Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? - Page 5

Jesstaa · 09-30-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

I want to let the Aussie's on this thread know that there is a major tube seller on EBAY from Perth. He has been on EBAY for about three months or so, selling some really nice pre and power tubes. His user name is: angst46.

Look him up and then check out his auctions. Time to get some smokin toobs.

Oo, too bad I don't have any cash.

MartyStrat54 · 10-07-2009, 04:07 PM

This is a copy of a post that I left on the Preamp Tube Thread. It is about using an EL34 with a 6CA7 in a TSL602.

Well, I did it and it worked just fine. It gave the top end a little more sparkle. The power chords were very fat, as both tubes do have good bottom end. Oh, BTW, this is a 6CA7 Sylvania Fat Boy and a "Mullard" EL34 in one of my 602's. Both tubes tested the same and they biased right up with just the one bias trim pot. (You lucky DSL50 guys have two trim pots.) I guess I'll leave them in there for a while and see if I'm still liking it this weekend.

I would have to say it is sort of like pairing V1 and V2. In this arrangement, the Mullard gets the first part of the signal and then the Sylvania. So the Mullard's tonal characteristics are there "first" and then it goes into the cleaner sound of the Fat Boy. I guess just like V1 and V2, you could swap them around and see if that sounds different or better.

Time Warp-I swapped the tubes around and it does make a difference, especially on the Clean channel. With the Fat Boy in there first and the Mullard on the negative swing of the power cycle, it is a cleaner, tighter sound. The Sylvania has now become like V1 and it's flavor is dominant.

Now you might ask, "Try two Fat Boys." Well I can't. This pair I bought I got a bad deal. They were sold untested and one reads 79 and the other 88. You could probably bias them up in a DSL50. I don't know how wide a swing the amp will tolerate, but I don't like to go more than 8 points between tubes.

So this is sort of fascinating. That the tube on the positive side of the power cycle is like V1 and the characteristics of the negative side of the power cycle is like V2. The negative side adds to the power, but the flavor is stronger coming from the tube first in line with the power cycle.

I had PM'd JOE about Steelhorse's amp that runs the KT66's and the KT88's. He is getting flavor from two completely different sounding tubes. With the EL34 and the 6CA7, they are both electronically the same...pin for pin. However, even though this is true, they do not sound the same. A 6CA7 is more like a 6L6GC in sound. I told JOE that putting 6CA7's in your amp was a quick way to get the KT88 sound. No worries about the biasing as it will bias right up.

How's that for some tube info?

jrm · 10-07-2009, 07:23 PM

Hey guys, I've heard RFT tubes metioned here, never heard of them. What are they?

MartyStrat54 · 10-07-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrm

Hey guys, I've heard RFT tubes metioned here, never heard of them. What are they?

RFT was one of the largest tube companies in Europe. They were located in East Germany. They made tubes for at least 15 companies, including Telefunken. They went out of business around 1988. Right now, you can still get a matched quad on new RFT EL34's for $200. That's what I run in a couple of my amps. These are very nice EL34's. RFT also made 12xx7 tubes. Their 12AX7's are a favorite in many guitar amps.

solarburnDSL50 · 10-07-2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

This is a copy of a post that I left on the Preamp Tube Thread. It is about using an EL34 with a 6CA7 in a TSL602.

Well, I did it and it worked just fine. It gave the top end a little more sparkle. The power chords were very fat, as both tubes do have good bottom end. Oh, BTW, this is a 6CA7 Sylvania Fat Boy and a "Mullard" EL34 in one of my 602's. Both tubes tested the same and they biased right up with just the one bias trim pot. (You lucky DSL50 guys have two trim pots.) I guess I'll leave them in there for a while and see if I'm still liking it this weekend.

I would have to say it is sort of like pairing V1 and V2. In this arrangement, the Mullard gets the first part of the signal and then the Sylvania. So the Mullard's tonal characteristics are there "first" and then it goes into the cleaner sound of the Fat Boy. I guess just like V1 and V2, you could swap them around and see if that sounds different or better.

