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Post subject: Champ X2 tube questions
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 4:47 pm
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So I am little confused, some say the X2 is a tube amp (at least on channel one). Others say it's not really a tube amp and that the tubes just power the amp model(s) on either channel, and you don't really drive the tubes first, they just amplify those models, including the channel one (blackface champ setting?). First of all, is that correct? And secondly, would a tube change really benefit the amp if all you are doing is amplifying amp models with the tubes in the first place? Appreciate any answers.


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Post subject: Re: Champ X2 tube questions
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 7:51 pm
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If you change the tubes to something other than stock Fender tubes installed by a Fender tech, it voids the warantee.

I think the tubes will make a difference however, since the power tube BIAS settings do seem to make a difference in how the amp sounds according to some posts on this board.

I am tempted myself to do a tube change to JJ's from Eurotubes as that is what I use in all of my tube amps, but for now I am standing pat with the stock Fender tubes, as it's tone is improving after some months of break in.

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Post subject: Re: Champ X2 tube questions
Posted: Thu May 23, 2013 6:00 am
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On the power tube side of the amp you need to get some volume going before you start hearing the difference between tube and SS. As the combination of the power supply and the tubes reach their "limit" rather then the harsh clipping you get from SS you get a much nicer "round", compression and bloom effect. I believe there is something going on with even harmonics on tubes as well, but am not enough of a geek to explain it.

The X2 cranked has some amazing tones, I really like it with Humbuckers or with the mid boost on my Strat turned up. If I switch over to my daughters Crate it just sounds like bad distortion when you hit the same volumes ( 20 watt Crate all solid state ).

-Harry


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Post subject: Re: Champ X2 tube questions
Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 6:18 am
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I think its ok to swap power tubes and Preamp tubes
Preamp tube will most likely give you a more audible difference

Go for some JJs or Svetlanas - its an inexpensive mod
Record the differences and see if its what you like to hear

Or maybe I didnt understand t\ question


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Post subject: Re: Champ X2 tube questions
Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 1:35 pm
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Tone is different for everyone, and that's the best part of a tube amp - you can swap tubes until you find the sound that is perfect for you. After much experimenting, my fave preamp 12AX7 tubes ar0e Tungsol. Next favourite is Svetlana. Both deliver a marked increase in gain, with crystal clear highs, lots of headroom and a wonderful spectrum of harmonics and tonal colors. I am still using the stock power tube (Fender branded selected Chinese), but plan to pop in a Tungsol soon, to see how it reacts to the Tungsol preamp tube. Lots of fun and surprising effect on the tone, for just a few bucks. I love these tube/digital hybrids. Best of both worlds IMHO.

Doc


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Post subject: Re: Champ X2 tube questions
Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 11:43 am
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Tubes will definitely make a difference. The warranty on tubes in Fender amps is only 9 months or so. So can you replace them without fear of voiding your warranty. 8)


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Post subject: Re: Champ X2 tube questions
Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 3:06 pm
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Oh no, no, the Fender warantee states you have to buy the same tubes from Fender, the same way they are marked on the original tubes, or you still void the warantee. Be careful.

If I decide to go out and change the tubes I expect the amp to no longer be under warantee. That is the way it is.

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Post subject: Re: Champ X2 tube questions
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 3:17 am
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[color=#00BF00][/color]

well, when I bought that amp I asked myself the same question,but after a short google quest, it was quickly clear:

no,the preamp is all modelling on probably both channels...the 12AX7 tube has nothing to do with the sound ....it has a different function...
perhaps channel 1 is voiced with solid state technology,,,

techs, who have seen the schematics,have confirmed that..sad but true! :( :(

olly


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Post subject: Re: Champ X2 tube questions
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 3:15 pm
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As I understand it, the 12ax7 is used as a 2nd stage preamp. The signal is handled in the first stage by the solid state with digital voicings provided by the DSP. The signal is then passed to the 12ax7, which adds tube gain and interfaces with the two 6v6 power tubes. This has the effect of providing classic tube sound and characteristics to a solid state amp.

You can hear a significant difference between the various 12ax7 brands in the amount of gain (which will have an effect on how the 6v6's are driven), headroom, point of breakup, musicality, harmonics, tone etc.

Doc


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Post subject: Re: Champ X2 tube questions
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 8:08 pm
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I look at it this way. You have a solid state/digital multi-effects foot pedal plugged into your amp with a 12ax7 as a gain stage, then onto the power tubes.


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Post subject: Re: Champ X2 tube questions
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 12:00 am
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...really,are you sure?

would be cool if Fender could bring a little light into darkness!

real gainstage or something else?


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Post subject: Re: Champ X2 tube questions
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 1:25 am
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A tech in another forum says this:

"Bill (of Billm Audio) says this over on the TDPRI site:

The 12AX7 in the SCXD is not any kind of preamp. All of the preamplification is done by an op amp and all of the tone shaping is done by the DSP. The first half of the 12AX7 amplifies from line level to the level needed by the phase inverter. The concertina PI in the SCXD, like the Princeton Reverb, has no gain, so the voltage sufficient to drive the output tubes comes from the previous stage"

So no 2. gain stage,I'm afraid... :(


Olly


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