How far do amps need to be pushed for power tube distortion?

[Mincer]

Re: How far do amps need to be pushed for power tube distortion?

Fair Enough, but when Randall Smith puts SIX power tubes in an amp, obviously the last thing on his mind in power tube distortion.

I have a Blue Angel, and at 15 watts, only 2 6v6s are on, and at about 4 you start to hear them breakup. It is way loud though. Anything past 6 sounds ratty, so you can add in the EL84s too. Still that point is way too loud- no master volume on this amp!

 

[Zerberus]

Re: How far do amps need to be pushed for power tube distortion?

Its a 100 watt amp. 120 is marketing.

Sorry, you´re wrong. KT88s have a rated power output of 60-65 watts each. And the Savage 120 makes good use of them

 

[Kent S.]

Re: How far do amps need to be pushed for power tube distortion?

15 class A watts is almost too much for me! :laugh2:

Honestly, amps like ENGL's and Mesa's are designed for the power section NOT to distort, but just amplify the complex preamp gain.

The 15 watts of the class A section on the old simul-class mark III thru a mesa 4x12 was just unGODly loud, or at least so it seemed, the newer amps may indeed be different in the actual loudness department. I played thru a blue angel one time, and it did seem to get some nice tones, at reasonably loud volume,although high gain it wasn't (then again they weren't made for that), i guess you can smack the power tubes with as high a voltage as you want, and depending on the output transformer can get whatever output power you want per what ever range of output tube saturation.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: How far do amps need to be pushed for power tube distortion?

My amp runs through my cab at about 80w. That's too much for me to dime.

However, I get good tones with the master volume 1/4 up, and my individual masters set to even themselves out when channel switching.

I remember falling in love with the Triamp, it had tone of the Gods. I figured out why, I had it dimed in one of the testing rooms in GC.

I gotta see what can be done to cut my power in half. I'd like to play at most gigs diming a 40w amp.

 

[CsaRvoX]

Re: How far do amps need to be pushed for power tube distortion?

in my Twin Reverb I pull the master volume and crank it up to 8 keeping the preamp volume at very low volume levels between 2 & 3...in twin reverbs preamp volume controls the 7015,12AX7A and 12AT7 preamp tube levels and master volume controls the 6L6GC power tube levels...if I pull the master volume it gives extra saturation in power tubes...actually I think this is the same in all amps having a preamp and master volume knobs...

 

[Old seventies dude]

Re: How far do amps need to be pushed for power tube distortion?

A couple of ways spring to mind 1. look around for a powersoak made by Tom Schultz it will allow you to load the amp without damage to your ears another unit known as a powerbrake is sold by Marshall. 2. Both of the above will cost you if you have an electronics store ask them about a variac or knob controlled current regulator this will enable you to adjust the wattage of your amp (lower) in order to achieve saturation at any volume.

Good luck and remember always be safe around electricity!!!!

 

[Jono_L]

Re: How far do amps need to be pushed for power tube distortion?

Around 3-5 on my LC15R. Which is TOO loud for appartment use already

 

[Burkwieser]

Re: How far do amps need to be pushed for power tube distortion?

I set my preamp volume at 3/4 and my 50 watt amp volume at 3/8. I use my Intellifex to tame the preamp input output volume. That way I can still get the preamp tubes cooking. :burnout: The trick for me is the balancing act between the Itellifex and amp volume, so that I get a good clearity and mix. Even a 50 watt amp is so dang loud. I can't imagine 100 watts unless you are pushing some serious cabs. Haha!!