124 or 102 OT question

[Jhyatt2012]

I have a spare 100W plexi output transformer and am contemplating either a 102 HRM or a 124 build. Which is better for each, a fender or a Marshall OT? I've seen Marshall listed in the bom's for the 124 but have also read in some posts to use a fender twin.

[ToneMerc]

I have a spare 100W plexi output transformer and am contemplating either a 102 HRM or a 124 build. Which is better for each, a fender or a Marshall OT? I've seen Marshall listed in the bom's for the 124 but have also read in some posts to use a fender twin.

If you want to be original correct, then both 102 and 124 would have Fender Twin output iron. Now 183 has Marshall output iron and both 183 and 102 are high plate skyliner core topologies. There is no such amp called a 102 HRM, but you could build a high plate skyliner HRM version. Nevertheless, you can use whatever output iron you wish. I've built several quad 6V6 amps, whether they were skyliner, classic or skyliner HRM variations, everyone used Marshall 50W output iron.

TM

[Jhyatt2012]

I have a spare 100W plexi output transformer and am contemplating either a 102 HRM or a 124 build. Which is better for each, a fender or a Marshall OT? I've seen Marshall listed in the bom's for the 124 but have also read in some posts to use a fender twin.

If you want to be original correct, then both 102 and 124 would have Fender Twin output iron. Now 183 has Marshall output iron and both 183 and 102 are high plate skyliner core topologies. There is no such amp called a 102 HRM, but you could build a high plate skyliner HRM version. Nevertheless, you can use whatever output iron you wish. I've built several quad 6V6 amps, whether they were skyliner, classic or skyliner HRM variations, everyone used Marshall 50W output iron.

TM

Thanks ToneMerc. And thank you for the correction on the 102. In your opinion, do you think the Fender would have the better tone?

[ToneMerc]

Thanks ToneMerc. And thank you for the correction on the 102. In your opinion, do you think the Fender would have the better tone?

You are welcome, my first thoughts are to follow the path that the designer took and use Fender iron for a straight ahead 102 as documented. However, if maybe I was doing some type of HRM with EL34's then maybe I would choose the Marshall iron. In the context of guitar tone, the term " better" is only relevant to a particular person's point of reference. Thus, my "better" might be totally different from your own.

I wouldnt select a voicing just because I ran up on one type of output transformer, I would let my ear select a voicing and then procure the applicable components for it. Nevertheless, I believe you certainly don't have to be tethered to these documented recipes to build a decent amp. Since you are in control, take the circuit and season to your taste, in the end your happiness is what it's about.

IMHO; HRM's are tricky as they take some time to get it tuned and will usually give me fits. It's not my favorite voicing, but I think the 183 covers a bunch of ground if done correctly.

This is my driving style, your mileage may vary.

TM