MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
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MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
I've been kicking around the idea of doing a MM power section for awhile now, most likely a 100 watter. 
Some of the more discrete information surrounding the MM Dumbles is rather limited, but awhile back Tony gave me a some good insight on how to proceed which was a big help. I can obtain transformers that will work and the additional support parts are very small, with the cost difference being no more than maybe $115 or so over a traditional power section.
So the questions of the day are, is there enough tangible sonic difference of the MM supply over a traditional PS and which circuit topologies would be more favorable to a MM supply?
TM
			
			
									
									
						Some of the more discrete information surrounding the MM Dumbles is rather limited, but awhile back Tony gave me a some good insight on how to proceed which was a big help. I can obtain transformers that will work and the additional support parts are very small, with the cost difference being no more than maybe $115 or so over a traditional power section.
So the questions of the day are, is there enough tangible sonic difference of the MM supply over a traditional PS and which circuit topologies would be more favorable to a MM supply?
TM
- David Root
 - Posts: 3540
 - Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 3:00 pm
 - Location: Chilliwack BC
 
Re: MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
It's on my list too, but not in the immediate future. I recall, I think it was Bob-I (could be wrong) said it has "midrange you can stick your head into" which intrigued me. This would likely be a 100W-based comment I think!
I do have a 700V plate project on my current list, however it's a 300W SSS using a NOS Fender 300 PS OT and an Antek 4T500 toroidal PT with a second PT for the preamp tubes and the screen supply.
			
			
									
									
						I do have a 700V plate project on my current list, however it's a 300W SSS using a NOS Fender 300 PS OT and an Antek 4T500 toroidal PT with a second PT for the preamp tubes and the screen supply.
Re: MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
Maybe Brandon, not me, but I played Brandon's amp and I'll agree with that statement.David Root wrote:It's on my list too, but not in the immediate future. I recall, I think it was Bob-I (could be wrong) said it has "midrange you can stick your head into" which intrigued me. This would likely be a 100W-based comment I think!
That's a project that could end a career fast "WHAT... SPEAK UP"I do have a 700V plate project on my current list, however it's a 300W SSS using a NOS Fender 300 PS OT and an Antek 4T500 toroidal PT with a second PT for the preamp tubes and the screen supply.
I have a similar project in the planning stages, a Peavey Mace, 6 - 6L6's although it's only at 490V place and 475 screen. The damn thing works too, came with 2 blown EVM12Ls. I reconed one myself, just waiting on the time to do the second.
I
d love to hear more about you SSS plans, could be really cool amps, especally in the bars where your constantly told to turn down, wait till the owner walks away, then deafen him with the biggest clewanist guitar tone in history
Re: MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
So what are the advantages of using the MM iron?
I know that it is much higher plate voltage but what is the advantage of that?
More clean headroom?
			
			
									
									I know that it is much higher plate voltage but what is the advantage of that?
More clean headroom?
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
						Don't let that smoke out!
Re: MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
The main differences I hear are the throaty midrange.. The 700v also magnify s such qualities as touch sensitivity/ sustain when pushed (output section)..The low end seems to be a little hairy-er and not quite as stiff.. (This could just be my tube choice) and a bit more headroom (Though not as much as you think)..The MM iron has a kind of unique bark/snarl to it that appeals to me..The standard iron has these qualities but the MM just shoves them a little closer to your face.. I can't say for certain if players here would consider it a worthwhile upgrade (Taste and value in money and all) I can say I doubt seriously after you get it built you would be saying man that was a waste..Good Luck!!
Tony
			
			
									
									Tony
Bob.. How did the re cones go on the EV's have a couple here am looking to do and wondering if it's worth it..any advice.. ThanksI have a similar project in the planning stages, a Peavey Mace, 6 - 6L6's although it's only at 490V place and 475 screen. The damn thing works too, came with 2 blown EVM12Ls. I reconed one myself, just waiting on the time to do the second.
" The psychics on my bench is the same as Dumble'"
						Re: MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
I've only reconed one so far, but it went just fine. It's about a 30 minute job and the instructions are very good. The new cone isn't quite broken in yet but so far it sounds really good.talbany wrote: Bob.. How did the re cones go on the EV's have a couple here am looking to do and wondering if it's worth it..any advice.. Thanks
Re: MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
Thanks Bob, the kits do take the guess work out of determining coil depth.talbany wrote:Bob.. How did the re cones go on the EV's have a couple here am looking to do and wondering if it's worth it..any advice.. ThanksI have a similar project in the planning stages, a Peavey Mace, 6 - 6L6's although it's only at 490V place and 475 screen. The damn thing works too, came with 2 blown EVM12Ls. I reconed one myself, just waiting on the time to do the second.
					Last edited by BobW on Wed Jul 07, 2010 6:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
									
			
									
						Re: MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
BobBob-I wrote:I've only reconed one so far, but it went just fine. It's about a 30 minute job and the instructions are very good. The new cone isn't quite broken in yet but so far it sounds really good.talbany wrote: Bob.. How did the re cones go on the EV's have a couple here am looking to do and wondering if it's worth it..any advice.. Thanks
Thanks.. Got a link for the kits.. I think I'll give it a shot..
Tony
" The psychics on my bench is the same as Dumble'"
						Re: MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
" The psychics on my bench is the same as Dumble'"
						- David Root
 - Posts: 3540
 - Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 3:00 pm
 - Location: Chilliwack BC
 
Re: MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
I know Mojotone sells the Music Man 120W iron, and I think they are Heyboer product.
Any other sources?
			
			
									
									
						Any other sources?
Re: MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
It is Heyboer; I contacted Heyboer about making me a MM PT with Twin footprint, in the email chain I received a reply back from a salesperson at Mojo with an off the shelf model that they stock. Initially, I had worked up my own PT design, but then I got to thinking why reinvent the wheel. I will have Heyboer make a OT tranny though.David Root wrote:I know Mojotone sells the Music Man 120W iron, and I think they are Heyboer product.
Any other sources?
Mercury sells the 130W OT I believe, but I don't think they sell the type 2 130W PT. I never verified it with them though, I may check just for grins.
TM
Re: MusicMan Power Topology..........worth it?
Tony, any idea what attributes this with the MM iron?talbany wrote:The MM iron has a kind of unique bark/snarl to it that appeals to me.
Inductance, steel type, lamination types, core size, etc.........
TM