BIGGER Power Tubes

leeroy123 · 11-02-2009, 07:17 AM

G'day all,
Just wondering if I could get "BIGGER Power Tubes"
put in my Marshall DSL100 JCM2000
then the original factory Marshall EL34's,
Eg: KT66's OR even better KT88's?
Cheers

American Viking · 11-02-2009, 08:09 AM

Why exactly BIGGER? That doesn't mean anything in terms of tone. A KT66 is worlds apart from a KT88 so the size doesn't have much to do with the sound.

To answer your question, no. The tube sockets are too close together and tubes over a certain diameter (KT66, 6550, KT88) won't fit side by side.

If you want a fatter sound, try KT77's. That might get you where you want.

jcmjmp · 11-02-2009, 08:12 AM

KT66 and KT88 are not an EL-34 substitute and you can't just plop 'em in. I think that the output transformer would need to be changed.

PaoloJM · 11-02-2009, 08:20 AM

The DSL is not the amp to be trying to fit "big bottles" into.
As AmericanViking says, they will barely physically fit and will certainly lead over-heating problems.
jcmjmp, is also right. The current OT is not suitable and would need to upgraded, probably no a bad move for a DSL anyways

.

By "bigger" do you mean that you want more low end?
KT77s do not have a good history with DSLs but why not try EL34Ls or EL34Bs?
What speakers are you using? Cab type?

solarburnDSL50 · 11-02-2009, 10:15 AM

How about 6CA7EH's. I run them in mine and they sound great. Sorta in the same vein as the KT-77 or 34L's. Big bottom end, mids are thick and highs aren't harsh. Lots of headroom too. Warm & fat.

MartyStrat54 · 11-02-2009, 11:58 AM

I second the recommendation about the 6CA7EH's. Different sound, but a drop in replacement.

wulfgar1976 · 11-02-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

I second the recommendation about the 6CA7EH's. Different sound, but a drop in replacement.

I third this recommendation. You'll get a noticeable increase in headroom, more bottom end, more detailed mids and an extended top end. They can sound a bit brittle a low volume if you're not careful with the EQ, particularly in a 100W amp. When you push them hard they're amazing.

They look like they have the guts of an EL34 inside a 6L6GC bottle. Very well built and reliable.

Another alternative is to get the amp converted to 6L6GCs, which will give the amp more bottom end. It will lose some of the characteristic Marshall sound but 6L6GCs do sound great in a Marshall in their own right.

MajorNut1967 · 11-02-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaoloJM

The DSL is not the amp to be trying to fit "big bottles" into.
As AmericanViking says, they will barely physically fit and will certainly lead over-heating problems.
jcmjmp, is also right. The current OT is not suitable and would need to upgraded, probably no a bad move for a DSL anyways

.

By "bigger" do you mean that you want more low end?
KT77s do not have a good history with DSLs but why not try EL34Ls or EL34Bs?
What speakers are you using? Cab type?

Absolute A+ here!

A lot of you guys think that just by going to the big dog tubes that you will gain power or "bottom end" fist of all your power supply is lacking in current & voltage for the KT88 or 6550's to run correctly! While you will achive some tonal difference you are missing out on the true character of the big dog tubes.

MajorNut1967 · 11-02-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarburnDSL50

Big bottom end, mids are thick and highs aren't harsh. Lots of headroom too. Warm & fat.

Are you talking about a Woman or a Power Tube LOL

solarburnDSL50 · 11-02-2009, 02:27 PM

I'm think'n my power tube's red plating...

wkcchampion · 11-02-2009, 02:48 PM

what about just an EQ in the Fx Loop to fatten up the sound?

Adrian R · 11-02-2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wkcchampion

what about just an EQ in the Fx Loop to fatten up the sound?

Yes, I agree with this, although you could get a bigger sound with KT77s..Bob at Eurotubes knows precisely what rating to get for a DSL amp. I've heard nothing but improvements, especially in the lower registers over a standard EL34. JJ 34Ls have more bottom then stock EL34s as well, although not quite as deep as the KT77. Both tubes are drop in replacements. (with bias adjustment)

Putting an MXR-108 or a BBE 362 in the loop will accomplish the same thing however far more dramatically...

