2. amps-preamps
  3. 1360100356

Opinions on ICL, Inrush Current Limiter

I have a friend and technician that works on my vintage tube gear. In my opinion he does very excellent work. However on every amp and preamp whether its ARC D70MKII, D90B, HK-Citation II, Lafayette KT600 etc., he wants to put in a In-rush Current Limiter circuit. I always ask the original designer (i.e., fameous!!) did not employ this circuit, why do you? He is adament about putting one in. It does seem to help the big amps as they slowly come up to power and I have tried to hear a loss in dynamic range but I can't...after it warms up.

So any opinions on this circuit? Should the ICL be put in vintage gear? or was it too expensive?? Are there pros and cons? Thanks any comment would be greatly appreciated. Larry
apfdirtdoctor
apfdirtdoctor OP
36 posts
 
Hifigeek HELP!!!!
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,784 posts
 
CILs can be very helpful! They help prevent switches from being damaged during turn-on as well as other parts.

They were not always available, so on older units of 40-50 years and more you won't see them. But on newer units the designer is missing a bet if he does not use them, no matter how famous they are.

CILs have different ratings, so the proper device should be used in each case. As long as that is observed, their use is simply good practice.
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
Not necessary at all. The D90/D115 do not need an inrush limiter. They have line fuses....The D90 originally had a relay and in some instances proved to be a problem. I have removed them with no ill effects. Both the D90 and the D115 use a tube voltage regulator that does provide the high voltage with a bit of a delay on turn on, until the tube starts to conduct. The D115 already has a relay and a thermistor to allow the caps to charge up and therefore it's not needed. Regarding the H/K I don't know the circuit. Which D90 do you have, the B version or the plain?
More to discover