Switching amp power modes while playing?

[Gamera]

My Genz Benz El Diablo 60c can run in either 60 watt pentode mode or 30 watt triode mode. I haven't noticed a big difference between the two modes in terms of volume but each mode does have different tonal characteristics, the 30 watt mode being considerably darker. There's a switch on the rear of the amp that changes modes. My question is can I cause any damage to the amp or components by switching modes while I'm playing? I really know little about the technical guts of tube amps but for whatever reason I'm nervous about switching from 60 to 30 while the amp is hot and cooking. Typically I'll throw the amp in standby mode, then flip the switch, then turn it back on. But if it'd be safe to switch between modes while playing it could make for a cool effect thanks to the tonal differences. The manual doesn't mention anything about when it should be switched safely, just that it can be. Any insight appreciated.

 

[Rich_T]

Re: Switching amp power modes while playing?

Well, I know the Mesa roadking allows you to do this by footswitch, with different channels set at different power output levels, so I would imagine it is pretty harmelss.

 

[Simon_F]

Re: Switching amp power modes while playing?

My Silver Jubilee has a pentode/triode switch and there is nothing in the handbook that says you shouldn't switch modes with the amp turned on. I don't like the sound of its triode mode, but I have experimented switching back and forth and it doesn't seem to have done any harm!

 

[Gamera]

Re: Switching amp power modes while playing?

Thanks for the responses. It occurred to me that I keep reading about the helpful Genz Benz support folks that respond to their emails so I've fired off the ? to them as well. I'll let you know if I hear anything back from the source. Thanks again.