Multiple high power taps?

[bandade]

Hi I am new to the forum. I have began and am moving quite quickly on a 50 or so watt D-style clone. This is my second amp build, my first being an 18 watt lite amp. I bought a 50-60 watt 4, 8, and 16 ohm Classic Tone OT and a 40-50 watt tweed Bassman style Classic Tone PT. The PT has high voltage taps of 710V or 610V both at 200ma. The folks at Magnetic Components said I could use either or both. Can I use a SPDT switch to switch between them for 40 or 50 watts? I know i will need to re-bias when i throw the switch.

I was planning on putting the switch between the PT and the rectifier diodes. Would this even be worth doing? Would the voltage difference make a difference in tone?

Thanks,
bandade

[Structo]

I don't think there will be a noticeable difference between 40 and 50 watts to warrant setting it up with a switch.

I would build it as a 50 watt amp. you could always run some JJ 6V6 for a different type of grind.

[ToneMerc]

I think there would be a world of difference in the way the amp would respond; the 355(710) tap will put you around 470-475V on plates under load and the 305(610) will put around 405-410V or so depending upon your line voltage.

Personally, I like the higher plate voltages. The 50's I've built all had around 460-470v on the plates.

TM

[M Fowler]

You can use the dual HV with a switch. I mounted mine close to the rectifier tube and in your case near the diode board.

See the attached layout of the Rockit using the dual HV switching.

Mark

[bandade]

Thanks for the insite guys! I decided to use a DPDT switch on the back panel to switch the voltages. I will likely post pictures of my final build in the forum when I am done in a couple weeks.

[M Fowler]

Bandade,

Report back with your findings and post, we all learn from these builds.

[bandade]

Hi folks, I finished my amp a few days ago and have been putting it through its paces. I figured I should let you all know that I did put a switch in the amp to switch between 40 and 50 watts. I have not cranked the amp yet but I can report that I do not hear much difference in terms of tone if any at all. I can tell that the 50 watt setting is marginally louder. I haven't decided if I am going to keep the switch on the chassis or make it something else.

I can also report that Classic Tone Transformers made by Magnetic Components sound INCREDIBLE! I havent heard much talk about these in any forums but this is the second amp I have built with them and I am extremely impressed. I used the 50-60 watt Bassman output transformer, the 40-50 watt bassman power transformer, and reverb driver. I have the 18 watt Marshall style transformers in my other amp and have just been super thrilled with the results.

Thanks

[Bob-I]

I can also report that Classic Tone Transformers made by Magnetic Components sound INCREDIBLE!
Thanks

I agree, they're the best deal in output xformers out there.

[mlp-mx6]

+1 on Magnetic Components outputs! I used their 4/8/16 Deluxe Reverb output on a 20W ODS and it is my main gigging amp now.