EL34 to 6v6 conversion for JTM50 clone
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
EL34 to 6v6 conversion for JTM50 clone
So...I tried JJ 6V6's in my Marshall JTM50 clone. I like the tone quite a bit and it gets me into the overdrive territory at a lower volume. I think I actually like the clean side a little better than with the E34L's. My question is....if I plan to stay with the 6V6's would I be better off swapping out the trannies to optimise the circuit for them or should I sell the amp and start new with a lower wattage plexi build. I have a RJ Lerpoole 15 PCB build which I really, really like. I want to use both amps together and the 6V6's put the Marshall clone more in the ball park of the 15 watter. The sonic combination of the 2 amps is quite wonderful.So..whattya think?
-
Stevem
- Posts: 5144
- Joined: Fri Jan 24, 2014 3:01 pm
- Location: 1/3rd the way out one of the arms of the Milkyway.
Re: EL34 to 6v6 conversion for JTM50 clone
Well if the amp is loud enough for your needs now with the 6v6s in it, then why go for different transformers?
If the 6v6s are driving lower impedance on the primary of the OT then they will have about 1/3 less life than the ELs which is not a bad trade off for the better tone right?
If the 6v6s are driving lower impedance on the primary of the OT then they will have about 1/3 less life than the ELs which is not a bad trade off for the better tone right?
When I die, I want to go like my Grandfather did, peacefully in his sleep.
Not screaming like the passengers in his car!
Cutting out a man's tongue does not mean he’s a liar, but it does show that you fear the truth he might speak about you!
Not screaming like the passengers in his car!
Cutting out a man's tongue does not mean he’s a liar, but it does show that you fear the truth he might speak about you!
Re: EL34 to 6v6 conversion for JTM50 clone
Do you have a Transformer with 4,8,16 ohm outputs?
By changing the output impedance to a higher setting than the speakers, you should get an impedance change on the plates hence, more appropriate match to 6V6's. Also using a Marstran output transformer with 8k primary would work for both 6V6 and 6L6. The original plexi marshalls use 8k primary for 2 KT66 or 2 5881s. I like the ability to go back and forth with output tubes.
However a 15 Watt amp as you suggest is a lighter load to carry to a gig if its loud enough to keep up with the band.
By changing the output impedance to a higher setting than the speakers, you should get an impedance change on the plates hence, more appropriate match to 6V6's. Also using a Marstran output transformer with 8k primary would work for both 6V6 and 6L6. The original plexi marshalls use 8k primary for 2 KT66 or 2 5881s. I like the ability to go back and forth with output tubes.
However a 15 Watt amp as you suggest is a lighter load to carry to a gig if its loud enough to keep up with the band.