Peavey VTM Amp

[angelodp]

Good points. I did not see any mention either, but was wondering if others had tried this amp with EL34's. The half power question was also looking at possible options. Do you have any suggestions on tubes or will any current production options do. I know very subjective, I do see tube sets at about $130.

[thetragichero]

i usually use jj 12ax7s because they're cheap and i like what somebody said on one of these forums that it should be a goal to make an amp build sounds good with jjs because then it should sound good with just about anything
I'm rather agnostic with power tubes and use whatever i can get a good deal on new or barely used on reverb. I've had fine results with jj or eh power tubes

[angelodp]

How about

4- JJ 6L6 GC

1- Sovtek 12ax7 LP - driver

3- JJ 12ax7

[SoulFetish]

The VTM series is basically a Marshall 2203 "clone" with some extra improvenents an the DIP switches introducing various typical modifications to the circuit (yes, one of them equivalent to that "Jose mod" with clipping diodes). I doubt rebuilding would make the amp any better, as it in practice is already improved from the extremely revered 2203. The only "issue" is that the amp was made by Peavey and not Marshall.

It's interesting.. To me, the VTM doesn't sound much like an 800 at all (I much prefer the sound of the VTM, if I were being honest). But you are correct. For the first 4 preamp stages, the amps are essentially the same. This leads me to wonder if the inclusion of the additional DC cathode follower, and slightly different operating point of the LTP in the VTM adds to the perceived compression and tighter sound in the overdrive. (there is also the slightly more global feedback in the VTM as well)

[SoulFetish]

If you wanted to permanently run the amp with 2 power tubes you could look at buying a replacement OT which is used in the VTM60, part #70500207.
The VTM 60 did use a different power transformer as well. So, if you wanted the amp to respond in the same way, you would probably need to drop the HT. Plus, if we wanted to split hairs, you might include some resistance in series with each leg of the HT windings before the bridge rectifier. I would use over spec'd aluminum power resistors mounted to the chassis.
Plus, one thing you want to check regardless, is the 10W blue resistor on the power board. It puts of a LOT of heat. While I rarely see it fail, it has caused some head damage and in some cases melted the plastic molex connector mounted right next to it. This will cause problems, so you want to look at it.

[angelodp]

Up and running. So I got JJ for all compliment of tubes and I am impressed with this amp. It has quite a variety of settings and sounds from loads of headroom, to British crunch to metal mayhem. Thanks for the heads up on this amp. I am gonna look for a lighter cab and keep the original cab for posterity. Kinda cool amp actually.