Need Help - Changing Power Tube Type

[moog1000]

I need some advice guys.

I've found that my Soldano works best when I'm not hammering the power tubes. I get the best tone with the master set to half-way and adjusting the gain to suit. Trouble is, the amps only 50 watts and I don't think it'll stand up to a loud drummer.

I propose taking it to an amp tech and changing the power tubes, but I know nothing about other power tube types.

Anyone have experience with the KT-66/88/90's? What effect would these have in my amp? Would they offer more headroom?

Please help!!!!!

 

[Stratman]

Re: Need Help - Changing Power Tube Type

Lot's of experience with KT-66 tubes...

You need to check the available space between tubes as well as the current carrying availability of the power transformer, since the heater current draw for a KT-66 is higher than most tubes. (1.3A verses 0.9A times the number of power tubes, plus the number of preamp tubes @ 0.9A)

Another item is you will need a 5W 100 ohm resistor to stop oscillation between the power tubes, something (Problem) KT-66's are prone to have.

The swap between the tubes is nothing more than capacitors and resistors... BUT, you will still need to match the output of these tubes to your output transformer.

Finally your tone will change!

 

[Mojoe01]

Re: Need Help - Changing Power Tube Type

Stratman, any particular brand of KT-66 you'd recommend?

 

[some_dude]

Re: Need Help - Changing Power Tube Type

I need some advice guys.

Trouble is, the amps only 50 watts and I don't think it'll stand up to a loud drummer.

Mic it.

I need some advice guys.

I've found that my Soldano works best when I'm not hammering the power tubes. I get the best tone with the master set to half-way and adjusting the gain to suit.

I'd test it out with a drummer first. No sense in modding your amp if you haven't actually tried it out in a band yet. It may work out fine.

Are your power tubes new? Mine need to be replaced and they sound like mush. I've had to back off the output to keep my amp from crackling and farting. Time for me to splerg on a new set.....

 

[Stratman]

Re: Need Help - Changing Power Tube Type

Stratman, any particular brand of KT-66 you'd recommend?

GEC - the originals ($180 plus)