Some more 'purist' types would say this approach would color the sound somewhat, but for my ears if it is colored more (in which I've never heard) the color is far more pleasing then running the amp without them..

But thats just me...I love running 'quality' type eq devices in an amp's FX loop as the increase in dynamics and punch is stunning..and makes my Marshall sound more like a Marshall shouldsound.

carnada · 11-02-2009, 09:52 PM

how about....

SOME MIDI RACKS!!!!

LOL sorry guys, but im just wayyyyyy to exited with my new shit

American Viking · 11-02-2009, 09:57 PM

footswitch heads?

effect amps?

carnada · 11-02-2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by American Viking

footswitch heads?

effect amps?

you would be surprised man

heads that have more effects than a multieffects unit...multieffects unit that sound like heads!!! crazy world dude!

carnada · 11-02-2009, 10:00 PM

well heres my little rig

leeroy123 · 11-02-2009, 10:15 PM

Hi Mate,
A standard 1960A cab with gt75's

carnada · 11-02-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leeroy123

Hi Mate,
A standard 1960A cab with gt75's

Yeah man, seriously that cab sounds awesome with anything plugged in to it.

American Viking · 11-02-2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carnada

you would be surprised man

heads that have more effects than a multieffects unit...multieffects unit that sound like heads!!! crazy world dude!

i know i was just trying to make a little joke. I keep seeing midi midi midi midi midi midi when really the midi is just a controller. so instead of calling regular amps, amps, we can just call them footswitch amps. eh, dumb joke.

Wilder Amplification · 11-02-2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carnada

Yeah man, seriously that cab sounds awesome with anything plugged in to it.

For your rig it might work, but when running a flat out dimed 100 watter I personally can't stand the sound of G12T75s. Highs are too "ice-pickey" and way too much bottom end for my liking. Not into the whole "scooped mid" thing...I personally prefer to have phat midrange with just enough highs to cut through and just enough bottom to get that "push". But to each there own.

MajorNut1967 · 11-02-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carnada

well heres my little rig

Sweet mother of jesus, what is that a life support system?

Adrian R · 11-02-2009, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilder Amplification

For your rig it might work, but when running a flat out dimed 100 watter I personally can't stand the sound of G12T75s. Highs are too "ice-pickey" and way too much bottom end for my liking. Not into the whole "scooped mid" thing...I personally prefer to have phat midrange with just enough highs to cut through and just enough bottom to get that "push". But to each there own.

**You know this is all so subjective..I see SO many players using cabs loaded with them expensive ass V30s...so I decided to try some out thinking that they GOT to be better due to their poplularity..however when I did try them out I thought the 75s sounded WAY better...

I like the big ass, agressive, tight bottom end the 75s produce...and the mids in my opinion are just right...

The 30s had way too much midrange for my ears...and didn't have quite the punch...

Wilder Amplification · 11-02-2009, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian R

**You know this is all so subjective..

I couldn't agree more. Different strokes for different folks. I've always said "What one person thinks sounds like shit someone else thinks is the holy grail of tone." Everyone hears differently and everyone has a different tonal preference. Just like Zakk Wylde loves the 200 watt EV12Ls...me personally I prefer the lower wattage speakers for their smoother low end. But again, that's just MY personal preference. I'm sure there are many others who would beg to differ.

MajorNut1967 · 11-02-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilder Amplification

I couldn't agree more. Different strokes for different folks. I've always said "What one person thinks sounds like shit someone else thinks is the holy grail of tone." Everyone hears differently and everyone has a different tonal preference. Just like Zakk Wylde loves the 200 watt EV12Ls...me personally I prefer the lower wattage speakers for their smoother low end. But again, that's just MY personal preference. I'm sure there are many others who would beg to differ.