Time Warp-I swapped the tubes around and it does make a difference, especially on the Clean channel. With the Fat Boy in there first and the Mullard on the negative swing of the power cycle, it is a cleaner, tighter sound. The Sylvania has now become like V1 and it's flavor is dominant.

Now you might ask, "Try two Fat Boys." Well I can't. This pair I bought I got a bad deal. They were sold untested and one reads 79 and the other 88. You could probably bias them up in a DSL50. I don't know how wide a swing the amp will tolerate, but I don't like to go more than 8 points between tubes.

So this is sort of fascinating. That the tube on the positive side of the power cycle is like V1 and the characteristics of the negative side of the power cycle is like V2. The negative side adds to the power, but the flavor is stronger coming from the tube first in line with the power cycle.

I had PM'd JOE about Steelhorse's amp that runs the KT66's and the KT88's. He is getting flavor from two completely different sounding tubes. With the EL34 and the 6CA7, they are both electronically the same...pin for pin. However, even though this is true, they do not sound the same. A 6CA7 is more like a 6L6GC in sound. I told JOE that putting 6CA7's in your amp was a quick way to get the KT88 sound. No worries about the biasing as it will bias right up.

How's that for some tube info?

You devil! You already did the test! Very cool outcome especially finding out that those positions act like V1 & V2 and what's in the first position dominates character wise. Very cool!

I'm waiting for 2 EH6CA7's to arrive and try out in my DSL50. I will post up after I take them for a spin early next week.

Great experiment Marty! Thanks for doing it.

MartyStrat54 · 10-07-2009, 09:17 PM

Yeah Joe. The only thing that concerns me about the EH6CA7's is whether or not they really sound like a 6CA7, or if they are just another way to sell an EL34. A real 6CA7 is going to have a much clearer top end and will not distort as easy as an EL34. Plus, all the NOS 6CA7's were made in the big glass and were called Fat Boys. The ultimate 6CA7 is a Sylvania Fat Boy with Black Plated. I doubt if I could afford them if they showed up on EBAY.

My whole point is aimed directly at the EH's. I hope that they have the high power handling and the ability to run high plate voltages. These are what NOS 6CA7's are known for, plus the ruggedness of their internal design. I will be very interested in hearing what your comments will be on these tubes.

solarburnDSL50 · 10-07-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

Yeah Joe. The only thing that concerns me about the EH6CA7's is whether or not they really sound like a 6CA7, or if they are just another way to sell an EL34. A real 6CA7 is going to have a much clearer top end and will not distort as easy as an EL34. Plus, all the NOS 6CA7's were made in the big glass and were called Fat Boys. The ultimate 6CA7 is a Sylvania Fat Boy with Black Plated. I doubt if I could afford them if they showed up on EBAY.

My whole point is aimed directly at the EH's. I hope that they have the high power handling and the ability to run high plate voltages. These are what NOS 6CA7's are known for, plus the ruggedness of their internal design. I will be very interested in hearing what your comments will be on these tubes.

The description on these say they will but its hard to know unless I try them. Lets hope for the best.

I googled them but didn't get back anything regarding relability. So this is a shot in the dark for me.

From the Tube store:

At last something to replace the hole left since the EI 6CA7 went out of stock. These tubes sound every bit as good as the old EI tubes and are probably my favorite tubes for Hiwatt guitar amplifiers. It’s like they were made for each other. These tubes are like EL34’s on steroids. They handle high voltage and current without problems. As mentioned, there is nothing like a Hiwatt head powered by 6CA7 tubes and driving a 4x12 cab loaded with Fane speakers. This is classic rock tone at its finest. It’s the sound of Pete Townsend and The Who. The 6CA7 has more headroom than an EL34 and by the time you get it really crunchy sounding your pants are flapping in the breeze. Just the right amount of compression for great thick rock tone. Biasing levels can be dialed in from warm to hot without causing significant tonal changes. The EH is well constructed and should not pose any noise problems. If using these tubes in more reasonable systems the EH 6CA7 is capable of some really nice clean tones thanks to that extra headroom. If you want early Van Halen, these are not the tubes for you. If you want something loud and proud, you want to put the EH 6CA7 in your amp.

