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Trace Elliot VA400 Stack
- Thread starter AnTz0r
- Start date
I own a TE Hexa Valve 400watt all tube head, and it runs my EA VL210 perfectly. Is this pretty much the same amp as the VA400?
Thats not a bad idea. Maybe someone with more knowledge could give some advice.romeoarmada said:
Peace
Nick
well that is a very argumented replyterraplane said:
how many watts does the blacklight need to be?
by the way, i quote from the V8 manual:
"However, it is ok to drive slightly higher value loads, ie driving an 8 ohm cab with the 4 ohm setting, without too much perceived loss in power transfer."
This seems contradictory with earlier posts. Is there a difference between the V-type heads and my VA400?
http://www.trace-elliot.com/manuals/V8.pdf
"However, it is ok to drive slightly higher value loads, ie driving an 8 ohm cab with the 4 ohm setting, without too much perceived loss in power transfer."
This seems contradictory with earlier posts. Is there a difference between the V-type heads and my VA400?
http://www.trace-elliot.com/manuals/V8.pdf
terraplane said:
I'm interested in which Trace Elliot amp models and cabinets you've played through that led you to that bold conclusion?
If my memory serves me the blacklight is 15 watts in my AH600SMX. I would imagine that your VA400 would be about the same.
i got me one of those some hours ago, think it should work.
i will install it tomorrow if i can figure out how to get the cover away.
the head seems impenetrable
i will install it tomorrow if i can figure out how to get the cover away.
the head seems impenetrable
AnTz0r said:
Higher impedance loads cause increased power in tube amps; that's what damages them. As a general rule, a 100% mismatch either way is OK, but not desirable, especially with a bass amp. Their definition of "slight" mismatch is wrong. Biasing the amp more conservatively lessens inductive voltage effect if the secondary (speaker) load is too high, but it's still there, and the result is a net INCREASE, not decrease in power. The manual is misleading.
psycho, how do i install the bulb?
and can i go to rehearsal with itwith a safe heart? or will it blow when i turn up volume?
and what exactly is biasing?
and can i go to rehearsal with itwith a safe heart? or will it blow when i turn up volume?
and what exactly is biasing?
You don't need the bulb to play. It's purely for looks only. It does look cool, though. I think you have to take the amp apart to install the bulb, although it's been awhile since I looked at mine and I'm not sure. I'll check and let you know.
Bias is negative voltage applied to secondary grid of the output tubes which limits their emission. The higher it is, the less power the tubes put out.
Bias is negative voltage applied to secondary grid of the output tubes which limits their emission. The higher it is, the less power the tubes put out.
OK, i have had it for a week now, here's my experiences with it.
-About the sound
At home i find i have to be very careful with the Tube pre. It gives you a very noisey, trebly sound. I use the GP12 more, with pre and graphic both on. Very nice sound, very low. I do notice that my D and G strings dont come through as much. I will try to EQ this right later.
Yesterday we had band practice. I used the VA400 with the Ampeg 8x10 in rehearsal room. I used same EQ setting as at home, but i turn the tube more, and it really cuts through the guitar players. Great sound, MUCH better than the SVT Solidstate amp that's there. and MUCH louder.
-phisical condition
At home,i noticed that the knob of the tweeter attenuator was broken. I can pull it, and rotate, but i can push it in and it doesnt have grip on the pot. Maybe i can change the pot completely to fix this. I need to measure up resistance too, just to be sure.
The cab is otherwise in reasonable condition. It works, and will probably keep working for 15 more years
I noticed that the amp easily overloads when im not careful: one powerful stroke and i hear it clipping immediatly... I dont know if this is normal.
The amp is better story, EVERYTHING works ok. I think i go remove some dust next weekend and check on the insides, replace the blacklight bulb.
Questions:
-Could you explane the bias story in normal English?
-To replace light and inside, i need to remove the 8 screws on the bottom side of the casing, and slide the amp section out?
-How do you EQ your amp, how much tube do you use compared to Solidstate?
-When i play at a volume to suit drummer's playing, or lower volume, is the 8/4ohm thing dangerous?
I mailed TE for a manual, but it will cost $10+shipping, cause they only have it in hardcopy. Do you still have a manual for it?
Thanx, hope this will help later for someone else
-About the sound
At home i find i have to be very careful with the Tube pre. It gives you a very noisey, trebly sound. I use the GP12 more, with pre and graphic both on. Very nice sound, very low. I do notice that my D and G strings dont come through as much. I will try to EQ this right later.
Yesterday we had band practice. I used the VA400 with the Ampeg 8x10 in rehearsal room. I used same EQ setting as at home, but i turn the tube more, and it really cuts through the guitar players. Great sound, MUCH better than the SVT Solidstate amp that's there. and MUCH louder.
-phisical condition
At home,i noticed that the knob of the tweeter attenuator was broken. I can pull it, and rotate, but i can push it in and it doesnt have grip on the pot. Maybe i can change the pot completely to fix this. I need to measure up resistance too, just to be sure.
The cab is otherwise in reasonable condition. It works, and will probably keep working for 15 more years
I noticed that the amp easily overloads when im not careful: one powerful stroke and i hear it clipping immediatly... I dont know if this is normal.
The amp is better story, EVERYTHING works ok. I think i go remove some dust next weekend and check on the insides, replace the blacklight bulb.
Questions:
-Could you explane the bias story in normal English?
-To replace light and inside, i need to remove the 8 screws on the bottom side of the casing, and slide the amp section out?
-How do you EQ your amp, how much tube do you use compared to Solidstate?
-When i play at a volume to suit drummer's playing, or lower volume, is the 8/4ohm thing dangerous?
I mailed TE for a manual, but it will cost $10+shipping, cause they only have it in hardcopy. Do you still have a manual for it?
Thanx, hope this will help later for someone else
Do you realize that this all happened NINE YEARS AGO. It's doubtful whether the OP still even has the amp.
