any tube amp gurus ???

[R.G.]

Instead of a spike killer, see if you can find a very high voltage MOV transient protector or maybe a string of common 150Vac ones. Half a dozen of those between the primary leads would provide a 1200V breakover and protect anything tied to the transformer.

Better living through chemistry... 

[awilson40]

Looks like its probably OK, I'm just pushing the PI too hard. I did some more checking with signals and a scope and as long as I keep the input to the grid of the PI below 6v p2p, its fine.
One thing I did notice, the original 12ax7 breaks up later and smoother than the JJ Tubes. Sounds a lot better also.

The signals going to the grid of the power tubes is symetrical as is the output to the speakers.
I found this cool program LTspice/SwitcherCAD III   and built my amp and ran the simulation.
Looks pretty much like what I'm seeing. Sorry for my ignorance

Big thanks to R.G and others who helped walk me through this.
NOW.....the mods begin

[awilson40]

heh,heh
me again.

I decided to keep checking for any other potential issues and as I was watching the output signal at the plates of the output tubes
as I rolled up the master volume with a 440hz signal applied I noticed a sawtooth, 60hz ripple on the 725v DV.

This ripple is 10v p-p.
http://home.earthlink.net/~awilson40/725_ripple.jpg

the signal will ride on this sawtooth
http://home.earthlink.net/~awilson40/output_pin3_el34.jpg

The sawtooth ripple is present on all the DC except the 340v.
All the electrolytic have been replaced.

The amp has a very slight 60 hz hum, but nothing to worry about.

Is this small (percentage wise 1.3%) signal anything I should try to fix ?
If so, any suggestions

[R.G.]

It is very common for the highest voltage plate supply in an amp to have tens of volts of ripple on it, and also to have signal frequency on it when it's driving. It's almost impossible to get rid if it all without some very burly, industrial strength high voltage regulators.

If the amp is not humming badly, go to other things.

[awilson40]

Thats what I thought.
Amp is closed up and done.
Thanks for all your help
Now its time to play