anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
- Thread starter BloodRose
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AudioWonderland
New member
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
I have a set of el34's for mine. They firmed up/ reinforced the low end a little too much for my liking with my gear but they certainly doo reinforce the Marshall flavor with that amp
I have a set of el34's for mine. They firmed up/ reinforced the low end a little too much for my liking with my gear but they certainly doo reinforce the Marshall flavor with that amp
Tune-O-Matic
New member
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
Did it increase the headroom at all over the 6v6's. I have been contemplating a tube swap just to get a little more headroom out of my tweaker.
Did it increase the headroom at all over the 6v6's. I have been contemplating a tube swap just to get a little more headroom out of my tweaker.
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
I know you can use different tubes, but does the Tweaker have an internal bias pot or some sort of self biasing circuit? If not, the bigger bottles would be running pretty cold.
I wonder if that tech adjusted the amp so he could bias the EL-34's where they should be.
I know you can use different tubes, but does the Tweaker have an internal bias pot or some sort of self biasing circuit? If not, the bigger bottles would be running pretty cold.
I wonder if that tech adjusted the amp so he could bias the EL-34's where they should be.
Tune-O-Matic
New member
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
From what I have read, the Tweaker is cathode biased so it is self biasing.
From what I have read, the Tweaker is cathode biased so it is self biasing.
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
Now that they've been out there awhile, I should snag a cheap used one. I like the look because they pretty much match my Bogner cabs. Finding the perfect tube set for a Tweaker would be a fun undertaking. Those amps have a nice set of features for a simple amp.
Now that they've been out there awhile, I should snag a cheap used one. I like the look because they pretty much match my Bogner cabs. Finding the perfect tube set for a Tweaker would be a fun undertaking. Those amps have a nice set of features for a simple amp.
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
I think it would require some work plus I'm not sure the transformers would support it long term...I'd try to find out of the tranny will support the current draw of EL34's over 6V6's.
Also, FWIW...I don't think it'd be worth it in terms of tone but you might like it...
I think it would require some work plus I'm not sure the transformers would support it long term...I'd try to find out of the tranny will support the current draw of EL34's over 6V6's.
Also, FWIW...I don't think it'd be worth it in terms of tone but you might like it...
misterwhizzy
Well-known member
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
I'm sorry. I really don't get the point of this post. It might work, it might not. It might sound good, it might not. What exactly are you trying to say?
I'm sorry. I really don't get the point of this post. It might work, it might not. It might sound good, it might not. What exactly are you trying to say?
AudioWonderland
New member
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
Some. The max gain available certainly decreased a bit but not to the point it was an issue. Still plenty available.
Some. The max gain available certainly decreased a bit but not to the point it was an issue. Still plenty available.
AudioWonderland
New member
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
COrrect. The Tweaker 15 is cathode based. The larger versions are not however and would require some adjustments/rebiasing etc
COrrect. The Tweaker 15 is cathode based. The larger versions are not however and would require some adjustments/rebiasing etc
AudioWonderland
New member
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
The http://www.marshallforum.com/ and http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/ forums both have extensive threads on tube selections etc for the tweaker
The http://www.marshallforum.com/ and http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/ forums both have extensive threads on tube selections etc for the tweaker
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
That's funny because I didn't say any of that.
Let me try to clear things up a bit...
I said I don't know if it will work long term and here is why. Now, I don't have the exact numbers memorized but the 6V6's draw less than a half amp where the EL34's draw about an amp and a half...if you have 2 6V6's and go to 2 EL34's you can really tax the transformer and it might work long term (if the transformer is stout enough to handle the extra draw) but more than likely since the Tweaker is a budget amp that was designed to run a pair of 6V6's the tranny is NOT set up to be able to support the draw of a pair of EL34's. Now, even if the transformers won't support the extra draw of the EL34's the amp would run for a while...maybe minutes maybe days, maybe even longer but it would kill the transformer sooner or later and thats what I mean when I saw it might not work long term...
As for the tone I said that IMO it will not be worth it in terms of tone to make the change however the end user might disagree but I just don't personally see it making that much difference.
That clear enough for ya or do I need to start drawing pictures??
That's funny because I didn't say any of that.
Let me try to clear things up a bit...
I said I don't know if it will work long term and here is why. Now, I don't have the exact numbers memorized but the 6V6's draw less than a half amp where the EL34's draw about an amp and a half...if you have 2 6V6's and go to 2 EL34's you can really tax the transformer and it might work long term (if the transformer is stout enough to handle the extra draw) but more than likely since the Tweaker is a budget amp that was designed to run a pair of 6V6's the tranny is NOT set up to be able to support the draw of a pair of EL34's. Now, even if the transformers won't support the extra draw of the EL34's the amp would run for a while...maybe minutes maybe days, maybe even longer but it would kill the transformer sooner or later and thats what I mean when I saw it might not work long term...
As for the tone I said that IMO it will not be worth it in terms of tone to make the change however the end user might disagree but I just don't personally see it making that much difference.
That clear enough for ya or do I need to start drawing pictures??
F
Funkfingers
Guest
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
In my opinion, it is a bad idea to offer advice about amp mods WITHOUT the exact numbers. Look things up first.
In my opinion, it is a bad idea to offer advice about amp mods WITHOUT the standard safety warnings. I do not doubt that Bloodrose knows how to go about changing valves but some inexperienced person reading this might not.
Feel free to disagree with these opinions. No offence is intended.
In my opinion, it is a bad idea to offer advice about amp mods WITHOUT the exact numbers. Look things up first.