MartyStrat54 · 10-07-2009, 09:47 PM

Yeah I had a 4 by 12 cab with FANE pro 12-inch speakers. It was awesome. I had just put it all together. The cabinet was completely refurbished and I had done a pro recone job on the speakers. Then one of my buddies got with a band playing 5 hours a day in Vegas. He knew about my FANE cabinet. I got a soft heart, because I let it go. I wanted it to see the bright lights of Vegas and it did. My buddy had that gig for almost two years and that cab never let him down.

solarburnDSL50 · 10-07-2009, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

Yeah I had a 4 by 12 cab with FANE pro 12-inch speakers. It was awesome. I had just put it all together. The cabinet was completely refurbished and I had done a pro recone job on the speakers. Then one of my buddies got with a band playing 5 hours a day in Vegas. He knew about my FANE cabinet. I got a soft heart, because I let it go. I wanted it to see the bright lights of Vegas and it did. My buddy had that gig for almost two years and that cab never let him down.

Sounds killa man.

I like the description "by the time you get it really crunchy sounding your pants are flapping in the breeze.

MartyStrat54 · 10-08-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarburnDSL50

You devil! You already did the test! Very cool outcome especially finding out that those positions act like V1 & V2 and what's in the first position dominates character wise. Very cool!

I'm waiting for 2 EH6CA7's to arrive and try out in my DSL50. I will post up after I take them for a spin early next week.

Great experiment Marty! Thanks for doing it.

I do want to elaborate on the test. I want to make it clear that the sonic changes were not immense by any means. They were very subtle. I was in a very quiet room and it was perfect for this sort of test. I was able to hear a difference when I swapped the two different power tubes around. It was very slight, but it was there. Some people may not be able to hear this. It is a matter of how trained your ear is.

My main point regarding this test is that there was a noticeable difference in the way the amp sounded with a 6CA7 and an EL34 versus two EL34's.

solarburnDSL50 · 10-08-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

I do want to elaborate on the test. I want to make it clear that the sonic changes were not immense by any means. They were very subtle. I was in a very quiet room and it was perfect for this sort of test. I was able to hear a difference when I swapped the two different power tubes around. It was very slight, but it was there. Some people may not be able to hear this. It is a matter of how trained your ear is.

My main point regarding this test is that there was a noticeable difference in the way the amp sounded with a 6CA7 and an EL34 versus two EL34's.

Gotcha. Its a subtle change which I am used to.

Live, people aren't going to go "Wow I hear a 6CA7 in the first slot of that EL34 power section man"!

I say the subtleties are for the player and not the audience. It makes me happy but you might not even hear it. Cool experiment nonetheless.

We are crazee man!

MartyStrat54 · 10-20-2009, 07:27 PM

Moving this link over to here. I went through the whole thing as most of you knew I would. Gotta get that tube knowledge.

Stumbled on a cool KT88 and 6550 tube info site...

racko7566 · 10-25-2009, 10:42 PM

Hey guys, I was wondering, I have a dsl 100 with el34s in it which I like, but what are all the other power tubes I can use? And I seen on a tone king vid he said you can pull two tubes for earlier break up. and he said its then easier on the amp and other parts wear. Is this true? And is this safe?

Thanks, Racko

racko7566 · 10-25-2009, 10:44 PM

Sorry, I forgot 1 question. If it is safe to pull 2 tubes, when you rebias do you split the reccomended 90 ma's to 45? Thanks again.

solarburnDSL50 · 10-26-2009, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racko7566

Sorry, I forgot 1 question. If it is safe to pull 2 tubes, when you rebias do you split the reccomended 90 ma's to 45? Thanks again.

