New Tubes needed for Traynor Amp

[jmcorey]

Hey all,

I scored a Traynor YCV40-WR. I love it!

However, it is a bit poppy and scratchy when it just comes on, and is a bit shriller than the one I tries in the local music store.

What would you all recommend for that amp? Uses 12AX7's and 6L6GC's, 5881's will also work as power tubes.

Thanks.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: New Tubes needed for Traynor Amp

so... you want it to sound like a stock one?

or different?

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: New Tubes needed for Traynor Amp

I was wondering what types of tubes that I could stick in my YCV40 a little while ago, so I emailed Traynor. 6L6GC, 5881, and you can also use EL-34s if you want. You just have to swap a single resistor . . .

Hi Steven. While it is safe to install EL34s in a YCV40, the bias point needs to be adjusted to optimize it for the EL34s. The power transformers can handle the extra filament current of the EL34s since this was a consideration in the original design. The 6L6 family of tubes wants to see more negative bias voltage than the EL34 tubes. If the EL34s are substituted without bias change there will be more crossover distortion. The negative bias can be turned down by changing the value of R78 from 39K to 22K however you won't want to plug in 6L6s after making this mod since they will be biased very hot and will have a shortened lifespan. I would recommend running EL34s for anybody that is always using an extension cabinet since the EL34s have a slightly lower output impedance as well as putting out a little more power.
Thank you for your enquiry
Mike

 

[jmcorey]

Re: New Tubes needed for Traynor Amp

Sweet!

My amp is a bit brighter, on the shrill side, with the present set-up right now. It has sovtek tubes in it. The distortion is very warm and good. I'd like to still have vintage output (I don't need it louder, by any means) but maybe a bit more harmonically complex. I'd still like to try using the 6L6 type.

Is there any difference between the 6L6 and the 5881?