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DC135er · 11-04-2009, 09:46 PM

I'm thinking of replacing the 6L6's in my 4102 with a set of 5881's in an attempt to cut back on the excessive, yet all too sweet, overdrive delivered by this magnificent amp. I currently use the amp on the 50% output setting but there's just too much O/D. Times have changed and I'm doing alot more "coloring" these days as opposed to lead solo work. At any rate, I either need to tame her or get a new amp and I just can't spring for that at this point in time. I have a couple of questions and, of course your thoughts and ideas are more than welcomed.

1. I believe the 5881's have a lower voltage than the 6L6. Am I correct in assuming this will help clean her up?

2. Should I be visiting the preamp stage instead of the power amp stage?

3. Will using the 5881's be detrimental to the amp in any way?

4. Do you think using a 12AT7 in the preamp section would achieve more or would it be more beneficial than changing the power tubes? If so, which tube should I replace?

11-04-2009, 09:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
DC135er Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S. Texas Posts: 83	Taming the JCM 900 I'm thinking of replacing the 6L6's in my 4102 with a set of 5881's in an attempt to cut back on the excessive, yet all too sweet, overdrive delivered by this magnificent amp. I currently use the amp on the 50% output setting but there's just too much O/D. Times have changed and I'm doing alot more "coloring" these days as opposed to lead solo work. At any rate, I either need to tame her or get a new amp and I just can't spring for that at this point in time. I have a couple of questions and, of course your thoughts and ideas are more than welcomed. 1. I believe the 5881's have a lower voltage than the 6L6. Am I correct in assuming this will help clean her up? 2. Should I be visiting the preamp stage instead of the power amp stage? 3. Will using the 5881's be detrimental to the amp in any way? 4. Do you think using a 12AT7 in the preamp section would achieve more or would it be more beneficial than changing the power tubes? If so, which tube should I replace? __________________ One man's ear is totally different from another man's. Some are tone deaf, others have perfect pitch, and yes, some just don't give a s**t.