New build, Express a bit harsh

Express, Liverpool, Rocket, Dirty Little Monster, etc.

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Smokebreak
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Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2012 5:53 pm
Location: Texas

Re: New build, Express a bit harsh

Post by Smokebreak »

To update my high B+ Express, I can't seem to stop fiddling with it. Still running 440 on plates, but last night I switched out the PI 18K2 dropper to 27K, in an effort to get PI and preamp voltages to the specs listed on the voltage charts here. Kept the 9K1s and voltages from PI on down are right on now. The amp is WAY more responsive to the guitar volume control, and cleans up a lot nicer. It seems to have brought it to the other side of "out of control", too, but in a good way. It still roars but seems a bit more tameable, if that makes sense.
Technically speaking, what is going on with the amp by running power amp high B+, and everything else target B+? Anything I need to look out for?
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M Fowler
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Location: Walcott ND

Re: New build, Express a bit harsh

Post by M Fowler »

As long as the plate and screen voltages are not too high for your power tubes your good and your not at 440vdc.

Lower the preamp dropping string voltage should make the amp more managable and you can always tube roll for best performance.
Smokebreak
Posts: 1391
Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2012 5:53 pm
Location: Texas

clip

Post by Smokebreak »

Here's a clip of my Express :
http://snd.sc/11Txb5L
I put a 50K slope resistor in and it fattened it up nicely. Now I can use the bright switch. All controls at noon, pres at 3. 6V6 plates still at 440, preamp voltages on spec.
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M Fowler
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Location: Walcott ND

Re: New build, Express a bit harsh

Post by M Fowler »

Sounds really good.
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Colossal
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Re: New build, Express a bit harsh

Post by Colossal »

Yes it does! Very well done.
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