UralTone Micro tube amp - ECL86 - point-to-point guitar amp kit

The first release in the UralTone micro amp series is a vintage-style tube amplifier designed around an ECL86 tube. The UralTone ECL86 is easy and enjoyable to build.

The sound is warm and full-bodied, with enough power for home playing and recording. ECL86 is an exceptionally good audio valve! With a very simple and inexpensive power attenuator, the speaker output level can be adjusted steplessly, ie full power amp distortions can be achieved with very low volume if needed. The amplifier can also be used as a preamplifier with a load/line-out box.

The UT ECL86 also acts as a vintage-style amplifier for listening to music. The response is approx. 30Hz to 20kHz at the lowest sensitivity setting (feedback switch). Of course, there is better HiFi-amps but anyway, this amp is very versatile. 

The structure differs from other UT building kits in that this amplifier is assembled as if in point-to-point style amps. The device has a plate to which all mechanical parts are attached, to which the components are then attached directly or partially through the soldering points. You learn the traditional point-to-point construction style. The ECL86 amp is easy to modify if you are interested to experiment with how different part values impact the sound quality or timbre.

ECL86 tube is no longer made but don't be afraid. The tube should last long (currents levels are modest) and since this amp uses only one tube NOS tube prices are not that bad. And if someday ECL86 is not available, you can modify the amp to use another ECL8? -series tube. 

The UralTone ECL86 micro amp is assembled from very high-quality Components:

• European NOS ECL86 tube
• Belton sockets
• Switchcraft USA Jacks
• UralTone Custom Red output transformer / European custom-made mains transformer
• Hammond metal case (optional)
• NOS USA Sprague Paper-in-oil signal path capacitor
• NOS tone capacitor
• Panasonic Japan cathode capacitors
  The quality of the parts is therefore the same as that used in the most expensive boutique equipment (although rarely can you find any NOS tubes or caps from amps sold in music stores).

Specs:

• Clean power 1.5W
• max distorted power when driven hard 2.5W
• The power level is very good for studio or home use
• Power supply 6-7VAC 2A (consumption approx. 1.9A)
• Potentiometers: volume, mild treble cut (tone)
• 3-position sensitivity control: high (for guitar, distorts very easily, rough sound), low (suitable for listening to music or completely clean guitar sounds), medium (for guitar use, distorts at full volume)
• Size: approx. 121x145x115mm (with tube)

What is included and what is not?

All parts are included to build a complete amp except:

1. Aluminium chassis / box. You can build your own from wood / metal or use any 1590XX size diecast boxes. We use Hammond RED 1590XXRD. Selection can be found here:
https://en.uraltone.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=1590XX

2. External 6VAC 2A PSU:
https://en.uraltone.com/6vac-2a-psu.html

The UralTone ECL86 micro amp is built using step-by-step photo instructions. The building process is very easy, even for a complete beginner.

Instructions can be found in our info section:
https://en.uraltone.com/blog/uraltone-micro-amp-ecl86-build-guide/