Traynor Custom Special Mod, need info.

[capnjim]

Hi there, so I am getting one of these awesome amps. I had one years ago and really liked it, but I sold it because it was lacking just a bit in power. I have read they can be modded into 200 watts using 6550's. The 6550's can be had on eBay for around 150-200$ for a new production quad.
Does any one have a scematic or even instructions on how to do the mod?
Anyone done it and been happy with it?
Thanks

 

[busmandan]

The info you seek is here:

Invalid Link Removed

 

[capnjim]

Thanks Busman, that does sound pretty easy. Do I need to install a bias pot? Or is there one there?
Thanks

 

[jastacey]

I'd try one of the new 6CA7's from JJ or EH ... the YBA-3 uses a different bias methodology, you'll have to rework it for 6550's bias requirement ... just get a good efficient cabinet and you;ll have plenty of volume .... I'd get the filter caps changed out first

 

[bassboysam]

Also keep in mind that the YBA-3 puts out it's max power at 8 ohms. So if possible avoid 4 ohm cabs, unless you have 2 4. Ohm cabs.

 

[capnjim]

Thanks..I do actually have better cabinets than the last time I owned one of these.
I'm using an Eden 210 XLT with an Aguilar GS115. It will give me a 4 ohm load, but I did read they are pretty good at most loads. I will be trying it before I do any mods. I suppose I should do a cap job as the first mod. It actually has newer tubes, groove tubes 6CA7's. I was planning on EH 6CA7's.
I'm picking it up Saturday...

 

[Thornton Davis]

I installed a new set of Electro-Harmonix 6CA7-EH power tubes in my YBA-3 last summer. Great tubes, identical to Phillips original 6CA7's that Traynor used.

TD

 

[BassmanPaul]

You are not going to get any significant increase in power by substituting 6550s. Sorry it doesn't work that way.

 

[KramerBassFan]

You are not going to get any significant increase in power by substituting 6550s. Sorry it doesn't work that way.

Beat me to it!

Its the power supply and transformers that really limit the output of an amp... if dropping 6550's or KT88's in an amp really boosted its power, why don't more people do it?

You can swap tubes all day, but you won't get 200w from an old 100w (IIRC, i've never worked on a Traynor) amp.

 

[Hellbastard]

Also keep in mind that the YBA-3 puts out it's max power at 8 ohms. So if possible avoid 4 ohm cabs, unless you have 2 4. Ohm cabs.

2x 4ohm cabs have a total impedance of 2ohm. unless you modify them to connect in series.

 

[BassmanPaul]

If any amp could be modified for more power it would be the old Traynors. The iron in those amps, made by Hammond, can take way more than what their ratings would suggest. However you would still need to get a higher B+ for any more output.

 

[BassmanPaul]

2x 4ohm cabs have a total impedance of 2ohm. unless you modify them to connect in series.

I think his point WAS to run them in series.

 

[Hellbastard]

Probably, but he didn't make it clear and some people might get confused because of that.

 

[KramerBassFan]

If any amp could be modified for more power it would be the old Traynors. The iron in those amps, made by Hammond, can take way more than what their ratings would suggest. However you would still need to get a higher B+ for any more output.

Yes, but that isn't exactly just dropping in different tubes.
That said, you certainly have been at this longer than i've been alive.

 

[bassboysam]

2x 4ohm cabs have a total impedance of 2ohm. unless you modify them to connect in series.

The YBA-3 speaker outputs are wired in series. Connecting a 4 ohm cab to the speaker out and another 4 ohm cab to the ext speaker out will result in an 8 ohm total load.

 

[capnjim]

My cabs are 8 ohms each. I was going to run them in parallel to give 4 ohms. (One speaker plugged into the other)
Seems to be fairly common with these beasts that by changing the bias and putting in 6550's will increase the power. The OT is massive.
Of course, I may leave it if its loud enough, which I suspect it will be with my new cabs.
I will try both speakers right from the amp which will be 16ohms. Not sure which will sound better.

 

[Hellbastard]

The YBA-3 speaker outputs are wired in series. Connecting a 4 ohm cab to the speaker out and another 4 ohm cab to the ext speaker out will result in an 8 ohm total load.

I wasn't aware of this. So does the YBA 3 Work like a Fender Bassman 135? which also has the speaker outputs wired in series and gives its total 135 watts into either 4 or 8 ohm loads? given that the OT uses a different tap for each of the loads.

 

[bassboysam]

I wasn't aware of this. So does the YBA 3 Work like a Fender Bassman 135? which also has the speaker outputs wired in series and gives its total 135 watts into either 4 or 8 ohm loads? given that the OT uses a different tap for each of the loads.

If I remember correctly the traynor puts out a little less power at 4 ohms. Max wattage is achieved at 8 ohms. Not much difference. If you go from an 8 ohm 4x10 to a 4 ohm 8x10. The 4 ohm load will still be much louder.

 

[Hellbastard]

If I remember correctly the traynor puts out a little less power at 4 ohms. Max wattage is achieved at 8 ohms. Not much difference. If you go from an 8 ohm 4x10 to a 4 ohm 8x10. The 4 ohm load will still be much louder.

Of course the 8x10 will be louder, but that's due to the SPL and the fact that you have way more speaker surface.. What I wanted to know is if the YBA 3 puts the same wattage at either 4 or 8 ohm

 

[bassboysam]

Of course the 8x10 will be louder, but that's due to the SPL and the fact that you have way more speaker surface.. What I wanted to know is if the YBA 3 puts the same wattage at either 4 or 8 ohm

I believe I answered that, but no it does not put out the same power. It has a little more power at 8 ohms, but I don't remember how much more.