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Post subject: New Tubes in my HRDLx
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 6:08 am
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This is a follow up to an earlier thread (one which got out of hand, so I'm starting a new one) in which you all advised me some on tube choices for my amp. I thought I'd post some first impressions.

First of all, I went against some of the advice I received and decided to try JJ 6V6S power tubes. I just wanted to see what they would do. For the pre-amp, I did go with a 5751 in V1, which someone suggested. So we have: V1 - 5751, V2 - ECC83S, V3 - ECC83S (balanced) followed by a matched pair of 6V6S.

My impressions:
Tone did not change dramatically. Without having made before and after clips, I don't notice an appreciable difference in overall tone. Still sounds like my amp.

The Drive channel is a little better than it was. I can turn the gain up more if I want to without muddying up as quickly as it did before. I still prefer the sound of the drive channel with my Blues Driver in front rather than the drive channel by itself.

The More Drive setting is noticeably louder. There is a big jump in volume when switched on. I'm not sure why this is. Overall, I do like the sound of the More Drive setting better now. It has better sustain than before, and just sounds creamier. I didn't expect the volume jump though. Maybe my old tubes were in really bad shape.

My effects sound better than before. I have a Keeley Blues Driver and Tremelo in front, followed by a Univibe clone, DD-7 Delay, and Looper in the Fx loop. They all just sound more "livley" for lack of a better term. Could be my imagination though. Oh, I did plug straight in at first and then added effects after initial impressions.

I have not cranked the amp yet, so I haven't heard what the 6V6 do when really pushed. I play in my house mostly, and only turned up to the point of discomfort, which is pretty early in a small room. I'll get out and jam at some point.

Forgot to mention that I set the bias to 35mv. That is at the test point, so it is for both tubes (as far as I understand, which isn't far). I might try some other bias settings.

This particular amp is a 1997 model. I am the third owner. It spent most of its life in a church band, and looks brand new. Stock speaker.

Overall I am pleased. Not blown away, but happy. I still like my amp. I still mostly just turn it on and play without thinking too much about tone, so I guess that is a good thing.


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Post subject: Re: New Tubes in my HRDLx
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 6:37 am
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Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:31 am
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Location: Province de Québec, Canada
35 mv at TP is for both tubes , 17.5 m. volts at 431 V plate voltage , good bias , less than 70 %

Do you read your plate voltage ?

Many Fender amp work and play nice at cold bias; 50 to 60 %


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Post subject: Re: New Tubes in my HRDLx
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 7:34 am
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I'm not sure how/where to read plate voltage, but maybe I will look into that when I decide to try a different bias setting.

Thanks for the clarification on the bias at the Test point though.


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Post subject: Re: New Tubes in my HRDLx
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 8:27 am
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You read plate voltage on tube's plate :lol:

6V6 pin 3

More you have millivolts on TP30 less you have plate voltage . Read plate voltage each time you adjust bias at TP30 and calculate .

Easy with the Weber Bias calculator ;

http://www.webervst.com/tubes1/calcbias.htm


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Post subject: Re: New Tubes in my HRDLx
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 9:22 am
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Glad that 5751 worked out for you.

Follow Stratele's biasing recommendations and you should enjoy solid performance from your new tubes for many years.

Rawk on!

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: New Tubes in my HRDLx
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 2:03 pm
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Yep, thanks all for the help.

I played for awhile this afternoon, and after some slight tweaking of knobs, I like it even more. I was pretty tired last night I guess. The amp definitely came alive with the new tubes.

When I get the time I'll open it back up and read the plate voltage, and maybe turn the bias down a bit.

Thanks again!


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Post subject: Re: New Tubes in my HRDLx
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 2:47 pm
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All things considered, I'd opine that all of your original tubes were likely pretty tired and well past due for replacement. Sometimes new bottles are all it takes to rekindle the relationship with an amp.

Rawk on!

8)

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: New Tubes in my HRDLx
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 7:22 pm
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In the HRDlx, the Plate voltage with 6L6s is around 430 VDC, and with 6V6s will rise to around 470 VDC. Using your test point reading for bias, the tubes will idle at around 8 watts, which is fine at roughly 60% of 14 watts. As pointed out, it is always best to measure the Plate voltage to be sure.

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