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Post subject: Superchamp XD clean channel Q
Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2012 9:22 am
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just picked up an ebay XD. had to repair some cabinet damage but otherwise basically a nice little amp with a Patriot rajun cajun speaker in it.

however, the clean channel seems to go less than clean once past "3". this is with a strat plugged straight in, no FX pedals. it's not very pronounced and is not distortion per se but is less than satisfactory. new to this amp- is this normal and if not, what might be causing it?

thanks.


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Post subject: Re: Superchamp XD clean channel Q
Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2012 2:17 pm
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barncat wrote:
just picked up an ebay XD. had to repair some cabinet damage but otherwise basically a nice little amp with a Patriot rajun cajun speaker in it.

however, the clean channel seems to go less than clean once past "3". this is with a strat plugged straight in, no FX pedals. it's not very pronounced and is not distortion per se but is less than satisfactory. new to this amp- is this normal and if not, what might be causing it?

thanks.


I would look to change out the 12ax7 pre amp tube. I would also plug it into any other speaker cab I had to see if it did the same thing.

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Post subject: Re: Superchamp XD clean channel Q
Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2012 7:34 am
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ok, will check out your suggestions. may be trying some different cabinets soon for comparison. is there any test procedure for the tube or is it ears only?


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Post subject: Re: Superchamp XD clean channel Q
Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2012 1:49 pm
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barncat wrote:
ok, will check out your suggestions. may be trying some different cabinets soon for comparison. is there any test procedure for the tube or is it ears only?


Put 12ax7 in your search engine and then look for video demo. I wish I had the lnk for one I saw that demoed about 12 different 12ax7's. There were some standout differences with some of them. I like the clarity and musicality of Tung Sol. JJ tubes are my second favorite. They have a blues rock flavor and do all the right things to a guitar signal, IMO.

This page has good descriptions of a selection of popular tubes.
http://www.thetubestore.com/Resources/P ... iew#ps7025

I have a tung sol 12ax7 arriving today. It is for my SCX2, but I will pop it into my Bugera V5 first and see how that goes. I love the sound of my clean channel on the SCX2 but when the volume goes up the open E note and a few just north of it have a nasty sound. Over all, Tung sol has a certain sonic presentation that I like. It is a little too clean for some.

It is all about your ears. What you like and what you present because of it is your art. What ever you pick just make sure you like it and feel it expresses you. Speakers can completely shift how and amp sounds. Finding the right one can be pricey. My favorite 10" speaker is the Eminence Red Fang. They retail in the mid 200's. A good, almost as good WGS, will run around 70.00 with shipping. Close in many respects except the subtle and rich complexity of the Red Fang.

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I have some Fender gear.
(Telecaster, Jaguar, Villager 12 String. Mustang l, Bronco, SCX2, Rumble 350, HRDIII, Rumble 2x8 Neo Cab)
http://www.reverbnation.com/modwiz


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Post subject: Re: Superchamp XD clean channel Q
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 8:06 am
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thanks for the link to the helpful tube overview. for 15 bucks, i figured it's worth trying a Tung Sol, so one is on the way. it may just be inherent in this low watt amp that you can't get a lot of volume and stay really clean simultaneously...

as mentioned, this XD already has the rajin cajun in it, which is generally the go-to swap so i'll leave that as is...


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Post subject: Re: Superchamp XD clean channel Q
Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2012 3:38 pm
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barncat wrote:
thanks for the link to the helpful tube overview. for 15 bucks, i figured it's worth trying a Tung Sol, so one is on the way. it may just be inherent in this low watt amp that you can't get a lot of volume and stay really clean simultaneously...

as mentioned, this XD already has the rajin cajun in it, which is generally the go-to swap so i'll leave that as is...


The WGS speaker I was looking at is their version of the Ragin Cajun, a speaker liked by many for these super champ amps.

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I have some Fender gear.
(Telecaster, Jaguar, Villager 12 String. Mustang l, Bronco, SCX2, Rumble 350, HRDIII, Rumble 2x8 Neo Cab)
http://www.reverbnation.com/modwiz


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Post subject: Re: Superchamp XD clean channel Q
Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2012 1:57 pm
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a friend helped me diagnose a blown 6v6 tube today. should have been obvious i suppose but with the smoked glass in daylight i didn't notice it, plus i'm new to tube amps... a new set will get it back up to speed, and the existing speaker is ok fortunately.


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