Problem with the amp

[Lux84]

I noticed a problem with my Randall Diavlo 45 watt tube head. the thing is.. clean channel seems to be much louder than lead channel. somewhere in the 1/4 volume clean sounds equal to 1/2 if not more of lead volume. besides this everything it seems to be ok. could this be a valve issue ? my the first personal feel is that lead channel should be much much louder somewhere at 1/4 of master volume.. my other amp JCM 800 2204, also 50 watter on the same master volume is about twice as loud as Diavlo 45.. could this be a bad valve somewhere in lead channel position ? the valves are stock chinese rubys.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Problem with the amp

Take one good 12AX7 and install it into each preamp position, turning the amp off in between each change.

Make sure you're not overlooking something simple like the gain channel's volume, loop output, or noise gate, etc.

Is the gain channel weak with it's volume at 9 and gain at 3?

 

[Lux84]

Re: Problem with the amp

Those chinese rubys are known for high gain tubes. i haven't got any tube to replace right now at home. i'd be better to drive the amp into a serviceman, let him check out and balance the whole thing. the lead channel has two volume controls. one is master volume, and the other one just a volume. the amp itself has beautiful, strong cleans, the lead channel suits my genres of playing very well, but it could be more loud. also i am staying very careful about new tubes, those chinese rubys are known for high gain tubes, so i think i will ask serviceman about replacement. 45 watts of all tube should be much more loud. cleans are ok, but the lead channel is slowly getting somehow weaker and weaker with each day. i will have to invest in new tubes but as i said i am very careful about any replacements. gotta ask serviceman for advice. he's a metal guy, he should know more about it. i love the amp, it's got really tight, chunky sound, and enough gain for my styles of playing.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Problem with the amp

As suggested by Gearjonser, it's an easy thing to do to swap out the 12AX7 preamp tubes, one by one, to see if you have a bad tube. If you are stuck on using Ruby tubes, then pick up some replacement Ruby tubes that match the models of the ones that came in your amp.

Anyone that owns a tube amp should have spare tubes on hand. There is no reason why you should need a technician to check to see if a tube is bad or to swap pre-amp tubes. Just something to think about. Of course, it's your amp, your time, your money and your choice.

 

[Lux84]

Re: Problem with the amp

Ok, than i probably should try out some Electro Harmonics or Tung Sols 12AX7 in the preamp section. i'll do a bit of research on the net. but first i have to buy the tubes. to be honest i am too lazy to drive the amp to technician. i guess i'll try it by myself.