From: themend@gmail.com   
      
   Hi There,   
      
   So my memory must be failing me in my old age.  First off, I've been saying   
   this whole thread that the max capacitance of a 5AR4 is 20uf.  Well, I knew   
   better at one point and I am embarrassed to say that I've looked it up and   
   it's 60uf.  So, you could    
   put more capacitance at the rectifier, but the result would be raised   
   voltages.  I can see that your cap has been replaced.  Can you check and see   
   what the capacitance off that first section is?  If not, please measure the AC   
   output of the transformer    
   secondary (the HV feeding the rectifier) and post your findings.  It also   
   seems that the big main cap has two sections tied together.  Knowing all those   
   values would be useful.   
      
   Your line voltage is right where mine is at.  Unless we see a difference in   
   the voltage coming off the power transformer, the elevated voltages are   
   probably a result of the work that's been done.  I really wonder what that   
   section of the cap is coming    
   off the rectifier.   
      
   On the other hand, if those output tubes can handle the voltage and it sounds   
   good, we might want to go with it.  The preamp tubes are not getting that much   
   more voltage than they're used to, they're not cooking.  Those Russian   
   military versions of the    
   EL84 you have are rated for 500v on the plates, so you're OK there.  You'll be   
   forced to keep looking for HV tubes but that thing is probably making 26-27W   
   at those voltages!  Have you measured the plate current draw yet?  What's the   
   BIAS voltage running    
   at?   
      
   So, here's what I need to help:   
      
   AC voltage on HV secondary of power trans (loaded)   
   Capacitance of that first section   
   Bias voltage and plate current measurements   
      
   While those repairs seem a bit klunky, they might be OK.  I'm a little worried   
   about whatever splice that is shrinkwrapped near the transformer, though It   
   might just be a ground wire.   
      
   We'll get back to the phono section soon, let's check and make sure everything   
   else is ok first.   
      
   Cheers,   
      
   -forkinthesocket   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)