times come to reglass the power section on my vb-2. I know it has el34's but I read somewhere that KT88 will get a higher volume before they distort. Is it possible to replace el34's with kt88's? Will KT88 get me more power then the el34's make?
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Retubing VB-2
- Thread starter RTO
- Start date
No, you have 6 El34's 
Also, I really don't think that circuit can support the demands of the kt88. I think they also have a different pinout than El34's.
Also, I really don't think that circuit can support the demands of the kt88. I think they also have a different pinout than El34's.
I seen that JJ has the new EL-34L's now.. I guess they are more full range from the reviews I have seen, they will prolly work in there but it may take a rebias
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
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- John K Custom Basses
No, you have 6 El34's
they have the same pinouts but 6550/KT88's pull alot more filament current that EL34's.
they would also require to be rebiased and possibly modify the bias circuit's voltage (they take a higher bias voltage).
Wow, even when I'm not asking you, you quickly answer every tube question I'll ever have. Hats off to you, John.
Not too mention that this amp was designed around the EL-34's which i believe is a GOOD thing... Only thing 6550's and KT-88's will do is make the amp sound less tubey.
EL-34's are more harmonically rich so they sound like they produce more mids.
If i were to retube I would like to try the EL-34L's if they work... I would stay with JJ's...
I admit that I TOTALLY love the sound of this amplifier.
EL-34's are more harmonically rich so they sound like they produce more mids.
If i were to retube I would like to try the EL-34L's if they work... I would stay with JJ's...
I admit that I TOTALLY love the sound of this amplifier.
It sounds pretty awesome. I'd love to have one someday. What I really want to learn more about is Peavey's implementation of SMPS, and how it could possibly be applied to other tube circuits.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,636
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- John K Custom Basses
Krügmeister;8771393 said:
i wouldn't say 'less tubey', i would just say 'voiced differently'. 6550's and KT88's sound very 'tubey'. Sunn used 6550's and KT88's in their 200s and 2000s, and they are VERY tubey sounding amps (as well as vintage SVT's).
...You are correct Sir.
I cannot believe the size of the transformers on the VB-2's they are mammoths, if anything it seems to be a tad overbuilt in some areas.. which would fit the typical "Peavey Tank Division" standard.
I cannot believe the size of the transformers on the VB-2's they are mammoths, if anything it seems to be a tad overbuilt in some areas.. which would fit the typical "Peavey Tank Division" standard.
The SMPS is in the VB-3 Amp ... the VB-2 is plain old iron .... but it is am interesting topic !!!