Safe doesn't make it worth it. It isn't worth chasing the early break up of 2 power tubes and it isn't any less loud really racko. I don't really know why anybody even does it cause there is no benefit I'd call worthwhile by doing it IMO.

MartyStrat54 · 10-26-2009, 05:42 PM

There was a long winded thread about this subject. I am not going to try to put down what was said. You can look it up if you wish. I do not recommend pulling two tubes. The difference between a 100 watt amp and a 50 watt amp is 3dB. Even guys with 50 watt amps have a hard time getting power tube distortion. It a controlled, soft distortion. It's not like a distortion pedal effect. In a Marshall amp, you get most of your distortion pegging your preamp tubes.

As far as power tubes go, you can stick Sylvania Fat Boy 6CA7's right in the amp for a different sound. Also, you can go with KT77's. Now these tubes, KT66's, 6L6GC's, 5881's, 6550's and KT88's may work and bias up. However, in some cases you would need the to change out the final bias resistors to get the bias in the correct range. Also, I think on the DSL and TSL there may be a physical problem with using 6550's and KT88's, they may not fit side by side.

racko7566 · 10-26-2009, 06:07 PM

Thanks for the info guys.

MartyStrat54 · 11-06-2009, 03:09 PM

This poor link needs to be kick started. Here is a link to a thread about an Electro-Harmonix 6L6 that melted and caved in.

Apparent EH Tube Failure..Arrrrr.....

Ya gotta watch them CP tubes.

MartyStrat54 · 11-06-2009, 03:35 PM

Here are some real 6CA7's. These are 1969 Philips Fat Boys. I have several pairs of them. I'm trying to get a matched quad, but they go for around $300.

These are real beauties with Double "O" Getters and 800 VDC rating. One of the toughest High Voltage tubes made for amplification.

NOS Power Tubes Rule!!!

solarburnDSL50 · 11-06-2009, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

This poor link needs to be kick started. Here is a link to a thread about an Electro-Harmonix 6CA7 that melted and caved in.

Apparent EH Tube Failure..Arrrrr.....

Ya gotta watch them CP tubes.

Looks like he is talking about a EH6L6 failure not a 6CA7 right?

MartyStrat54 · 11-06-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarburnDSL50

Looks like he is talking about a EH6L6 failure not a 6CA7 right?

Yes he is and I edited my post to show that. That was my mistake. Hopefully your 6CA7's will hang tough.

Hey??? Whatever happened to JAE???

solarburnDSL50 · 11-06-2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

Yes he is and I edited my post to show that. That was my mistake. Hopefully your 6CA7's will hang tough.

Hey??? Whatever happened to JAE???

Good question. Have no idea...

wegman · 11-06-2009, 07:54 PM

Here is a picture of one of the 6L6s I lifted.

tubes 004.jpg

MartyStrat54 · 11-06-2009, 08:42 PM

That's called a Fat Boy Black Plate. High dollar tube if its at least 80 per cent.

wegman · 11-06-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

That's called a Fat Boy Black Plate. High dollar tube if its at least 80 per cent.

Wow. Thanks Marty.

MartyStrat54 · 11-08-2009, 03:59 PM

I'm really digging the sound of my 6CA7's. Completely different than the RFT or Mullard EL34's. Really tight bottom (using less bass on the front panel) and highly articulate mid's. Even when pushed the strings still stand out. Running distortion through these tubes is very compressed and controlled. It makes the distortion sound tight. Harmonics and chime notes just ring. Double bends sound smooth and silky.

I have used some of the best European EL34's and I must say these Philips 6CA7's are mighty fine. I would like to get a quad for my TSL100.

solarburnDSL50 · 11-08-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

I'm really digging the sound of my 6CA7's. Completely different than the RFT or Mullard EL34's. Really tight bottom (using less bass on the front panel) and highly articulate mid's. Even when pushed the strings still stand out. Running distortion through these tubes is very compressed and controlled. It makes the distortion sound tight. Harmonics and chime notes just ring. Double bends sound smooth and silky.

