fuchs blackjack 21 question

[funkmeblue]

This amp seems to be wreck inspired with 6v6's. It only uses 2 12ax7's. This leads me to wonder what kind of phase inverter is being used, longtail, cathodyne. thanks

[briane]

We would need more info.

If long tailed pair, then you have 2 triode 1/2's to work with..No way that could not be trainwreck, not enough triode. Could be clean only dumble style.

If it was cathodyne, then thats 1/2 a 12ax7. Could be a trainwreck style pre then, you have 3 free triode's.....Though of course the traditional is with a long tailed pair.

So the answer is no, must be different from a trainwreck.

Whats it sound like?

As this is a current production amp, please do not post a schematic.

[Markusv]

Could be 18 watt lite inspired?

Markus V

[funkmeblue]

claims to be "wreck" inspired http://fuchsaudio.com/fuchs_blackjack.php
just wondering how he did it. I don't think it would have as much gain as in the sound clips if it was a longtail pair without the 3rd stage unless it's cathodyne. Just curious

[briane]

I think the only way to be wreck inspired with 2 pre's, is to use a cathodyne. Of course theres no triode waste like that, more economical to build.

The cathodyne is low gain, more famously known as part of the leslie sound. Great for keys for sure. Also used in traynor YB2A variants.

I suspect the cathodyne would smooth out the sound, and lose a lot of that wreck crunch. Not hitting the power tubes so hard..but thats just a guess.

[RB]

I think you guys are reading way to much into his add copy. I did a search on that page and only twice did I find "trainwreck" and that was "has a classic rock voice similar to a vintage Marshall or Trainwreck™".... to my mind that is along way from "Trainwreck Inspired". Infact Marshall comes first in the list of voices it SIMILAR to.

Just about any builder on this forum could get Marshall like tones out of 2 X 12AX7 and 2 X 6V6 (either type PI). I have bult singe channel versons of brown face deluxes that would fit that description.

In addition to that I have built higher gain type 6V6 amps with splitload PI and at some point always ran into blocking distortion like problems because the PI just could not deliver enough current to the power tubes. The fix was always the LTP PI. And the distrotion/overdrive tone was always better to my ears.

The train 45 is most certainly his "Trainwreck Inspired" amp and has specs showing the use of 6V6's as well as EL-34. Really doest make sence to me to have/market another "Trainwreck Inspired" in your line up uless it was a LiverPool or Rocket style amp.

Just my biased viewpoint

Regards Randy

[DonMoose]

"The Blackjack 21® is based on a dual 12AX7 preamp stage and a push-pull dual 6V6 fixed bias output stage."

Still ambiguous, but I'd read that as two preamp triodes and an LTP.

Could ask Andy, I suppose.

[collinsamps]

What, and not post here and speculate? Blastphemy.......ask Andy for christ sake.