Cathode biased Trainwreck

[Tone Lover]

Has anyone built a cathode biased trainwreck and if so did it have that lovely tone we all love about this amp. I love the EL34 sound but the sweet spot is just way to loud. Maybe I’m going to just have go with an attinuator.

[pompeiisneaks]

Both the liverpool and the rocket are cathode biased. I've built a liverpool and love it. Both of those also use EL84's.

If you mean an el34 based express then I have not and don't know if someone has.

~Phil

[Tone Lover]

Yes the Express with EL34’s. I should have a space open up in my amp stands this weekend . So I might give it a go. But the EL84 version sounds mighty good to. Bill

[rooster]

Don't do it. I did this at one time and it was all wrong. Sort the right parts, the right tubes, the right speakers, the correct power tube biasing, etc., and you won't look back. If there's a problem with a properly built Express it's the player. It's not like other amps, there's a learning curve the typical player needs to sort out.

[johnnyreece]

If the issue is how loud it is, I doubt switching from fixed to cathode bias will help. Not sure what cab you're running, but you could try fewer/less efficient speakers. If that's not an option, maybe a 2xEL84 Liverpool would be the ticket.

[Dr Tony Balls]

2xEL84 Liverpool

I've done that as a 1x12" and it was still loud as hell.

[johnnyreece]

2xEL84 Liverpool

I've done that as a 1x12" and it was still loud as hell.

Well, guess that's off the table. At some point, I'm going to get my 6Y6 Express done. I got all the parts from RJ, then got divorced, remarried, and had a new baby. Kinda changed my plans for me.

[Tone Lover]

Don’t get me wrong if built a couple train wrecks already. Needed quieter but didn’t enjoy the 6v6 as much as the EL34,s but there way to loud. I was just thinking out loud. Thanks Bill