I have used some of the best European EL34's and I must say these Philips 6CA7's are mighty fine. I would like to get a quad for my TSL100.

Wish I had a pair to compare to my EH's. Alot of what you said is true for mine as well especially that articulation. I've been saying that all along about the bottom end and articulation. Note definition while chording is some of the best I've heard. Whatever string you pick is heard up front. When opened up they come on strong an proud hehe! I like these better than the Winged =C='s I have. These may be my fav if they don't fail early on me.

Shouldn't have to worry about current with those Fatboyz eh...

How much is a quad going for? Are these hard to get or fairly easy? Is the price on them getting jacked too yet?

MartyStrat54 · 11-08-2009, 05:54 PM

Matched quads are going for $300+ used and $499 for a new in box matched quad. I lucked out and got the pair of Philips for about $115 and they test in the 90's. I am trying to find a single getter tube to match up with that odd pair I bought. One is 88 and the other is 80. I would like to find a single that is at least an 85.

I have my eye on a few right now. Hell, might at well. Preamp tubes are sky high right now.

solarburnDSL50 · 11-08-2009, 06:16 PM

[QUOTE=MartyStrat54;72392]Matched quads are going for $300+ used and $499 for a new in box matched quad. I lucked out and got the pair of Philips for about $115 and they test in the 90's. I am trying to find a single getter tube to match up with that odd pair I bought. One is 88 and the other is 80. I would like to find a single that is at least an 85.

I have my eye on a few right now. Hell, might at well. Preamp tubes are sky high right now.[/QUOTE]

NO shit!

I figured they were perty costly. Oh well like I always say when I can't pony up...I'll live vicariously through you hehe.

That $115 was a good deal though! Nice.

thrawn86 · 11-08-2009, 07:53 PM

Anyone have opinions or tried the Mullard reissue EL84s? Are they bunk? Thanx

10-07-2009, 04:07 PM	#122 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,583	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? This is a copy of a post that I left on the Preamp Tube Thread. It is about using an EL34 with a 6CA7 in a TSL602. Well, I did it and it worked just fine. It gave the top end a little more sparkle. The power chords were very fat, as both tubes do have good bottom end. Oh, BTW, this is a 6CA7 Sylvania Fat Boy and a "Mullard" EL34 in one of my 602's. Both tubes tested the same and they biased right up with just the one bias trim pot. (You lucky DSL50 guys have two trim pots.) I guess I'll leave them in there for a while and see if I'm still liking it this weekend. I would have to say it is sort of like pairing V1 and V2. In this arrangement, the Mullard gets the first part of the signal and then the Sylvania. So the Mullard's tonal characteristics are there "first" and then it goes into the cleaner sound of the Fat Boy. I guess just like V1 and V2, you could swap them around and see if that sounds different or better. Time Warp-I swapped the tubes around and it does make a difference, especially on the Clean channel. With the Fat Boy in there first and the Mullard on the negative swing of the power cycle, it is a cleaner, tighter sound. The Sylvania has now become like V1 and it's flavor is dominant. Now you might ask, "Try two Fat Boys." Well I can't. This pair I bought I got a bad deal. They were sold untested and one reads 79 and the other 88. You could probably bias them up in a DSL50. I don't know how wide a swing the amp will tolerate, but I don't like to go more than 8 points between tubes. So this is sort of fascinating. That the tube on the positive side of the power cycle is like V1 and the characteristics of the negative side of the power cycle is like V2. The negative side adds to the power, but the flavor is stronger coming from the tube first in line with the power cycle. I had PM'd JOE about Steelhorse's amp that runs the KT66's and the KT88's. He is getting flavor from two completely different sounding tubes. With the EL34 and the 6CA7, they are both electronically the same...pin for pin. However, even though this is true, they do not sound the same. A 6CA7 is more like a 6L6GC in sound. I told JOE that putting 6CA7's in your amp was a quick way to get the KT88 sound. No worries about the biasing as it will bias right up. How's that for some tube info? __________________ MARTY 2009 Gibson Explorer-Hell Raising Machine 1989 Fender Strat Plus USA 2008 Fender Tele USA 2004 Schecter Elite w/DiMarzio's TSL100 with custom 4x12 cab. TSL122 with Man 'O War Speakers. TSL602 #1 with JBL D123 Speakers and 602 #2 with Altec 417 Speakers. "Oh so sweet my friends." DSL401 #1 with Red Fang Speaker and 401 #2 with JBL D123 Speaker. Tubes: Let's just say they are NOS that kick ass.

