gain stage question

[tubeswell]

Bear in mind that the above graphs are for the DC load lines. The AC load lines will be rotated slightly clockwise (around the point where the bias touches the plate DC load line). As such the 'hotter' bias point for the 1k5 cathode resistor appears more 'centre-biased' to AC.

[iknowjohnny]

Ken, i think You're right in that 2.7 is crunchier than 1.5. And the reason i like 2.7 is that the crunchier tone lends itself better to classic rock semi clean rhythm tones. Think sweet home alabama, tom petty, etc. Those crunchy semi clean tones where you hear every each note in a chord more clearly. But i can adjust things so i can get that when i roll off volume at the guitar yet turn up and get a smooth OD tone not much different than with 1.5k. With a 1.5k it seems harder to get what the 2.7 does. But it;s overall slightly smoother and richer. I like them both and will likely put in a switch so i can have either, as i have not yet heard the 2.7 in a band setting. when i do i'll have a switch so i can determine which is best there. Both have thier benefits but i think with knob twiddling i can get 2.7 to get closer to 1.5 than visa versa.