SVTVR The Heyboer OT Transplant

JOE EDO · #1 03-25-2012, 07:31 PM

Well, it's done! In a nutshell this is the most significant return on investment I've ever experienced with a gear/componet upgrade ever in my 49 years. George at Metropoulos Amplification is nothing short of a genius and a real gentleman to work with. The depth and headroom on the amp is incrediable. This thing would poop out and become all distortion at 11 O'clock with the old OT. Now it goes into a sweet SVT overdirive that I've always wanted but only have had to listen to in the past on recordings (think Adam Clayton -Bullet in the Blue Sky bassline.) Thick meaty in yo face tone. This is an SVT!!!
Shout out to Cris (BASSOBALLS) who was my mentor in helping to get me through this project. Hodgy at Ampeg also for his support and guidance.

Below is a quick tutorial of the install that took about 2 hours today. Note that if you take on a project such as tearing into a tube amp you better have a clue as voltages inside these things are deadly.

The patient: Korean SVT VR preped for surgery

Underside board that needs to come off..

OT wiring!

Start unplugging jumpers and cutting zip ties..

Remove all the hex nuts/screws on the back panel..

We have access!!

Pull off the OT leads and unbolt the OT..

Feed the leads through the gromet and Out it all goes...

Spot the quality product...

Unbolt the brackets from the old OT and install on new OT

Bolt in the new tranny feed the leads through

Plug in the leads

Reassemble board to chassis ..getting those little bias lights lined up took some time f...

Zip tie everything nice and neat...

Back in the amp box.. install the good stuff ..fire up..re bias/ balance

Coolest kid on the block...SVTVR with the 1969 sound NAILED!!!

oinkbanana · #2 03-25-2012, 07:43 PM

awesome job.!
I had to open mine up a few weeks ago to straighten the brackets. two of the pressed nuts on the brackets had ripped right out, seemed like a weak spot, so I ripped out the other six and just went with 8 new bolts and some locking nuts.

how much did the Heyboer transformers set you back?

what do you plan on doing with the ampeg ones?

do you find the tonal difference greater in changing the transformers then in changing the tubes?

JimmyM · #3 03-25-2012, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOE EDO

Coolest kid on the block...SVTVR with the 1969 sound NAILED!!!

Awesome cute pic! That's pretty wild that it made that much difference. I don't suppose you did any before/after recordings, did you? Not that you could necessarily tell from them, but I think it would be fun to hear and compare. But if it's that noticeable, maybe I will spring for the upgrade after all when I get a Heritage CL.

JOE EDO · #4 03-25-2012, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oinkbanana

awesome job.!
I had to open mine up a few weeks ago to straighten the brackets. two of the pressed nuts on the brackets had ripped right out, seemed like a weak spot, so I ripped out the other six and just went with 8 new bolts and some locking nuts.

how much did the Heyboer transformers set you back?

what do you plan on doing with the ampeg ones?

do you find the tonal difference greater in changing the transformers then in changing the tubes?

Mine out the door was just under $300.00.

The old Ampeg transformer will be put in the TB classfieds shortly. PM if you want first cut at it.

The transformer change made more of a difference in the VR than $700.00 worth of GE 6550A's. I believe the combo of the Heyboer and GE's is a match made in heaven.

JOE EDO · #5 03-25-2012, 08:31 PM

Jimmy, ahh the smile on the little guys face tells it all. I plan on having another OT done for my Heritage CL too. Just have to let the bank account recover a bit. I'll be sure to get a bit more scientific on this next one. I really believe that the OT and the power tube combo is super important in the tonal equasion. Going to be interesting to see how the JJ 6550's react to the upgrade. If you're ever passing through upstate NY (Turning Stone Casino) give me a heads up, as I would be happy to supply your backline.

beans-on-toast · #6 03-25-2012, 08:35 PM

Kudos. It's great to see people experimenting with their amps and taking on projects like this.

That price is not a lot to pay for such a dramatic upgrade in tone. Your quarterback seems to agree!

Bassoballs · #7 03-25-2012, 08:51 PM

Great job Joe! I'm very pleased that you are happy with the OT upgrade.