10-07-2009, 07:23 PM	#123 (permalink)
jrm Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 21	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? Hey guys, I've heard RFT tubes metioned here, never heard of them. What are they? __________________ 1979 JMP 2203 1998 DSL50

10-07-2009, 09:17 PM	#126 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,583	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? Yeah Joe. The only thing that concerns me about the EH6CA7's is whether or not they really sound like a 6CA7, or if they are just another way to sell an EL34. A real 6CA7 is going to have a much clearer top end and will not distort as easy as an EL34. Plus, all the NOS 6CA7's were made in the big glass and were called Fat Boys. The ultimate 6CA7 is a Sylvania Fat Boy with Black Plated. I doubt if I could afford them if they showed up on EBAY. My whole point is aimed directly at the EH's. I hope that they have the high power handling and the ability to run high plate voltages. These are what NOS 6CA7's are known for, plus the ruggedness of their internal design. I will be very interested in hearing what your comments will be on these tubes. __________________ MARTY 2009 Gibson Explorer-Hell Raising Machine 1989 Fender Strat Plus USA 2008 Fender Tele USA 2004 Schecter Elite w/DiMarzio's TSL100 with custom 4x12 cab. TSL122 with Man 'O War Speakers. TSL602 #1 with JBL D123 Speakers and 602 #2 with Altec 417 Speakers. "Oh so sweet my friends." DSL401 #1 with Red Fang Speaker and 401 #2 with JBL D123 Speaker. Tubes: Let's just say they are NOS that kick ass.

10-07-2009, 09:47 PM	#128 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,583	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? Yeah I had a 4 by 12 cab with FANE pro 12-inch speakers. It was awesome. I had just put it all together. The cabinet was completely refurbished and I had done a pro recone job on the speakers. Then one of my buddies got with a band playing 5 hours a day in Vegas. He knew about my FANE cabinet. I got a soft heart, because I let it go. I wanted it to see the bright lights of Vegas and it did. My buddy had that gig for almost two years and that cab never let him down. __________________ MARTY 2009 Gibson Explorer-Hell Raising Machine 1989 Fender Strat Plus USA 2008 Fender Tele USA 2004 Schecter Elite w/DiMarzio's TSL100 with custom 4x12 cab. TSL122 with Man 'O War Speakers. TSL602 #1 with JBL D123 Speakers and 602 #2 with Altec 417 Speakers. "Oh so sweet my friends." DSL401 #1 with Red Fang Speaker and 401 #2 with JBL D123 Speaker. Tubes: Let's just say they are NOS that kick ass.

10-20-2009, 07:27 PM	#132 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,583	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? Moving this link over to here. I went through the whole thing as most of you knew I would. Gotta get that tube knowledge. Stumbled on a cool KT88 and 6550 tube info site... __________________ MARTY 2009 Gibson Explorer-Hell Raising Machine 1989 Fender Strat Plus USA 2008 Fender Tele USA 2004 Schecter Elite w/DiMarzio's TSL100 with custom 4x12 cab. TSL122 with Man 'O War Speakers. TSL602 #1 with JBL D123 Speakers and 602 #2 with Altec 417 Speakers. "Oh so sweet my friends." DSL401 #1 with Red Fang Speaker and 401 #2 with JBL D123 Speaker. Tubes: Let's just say they are NOS that kick ass.

