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Post subject: DRRI ruby rectifier question
Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 4:34 pm
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Hi,

I'm new and this is my first post. I recently purchased a Marshall DSL401 from my local music store. The amp heats up so bad you can burn your finger on the faceplate so I'm taking it back and exchanging it for a DRRI.

I have read many great things about the DRRI but also about rectifier problems with some of the new ones. I'm concerned if I should chose another amp. I used to have a Blues Jr. and it never gave me any problems. I play at home most of the time but sometimes jam with friends at small parties.

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Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 10:10 pm
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Hi Ric and welcome to the forum. I'm just curious about what you've heard about the rectifier problem with the DRII. I'm an old tech, but still do some work for friends. Is it the particular tube or is it something in the circuit that seems to be at fault ? Art

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Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 8:26 am
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I never heard of that one. They really don't manufacture tubes as robust as they used to.


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Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 2:09 pm
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Art,
I read about the issue on the Fender Forum, here's the link.

http://www.fenderforum.com/forum.html?d ... 2613:39:31

I tested a DRRI today and the clean channel is outstanding, but to get the tone I want I need to use my pedals . Some say the DRRI takes pedals great others say no. I need to make a decision by this Monday.

I will admit if the Marshall didn't have the heat issue I would keep it. It sounds great with the Les Paul.


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Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 3:14 pm
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Yeah, I see what they're talking about. I've never been a fan of Ruby tubes, but maybe it's a bad batch. You might want to get a JJ, Sovtek, or TAD 5AR4 to keep as a spare. Was there another Marshall DSL that you could have tried? Art

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Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 3:22 pm
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No, that was the only 401 they had. I don't need a half stack and the next model combo amp they had was $1700.

According to Marshall they said the problem was fixed in 2003. Some guys on the internet say I need to have a heat sink installed and make sure the tubes are biased properly.


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Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 9:28 pm
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Ric, I'm not familiar with the DSL401, is it a 2 EL84 powered amp? My experience is with the JCM800 and earlier JTM Marshalls. At any rate did you check with the folks over at http://metroamp.com, they live and breath Marshalls. If this amp is new , it seems a shame to have to fix it, but I'd check with those folks before making any false moves. Art

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Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 9:45 am
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Art,

It has 4 EL84 tubes.
Thanks for the metroamp website, I have spoken with people on the Marshall Forum regarding this amp.


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Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 1:30 pm
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Art,
I should have mentioned the DSL401 was made in 2004 and was a floor model at the store. I was told its been sitting there for the last three years. They gave me a two year warranty on it and said I can take it back to have a tech check it or exchange it for something else.

It doesn't get so hot when I place a fan behind it, however I've never needed to do that with any of the amps I've owned, however this is my first tube Marshall amp.

I would rather take it back and get a new DRRI, at least its brand new out of the box. Just concerned if I may have a problem with the rectifier or something else.


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Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 10:45 pm
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Ric, I can understand your dilemma. That DSL 401 is a complicated amp when compared to the DRII. I don't see much of a problem with getting the heat sink and exhaust fan installed, and the bias check is normal maintenance. The fresh tubes would be your call. Actually, I grew up over there in the Santa Monica mts., and finding a Marshall savvy tech should not be a problem. But if you're not comfortable with the 401, then by all means try out the DRII. After looking at the DSL 401 schematic, I can see why you wouldn't need any pedals. Art

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