JimmyM · #8 03-25-2012, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOE EDO

Jimmy, ahh the smile on the little guys face tells it all. I plan on having another OT done for my Heritage CL too. Just have to let the bank account recover a bit. I'll be sure to get a bit more scientific on this next one. I really believe that the OT and the power tube combo is super important in the tonal equasion. Going to be interesting to see how the JJ 6550's react to the upgrade. If you're ever passing through upstate NY (Turning Stone Casino) give me a heads up, as I would be happy to supply your backline.

Dang, played there last year. They have a house SVT-CL/810e but sure wish we were booked there this year because I'd take you up on it for sure! Thanks for the offer, Joe.

oinkbanana · #9 03-25-2012, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOE EDO

Mine out the door was just under $300.00.

considering you can sell it for at least 100$... it's a good price for an upgrade.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOE EDO

The old Ampeg transformer will be put in the TB classfieds shortly. PM if you want first cut at it.

if anything i've been looking into changing mine to Heyboer's too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOE EDO

The transformer change made more of a difference in the VR than $700.00 worth of GE 6550A's. I believe the combo of the Heyboer and GE's is a match made in heaven.

if you ever put some less $$ tubes in there, do let us know how those go as well.

had you considered changing the power transformer too?

and did the Heyboer transformer come with the leads already grouped (with the plastic connectors)? simple plug swaps?

JimmyM · #10 03-25-2012, 10:02 PM

We discussed the PT in another thread, and was told it won't make a tonal difference.

hodgy · #11 03-25-2012, 10:37 PM

Looks like you did OK! Lining up the LEDs in the back is definitely the hardest part.

Spencer! · #12 03-25-2012, 10:59 PM

Just as I've found with high-end mic preamps - the iron makes all the difference.

Does the Heyboer plug straight in? No need to change plate resistors or anything?

JimmyM · #13 03-25-2012, 11:21 PM

Ya, that looks really good. Have no complaints about the new stuff, though. The finishing on the bottom looks sort of rough but the transformers they use are quite good sounding. But it's hard to argue when so many folks find it a positive improvement. I just hate spending money

JOE EDO · #14 03-26-2012, 05:03 AM

did the Heyboer transformer come with the leads already grouped (with the plastic connectors)? simple plug swaps?

Yes, simple plug and play. No other components were changed or needed to be. I would say that a good set of power tubes is an important factor in getting the most out of this modification.

I also put both on a scale to see if the Heyb would add weight...Nope!

The only down side of this upgrade is that this amp rocks so hard a monophonic tube in the pre has been revealed. Replacing that tonight..

Bassoballs · #15 03-26-2012, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spencer!

Just as I've found with high-end mic preamps - the iron makes all the difference.

Does the Heyboer plug straight in? No need to change plate resistors or anything?

The OT sold through MetroAmp is a drop in replacement.

velvetgeorge · #16 03-26-2012, 03:13 PM

Glad you like that OT! As mentioned it is a drop in replacement, complete with the Molex connector. You do have to label the wires that connect to the main board, as they are not screened on the board.

I wasn't sure how many people would be interested in these, but will be happy to make more. None on the shelf right now and about 3 weeks lead time.

Joe, you're post is an excellent how-to step by step procedure tutorial.

George

christw · #17 03-26-2012, 03:24 PM

Hah, I wish I tried this when I had my SVT-II and Genz 610. I bet I would've found bass nirvana a whole lot sooner.

Tim1 · #18 03-26-2012, 03:25 PM

So Joe, I see in your profile you also have a Heritage CL. How do you compare the modded VR and the Heritage? Come to that, how on earth will you choose between the two to decide which one to take on a gig?

JOE EDO · #19 03-26-2012, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim1

So Joe, I see in your profile you also have a Heritage CL. How do you compare the modded VR and the Heritage? Come to that, how on earth will you choose between the two to decide which one to take on a gig?

Easy choice now.....and I always did like the preamp in the VR a bit more. However, be here for transplant part 2, when I get another Heyboer and do an install in the Heritage.....the fur is going to fly! This is the most fun I've had with my clothes on in years!

Buster Brown · #20 03-26-2012, 04:17 PM

Yeah!!!!! I'm curious about the Heritage, too (for obvious reasons) so please keep us informed!!