10-25-2009, 10:42 PM	#133 (permalink)
racko7566 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lancaster, Pa. Posts: 72	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? Hey guys, I was wondering, I have a dsl 100 with el34s in it which I like, but what are all the other power tubes I can use? And I seen on a tone king vid he said you can pull two tubes for earlier break up. and he said its then easier on the amp and other parts wear. Is this true? And is this safe? Thanks, Racko

10-25-2009, 10:44 PM	#134 (permalink)
racko7566 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lancaster, Pa. Posts: 72	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? Sorry, I forgot 1 question. If it is safe to pull 2 tubes, when you rebias do you split the reccomended 90 ma's to 45? Thanks again.

10-26-2009, 05:42 PM	#136 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,583	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? There was a long winded thread about this subject. I am not going to try to put down what was said. You can look it up if you wish. I do not recommend pulling two tubes. The difference between a 100 watt amp and a 50 watt amp is 3dB. Even guys with 50 watt amps have a hard time getting power tube distortion. It a controlled, soft distortion. It's not like a distortion pedal effect. In a Marshall amp, you get most of your distortion pegging your preamp tubes. As far as power tubes go, you can stick Sylvania Fat Boy 6CA7's right in the amp for a different sound. Also, you can go with KT77's. Now these tubes, KT66's, 6L6GC's, 5881's, 6550's and KT88's may work and bias up. However, in some cases you would need the to change out the final bias resistors to get the bias in the correct range. Also, I think on the DSL and TSL there may be a physical problem with using 6550's and KT88's, they may not fit side by side. __________________ MARTY 2009 Gibson Explorer-Hell Raising Machine 1989 Fender Strat Plus USA 2008 Fender Tele USA 2004 Schecter Elite w/DiMarzio's TSL100 with custom 4x12 cab. TSL122 with Man 'O War Speakers. TSL602 #1 with JBL D123 Speakers and 602 #2 with Altec 417 Speakers. "Oh so sweet my friends." DSL401 #1 with Red Fang Speaker and 401 #2 with JBL D123 Speaker. Tubes: Let's just say they are NOS that kick ass.

10-26-2009, 06:07 PM	#137 (permalink)
racko7566 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lancaster, Pa. Posts: 72	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? Thanks for the info guys.

11-06-2009, 03:09 PM	#138 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,583	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? This poor link needs to be kick started. Here is a link to a thread about an Electro-Harmonix 6L6 that melted and caved in. Apparent EH Tube Failure..Arrrrr..... Ya gotta watch them CP tubes. __________________ MARTY 2009 Gibson Explorer-Hell Raising Machine 1989 Fender Strat Plus USA 2008 Fender Tele USA 2004 Schecter Elite w/DiMarzio's TSL100 with custom 4x12 cab. TSL122 with Man 'O War Speakers. TSL602 #1 with JBL D123 Speakers and 602 #2 with Altec 417 Speakers. "Oh so sweet my friends." DSL401 #1 with Red Fang Speaker and 401 #2 with JBL D123 Speaker. Tubes: Let's just say they are NOS that kick ass. Last edited by MartyStrat54; 11-06-2009 at 06:43 PM.

11-06-2009, 03:35 PM	#139 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,583	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? Here are some real 6CA7's. These are 1969 Philips Fat Boys. I have several pairs of them. I'm trying to get a matched quad, but they go for around $300. These are real beauties with Double "O" Getters and 800 VDC rating. One of the toughest High Voltage tubes made for amplification. NOS Power Tubes Rule!!! __________________ MARTY 2009 Gibson Explorer-Hell Raising Machine 1989 Fender Strat Plus USA 2008 Fender Tele USA 2004 Schecter Elite w/DiMarzio's TSL100 with custom 4x12 cab. TSL122 with Man 'O War Speakers. TSL602 #1 with JBL D123 Speakers and 602 #2 with Altec 417 Speakers. "Oh so sweet my friends." DSL401 #1 with Red Fang Speaker and 401 #2 with JBL D123 Speaker. Tubes: Let's just say they are NOS that kick ass.

