slowly.

 

[plasticon47]

I just wanted to put a pin in this thread.  I have a working (and working REALLY well) Crack-a-Two-a.  I also just wanted to thank both Paul and Thermioniclife for their help with my voltage woes.  It is nice to know you can just post a problem to an online forum and get such fast help. 

I have been listening to music the last couple nights and this thing sounds great.  All the good things from a Crack, times two.

I do have a question about tubes, but i will post that in a different thread.  Thanks again.