VVR in a "beefed up" 5E3 Tweed Deluxe (FINISHED)

[doveman]

No it sounds good. I think the tone is unaffected. The VVR can dial the amp down to nothing and still have the same tone. The grid leak solution that Dana includes in his instructions solves the grid leak issue. Although Dana may have a cleaner way of doing it, I did my best to interpret and keep it clean. I'm using the 3 resisitors and 3 caps that Dana suggested in his instructions.

The caps match the choices I made in the preamp (.022uf) and phase inverter (.047uf) ... those preamp/PI cap changes were not related to the VVR and are more about relieving the heavy bass that comes with the stock .1uf caps all around. Dana's instructions don't prescribe the cap values.

[doveman]

Finally played the Supra-Luxe at live volumes today. Jam session ... starting a new band. I played the amp through a 2x12 (Scumback/G1265) open back cab. Settings V1=0, V2=9, T=9, VVR-70%. Dialed off easily keeping the same tones. Dialing the VVR off to about 50% and micing through the PA was great too. Handled pedals really well ... used a TS9, Xotic RC and BB ... all nice tones. I think I would need to put the 12AX7 back in to run my style without the pedals, but the RC is a clean boost and worked really well for the extra edge with the original JJ 12AT7.

Nice Richter head ... perfect for a band I think. I liked the coverage I could get with my Brown Note and the Richter.

[ettepostkonto]

What's the difference between a variac and the VVR - don't they do the same thing?

[Colossal]

What's the difference between a variac and the VVR - don't they do the same thing?

Not quite. A variac starves the AC coming INTO the amp and as a consequence the secondary AC and DC voltages on the other side of the PT. With a VVR, you are regulating rectified DC only. The Mains AC input to the amp as well as AC secondary voltages stay the same.

[ettepostkonto]

What's the difference between a variac and the VVR - don't they do the same thing?

Not quite. A variac starves the AC coming INTO the amp and as a consequence the secondary AC and DC voltages on the other side of the PT. With a VVR, you are regulating rectified DC only. The Mains AC input to the amp as well as AC secondary voltages stay the same.

OK - but isn't the end result kind of the same: Lower voltage into the amp circuit...?

I mean - the sound and feel of a variac and VVR must be similar, right?

I'm asking since I'm thinking of getting a 5E3 and wonder wether I should go with a variac (which I can use with my other amps) or install VVR.

[TheGimp]

One downside of the variac is you are varying the tube filament/heater voltage as well as B+ / HT.

Adjusting the filament/heater voltage beyond +/-5% is not a good idea.

[ettepostkonto]

One downside of the variac is you are varying the tube filament/heater voltage as well as B+ / HT.

Adjusting the filament/heater voltage beyond +/-5% is not a good idea.

Shit, I don't know enough about these things - that much is clear!

So what you're saying is that VVR is better for any amp than going with a variac...?

[doveman]

The VVR is like ~$35 + a couple of caps ... so pretty cheap to install. Mine is in a 30w 6L6 version and the clips are on another thread here. I think it works pretty well in stock 5E3 models too. Dana is here, as well to answer VVR questions ... he helped me.

Here's a thread with link to clip ... more clips available on my youtube site below if interested in how it sounds.

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=

I could not be happier with it.

[Richie]

nice clips great vocals from the girls!

[Colossal]

Another great thing about a VVR is that you can choose to regulate any or all B+ nodes in the amp. If you have an amp prototype layout, you can have a VVR for each node if you wanted to be able to dial in voltage on any stage to taste.

+1 about not wanting to vary voltages on the heaters! Very good point.

[doveman]

nice clips great vocals from the girls!

I think so too ... in all fairness ... the only clips that are the tweed are in the playlist of that amp. All of the rest of the clips (including the ones with the girl singers) are the Brown Note D'Lite 22/33 running a couple of 6L6 tubes and an EVM12L.

I like that amp too.