11-06-2009, 07:54 PM	#143 (permalink)
wegman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 138	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? Here is a picture of one of the 6L6s I lifted. tubes 004.jpg __________________ Ian St Ian says "If your not playing Gibson and Marshall your a wanker!" Marshall JCM 800 2210 (1989) Marshall MG CD10 (hi guys!) Gibson Les Paul Custom (1981) Mackie 24x8 mixing console Alesis ADAT HD 24 digital recorder Shure KSM 27

11-06-2009, 08:42 PM	#144 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,583	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? That's called a Fat Boy Black Plate. High dollar tube if its at least 80 per cent. __________________ MARTY 2009 Gibson Explorer-Hell Raising Machine 1989 Fender Strat Plus USA 2008 Fender Tele USA 2004 Schecter Elite w/DiMarzio's TSL100 with custom 4x12 cab. TSL122 with Man 'O War Speakers. TSL602 #1 with JBL D123 Speakers and 602 #2 with Altec 417 Speakers. "Oh so sweet my friends." DSL401 #1 with Red Fang Speaker and 401 #2 with JBL D123 Speaker. Tubes: Let's just say they are NOS that kick ass.

11-08-2009, 03:59 PM	#146 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,583	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? I'm really digging the sound of my 6CA7's. Completely different than the RFT or Mullard EL34's. Really tight bottom (using less bass on the front panel) and highly articulate mid's. Even when pushed the strings still stand out. Running distortion through these tubes is very compressed and controlled. It makes the distortion sound tight. Harmonics and chime notes just ring. Double bends sound smooth and silky. I have used some of the best European EL34's and I must say these Philips 6CA7's are mighty fine. I would like to get a quad for my TSL100. __________________ MARTY 2009 Gibson Explorer-Hell Raising Machine 1989 Fender Strat Plus USA 2008 Fender Tele USA 2004 Schecter Elite w/DiMarzio's TSL100 with custom 4x12 cab. TSL122 with Man 'O War Speakers. TSL602 #1 with JBL D123 Speakers and 602 #2 with Altec 417 Speakers. "Oh so sweet my friends." DSL401 #1 with Red Fang Speaker and 401 #2 with JBL D123 Speaker. Tubes: Let's just say they are NOS that kick ass.

11-08-2009, 05:54 PM	#148 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,583	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? Matched quads are going for $300+ used and $499 for a new in box matched quad. I lucked out and got the pair of Philips for about $115 and they test in the 90's. I am trying to find a single getter tube to match up with that odd pair I bought. One is 88 and the other is 80. I would like to find a single that is at least an 85. I have my eye on a few right now. Hell, might at well. Preamp tubes are sky high right now. __________________ MARTY 2009 Gibson Explorer-Hell Raising Machine 1989 Fender Strat Plus USA 2008 Fender Tele USA 2004 Schecter Elite w/DiMarzio's TSL100 with custom 4x12 cab. TSL122 with Man 'O War Speakers. TSL602 #1 with JBL D123 Speakers and 602 #2 with Altec 417 Speakers. "Oh so sweet my friends." DSL401 #1 with Red Fang Speaker and 401 #2 with JBL D123 Speaker. Tubes: Let's just say they are NOS that kick ass.

11-08-2009, 07:53 PM	#150 (permalink)
thrawn86 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Far Nor Cal USA Posts: 426	Re: Power tubes?? Who, What, When Where how?? Anyone have opinions or tried the Mullard reissue EL84s? Are they bunk? Thanx __________________ Drivin' faster in my car... 02 DSL 401-Ei's 02 1960b 02 Gibson LP Studio Silver 03 PRS Santana SE Holy Grail reverb Originally Posted by J. Robert Oppenheimer "We knew the world would not be the same."

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