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Post subject: Re: New find - Sunn Spectrum II
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2014 9:14 am
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The higher-end Sunn 2 x 15 cabs were equipped with JBL's (D140F for bass, D130F or D15S for guitar). The mid-level models featured Sunn "Magma" Transducers made specifically for Sunn by -- at various times -- Eminence or CTS. Contemporary Legends by Eminence would be good choice for high-efficiency and high power-handling capability.

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Post subject: Re: New find - Sunn Spectrum II
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2014 9:58 am
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How do you know if yours is a "higher end" cabinet?

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Post subject: Re: New find - Sunn Spectrum II
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2014 11:02 am
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Physically, the cabinets are all built the same -- identical lumber, identical standard of construction, identical quality. The difference lies in which amp head the enclosure was intended to mate with: those sold with the 190B and the 200S were fitted with JBL's. The others got the standard Sunn transducers.

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Post subject: Re: New find - Sunn Spectrum II
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2014 11:41 am
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Makes sense. The Sentura II and Spectrum II head cabinets are identical as well with the exception being my Sentura head has a reverb tank screwed to the top inside of the cabinet. Fewer SKUs = less overhead.

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Post subject: Re: New find - Sunn Spectrum II
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2014 12:37 pm
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Sunn was one of the original proponents of the "modular" production concept to simplify inventory logistics and the assembly of their amps. IIRC, the piggyback chassis units will also fit into their combo enclosures (the ones that were built to resemble a piggyback).

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Post subject: Re: New find - Sunn Spectrum II
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 12:47 pm
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So the lowest bias reading I can get right now with 5881WXTs is -51v, the schematic says it should be -55v with KT88s. I was thinking it would be in the mid-high -30s or low -40s with 5881s in it (ala Fender), would that be right or will the Sovtek 5881WXTs handle it?

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Post subject: Re: New find - Sunn Spectrum II
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 1:11 pm
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Plate voltage is 530v
Pin 4 = 528v
Pin 5 = -48v

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Post subject: Re: New find - Sunn Spectrum II
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 2:13 pm
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jimolson1963 wrote:
So the lowest bias reading I can get right now with 5881WXTs is -51v, the schematic says it should be -55v with KT88s.


Is there some compelling reason why you're not using 6550's or KT88's?

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: New find - Sunn Spectrum II
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 2:26 pm
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This is one of my personal amps, I don't have any of the stock tubes and don't have the cash to get them right now. Last weekend the engine seized (and the transmission was on its way out) in my car so everything extra I get now has to go toward another car. Fortunately my dad has a vehicle he's not using so I'm driving that while I save up for a car. I haven't had a car payment for several years and don't want to.

I think I'm going to wait until I can get KT88s and see how it performs then. I'd rather put it up for sale with the right tubes in it. Boy does it sound good at low volumes. :D

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Post subject: Re: New find - Sunn Spectrum II
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 2:37 pm
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Well you're hitting those plates with about 480 VDC -- pretty hot for all but the hardiest of 6L6GC's and well into the "danger zone" for vintage 5881's.

Keep your fire extinguisher handy......

:lol:

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: New find - Sunn Spectrum II
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 3:48 pm
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Yeah, that's what I thought too. I just wanted to see if it worked and how it sounds. Yes and really, really good. :D

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Post subject: Re: New find - Sunn Spectrum II
Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 8:34 am
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Let us know how it does once you get the correct set of output bottles installed.

Arjay

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