Power Amp idea

[metalchurch]

Lonewolf, thanks for the help so far. I've been going crazy with all this 'tech' stuff and with no one to talk to about it.

I'm been immersed with different sounds and configurations of things trying for something unique and kick ass.

This leads to my next project that I'm working on right now.
As you know my Marshall 9200 is a Dual Mono Bloc design, which has a Side A and a Side B.
2 amps in 1 respectively.

Initially I liked the idea of having my Side B as an exact duplicate of my Side A for a backup or what not.

Here's my latest 'brainstorm' of an idea:





Side A - I want to replace the 4 5881's with Mullard EL34's
and the 12AT7 and the 12AX7's with Mullards as well.

Side B - I want to keep the 5881's, but I'm replacing everything including the 12at's and the 12ax's with Sovtek tubes.

So, essentially, I'll have 2 completely different tones and 2 different amps to mess with.
I don't know of anyone who has done this. It will not hurt anything at all.
Just something I thought of a few days ago and on my last few days off, I've literally been going from the computer - to playing guitar - back to the computer, trying different ideas and settings, stuff like that.

What do you think of this idea?

[lonewolf]

I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I believe that you have to do something with the circuit board when changing the 5881 tetrode tubes to the EL34 pentode tubes. You should check this out before swapping the power tubes.

The "preamp" (12 series) tubes are only used for signal level matching and phasing, not like in a hot preamp situation. In this role, they will last a very, very long time and I don't think that changing these tubes will have any effect on the tone, especially not enough to waste good money on Mullards.

Here's the deal. Just like transistors, tubes have specifications that must be met irregardless of the manufacturer. The comparison tests that I've seen have concluded that there is very little difference between the performance of Sovtek, JJ, Mullard or any other brand. Its all voodoo mumbo-jumbo tube mythology and I think it has more to do with marketing and excrement in the ear than physics. I have owned a dozen or so high quality tube preamps and I never noticed any difference when changing tube brands.

You WILL notice a big difference in tone between the 5881 and the EL34.

[metalchurch]

Ok, I was wondering about the Pre tubes. I didn't know if they would make a difference or not.
The Power tubes are mainly what I wanted to change. I just wanted to put all new in just so it's done.

I'll check on those Power tubes to see if they will work.
I do know that some EL34's will not fit under the lid of the 9200, so I will have to put a few washers under the lid.
So in theory, once I do that, one side will be an 'EL34' Power head, and Side B will be a standard 9200. That's awesome!

Here's another one for you, I was looking at Mullard tubes ( yes they are expensive!!) and I noticed that they have a weird rating for their tubes.

For their EL34's it goes something like this:
Medium/Green duet
Medium/Green quartet
Hard/Blue quartet
Hard/Blue duet
Soft/Red duet
Soft/Red quartet

I think the 'Duet' and 'Quartet' are how many are in the package.
But the colors are confusing me. Are you familiar with this rating?

Thanks so much for your time and effort!

[lonewolf]

I think its just a marketing ploy...

BTW, Mullard is no longer in business. The brand is now produced by Sovtek.

This whole tube thing is a big scam to separate millions of guitarists from their hard earned cash.

[metalchurch]

I know, I believe that Sovtek bought them out and are manufacturing them with the original specs. (which could also be a marketing scam as you said)

I found an awesome website for all Marshalls. It's like an encyclopedia of Marshalls or something. I emailed that guy but he is in The Netherlands and it's probably 2am there at this time.
Thanks Jeff, I appreciate the help.

Here's the link:
http://www.drtube.com/marshall.htm

[stratobastard27]

What now? I think my head is going to explode.