Hey Jon,

Have you ever noticed that the more you dial in the mid knob with the 75's the crappier they sound? Now my fav speaker is the G12M-70 which they don't make any more so I buy the 75's as they are the closest. but I have to keep the mid control off on mine.

carnada · 11-02-2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilder Amplification

For your rig it might work, but when running a flat out dimed 100 watter I personally can't stand the sound of G12T75s. Highs are too "ice-pickey" and way too much bottom end for my liking. Not into the whole "scooped mid" thing...I personally prefer to have phat midrange with just enough highs to cut through and just enough bottom to get that "push". But to each there own.

You describe the sound of the cab just like I hear it, you are right man. But the thing is, right now Im using a cab simulation on the pod...so you know....it kinda balances out lol

thrawn86 · 11-03-2009, 12:05 AM

Carnada, your rig is looking good man!

leeroy123 · 11-03-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian R

**You know this is all so subjective..I see SO many players using cabs loaded with them expensive ass V30s...so I decided to try some out thinking that they GOT to be better due to their poplularity..however when I did try them out I thought the 75s sounded WAY better...

I like the big ass, agressive, tight bottom end the 75s produce...and the mids in my opinion are just right...

The 30s had way too much midrange for my ears...and didn't have quite the punch...

I couldn't aggree more Brother CHEERS

11-02-2009, 07:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
leeroy123 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 14	BIGGER Power Tubes G'day all, Just wondering if I could get "BIGGER Power Tubes" put in my Marshall DSL100 JCM2000 then the original factory Marshall EL34's, Eg: KT66's OR even better KT88's? Cheers

11-02-2009, 08:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 1,510	Re: BIGGER Power Tubes Why exactly BIGGER? That doesn't mean anything in terms of tone. A KT66 is worlds apart from a KT88 so the size doesn't have much to do with the sound. To answer your question, no. The tube sockets are too close together and tubes over a certain diameter (KT66, 6550, KT88) won't fit side by side. If you want a fatter sound, try KT77's. That might get you where you want. __________________ -I'd rather be a good liver than have one...

11-02-2009, 08:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
jcmjmp Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,345	Re: BIGGER Power Tubes KT66 and KT88 are not an EL-34 substitute and you can't just plop 'em in. I think that the output transformer would need to be changed.

11-02-2009, 08:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
PaoloJM Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Cork, Ireland Posts: 534	Re: BIGGER Power Tubes The DSL is not the amp to be trying to fit "big bottles" into. As AmericanViking says, they will barely physically fit and will certainly lead over-heating problems. jcmjmp, is also right. The current OT is not suitable and would need to upgraded, probably no a bad move for a DSL anyways . By "bigger" do you mean that you want more low end? KT77s do not have a good history with DSLs but why not try EL34Ls or EL34Bs? What speakers are you using? Cab type? __________________ www.youtube.com/paolojm

11-02-2009, 11:58 AM	#6 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,583	Re: BIGGER Power Tubes I second the recommendation about the 6CA7EH's. Different sound, but a drop in replacement. __________________ 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.

11-02-2009, 02:48 PM	#11 (permalink)
wkcchampion Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 145	Re: BIGGER Power Tubes what about just an EQ in the Fx Loop to fatten up the sound?

11-02-2009, 09:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
carnada Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: 22 Acacia Avenue Posts: 662	Re: BIGGER Power Tubes how about.... SOME MIDI RACKS!!!! LOL sorry guys, but im just wayyyyyy to exited with my new shit

11-02-2009, 09:57 PM	#14 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 1,510	Re: BIGGER Power Tubes footswitch heads? effect amps? __________________ -I'd rather be a good liver than have one...

11-02-2009, 10:00 PM	#16 (permalink)
carnada Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: 22 Acacia Avenue Posts: 662	Re: BIGGER Power Tubes well heres my little rig

11-02-2009, 10:15 PM	#17 (permalink)
leeroy123 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 14	Re: BIGGER Power Tubes Hi Mate, A standard 1960A cab with gt75's

11-03-2009, 12:05 AM	#26 (permalink)
thrawn86 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Far Nor Cal USA Posts: 426	Re: BIGGER Power Tubes Carnada, your rig is looking good man! __________________ 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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