In my opinion, it is a bad idea to offer advice about amp mods WITHOUT the standard safety warnings. I do not doubt that Bloodrose knows how to go about changing valves but some inexperienced person reading this might not.
Feel free to disagree with these opinions. No offence is intended.
AudioWonderland
New member
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
Considering the Tweaker 15 (the name is a hint) was designed to use a variety tubes, encourages you to do so in the manual, and has years of real world field use at this point I think that there is little to worry about. If transformers were blowing it would be all over the net. I posted two different links above that have pages and pages of experiments and tests with various power tubes described and debated in detail. Give them a read and don't waste time drawing any pictures
Sounds like you have no experience with the amp or information on what has already gone done in the past with the amp. Give those links a read
Considering the Tweaker 15 (the name is a hint) was designed to use a variety tubes, encourages you to do so in the manual, and has years of real world field use at this point I think that there is little to worry about. If transformers were blowing it would be all over the net. I posted two different links above that have pages and pages of experiments and tests with various power tubes described and debated in detail. Give them a read and don't waste time drawing any pictures
Sounds like you have no experience with the amp or information on what has already gone done in the past with the amp. Give those links a read
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
Boys, please play nice.. We can all get along...
I did plug some in yest and am on the fence about it. It opened it up to my ears as far as it no longer has that EL84 "wooly" tone to me. Plus, to my ear (pls remember that Im about 80% deaf) there isnt as drastic of a change between some of the settings as there used to be. Im gonna give it some more time and my try dif pre amp tubes too. and will also do a back to back test before I really put up my verdict..
Boys, please play nice.. We can all get along...
I did plug some in yest and am on the fence about it. It opened it up to my ears as far as it no longer has that EL84 "wooly" tone to me. Plus, to my ear (pls remember that Im about 80% deaf) there isnt as drastic of a change between some of the settings as there used to be. Im gonna give it some more time and my try dif pre amp tubes too. and will also do a back to back test before I really put up my verdict..
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
I guess the big thing here is what TWeaker are we talking about...the 15, the 40, 88...which one??
I think that Bloodrose has the 15 but I am not sure...
The amp is called tweaker because it has all the preamp voicing switches...
I read the Tweaker 15 Manual on line and there is no mention that I saw of being able to put anything other than 6V6's in the amp so based on that I assume that Egnater intended 6V6's only...after all, being able to use several different tubes would be a selling point!
As for someone doing their own repairs and not knowing whats going on inside I know that BloodRose knows the score and would have someone else do the work...
On the subject of giving advise w/o numbers I get it and I was close on the numbers in my head but around here lately if you are off the slightest bit some ****** is gonna pop up and take you to town...I assumed that "it's not really safe IMO" would be enough for some guys...
I guess the big thing here is what TWeaker are we talking about...the 15, the 40, 88...which one??
I think that Bloodrose has the 15 but I am not sure...
The amp is called tweaker because it has all the preamp voicing switches...
I read the Tweaker 15 Manual on line and there is no mention that I saw of being able to put anything other than 6V6's in the amp so based on that I assume that Egnater intended 6V6's only...after all, being able to use several different tubes would be a selling point!
As for someone doing their own repairs and not knowing whats going on inside I know that BloodRose knows the score and would have someone else do the work...
On the subject of giving advise w/o numbers I get it and I was close on the numbers in my head but around here lately if you are off the slightest bit some ****** is gonna pop up and take you to town...I assumed that "it's not really safe IMO" would be enough for some guys...
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the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
I've seen you mention this more than once...if this is really the case then why do you obsess over such small things when dialing in tones???
I've seen you mention this more than once...if this is really the case then why do you obsess over such small things when dialing in tones???
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
Just called Egnater Tech Support (very nice guys BTW) they told me that since the amp is cathode biased that EL34's will run in the amp BUT they do NOT support it and warned me that the added current draw and extra heat the amp will produce that it can damage the amp...
Just called Egnater Tech Support (very nice guys BTW) they told me that since the amp is cathode biased that EL34's will run in the amp BUT they do NOT support it and warned me that the added current draw and extra heat the amp will produce that it can damage the amp...
trevorus
Modsterbator
Re: anyone tried el34s in a tweaker?
I didn't respond here, because I am unfamiliar with this amplifier. Just thought I would say as much. I'll do some research.
Edit: To clarify what is being discussed here, the heaters on an EL34 is 1.5 amps per tube. The heater draw on a 6V6GT is 0.45 per tube. This could tax the amp. Also, the bias range on a 6V6GT is around -19 volts by the data sheet sheets an an AB push-pull pair, with 285 volts on the anode. The Tweaker likely runs them a bit hotter, as most amps tend to do. This would be a bit far from the normal operating range of the EL34, but it could be done as long as your heater current was within spec of the power supply, and you modified the bias circuit to give the requisite voltage. If in doubt, a separate heater power supply could be installed.
I didn't respond here, because I am unfamiliar with this amplifier. Just thought I would say as much. I'll do some research.
Edit: To clarify what is being discussed here, the heaters on an EL34 is 1.5 amps per tube. The heater draw on a 6V6GT is 0.45 per tube. This could tax the amp. Also, the bias range on a 6V6GT is around -19 volts by the data sheet sheets an an AB push-pull pair, with 285 volts on the anode. The Tweaker likely runs them a bit hotter, as most amps tend to do. This would be a bit far from the normal operating range of the EL34, but it could be done as long as your heater current was within spec of the power supply, and you modified the bias circuit to give the requisite voltage. If in doubt, a separate heater power supply could be installed.
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