Considering a D50 as a starting point for a kinda #102 Dumbly amp rather than building from scratch. I like the idea of jumping straight into the optimization process. I've read thru all the relevant posts (and rants) and want to try and summarize.
How would you rank the potential changes, from highest to lowest sonic return?
My thoughts:
1) Better guitarist with better technique
2) Speaker/cabinet. I have a 1x12 open back EVM12L
3) Output tubes. Considering new TungSol 7581A (<$100/pr) or vintage STR or 7581A ($$$)
4) LNFB switch
5) Preamp tubes. I have a stash to try
6) Output transformer. Considering Heyboer APD-8025B-H ($85)
7) Component changes. Signal caps first
robnik33 wrote: ↑Mon Feb 27, 2023 4:54 pm
Considering a D50 as a starting point for a kinda #102 Dumbly amp rather than building from scratch. I like the idea of jumping straight into the optimization process. I've read thru all the relevant posts (and rants) and want to try and summarize.
How would you rank the potential changes, from highest to lowest sonic return?
My thoughts:
1) Better guitarist with better technique
2) Speaker/cabinet. I have a 1x12 open back EVM12L
3) Output tubes. Considering new TungSol 7581A (<$100/pr) or vintage STR or 7581A ($$$)
4) LNFB switch
5) Preamp tubes. I have a stash to try
6) Output transformer. Considering Heyboer APD-8025B-H ($85)
7) Component changes. Signal caps first
Your thoughts?
2)Ev12l checks a big box. Good speaker cab is imperative
7) what bepone said . You could do it slowly, more or less one part or section at a time, to hear the changes occur gradually so you can build up your experience quickly . Who knows , you might stumble on a compromise between all new and some original parts.
6) arguably first , but like bepone said try it out . Expensive swap.
4) large character change , usually enough to make a preference one way or another .
5) easy to try if you already have
3)what does it come with again? Another expensive swap. Try out what they have. Most power modern tubes are just fine .
1) if you can make an amp that makes you want to play more it’s a win win
Now you have your OT and the amp. All the pots and resistors have to go. Make sure you get the cap orientation correct. Ahh that's better. Orange drops.
Don't waste your time with the wires. Change all that.
Now the board is wired up. The voltages are ok. Play it for 10 minutes.
Yeah. Ditch the tubes. Should only cost about $200. Worth it.
Now you have an amp that cost about $2000.
On a good day, that is the price of a great one in the classified section here, only your amp is almost marginal, and the one in the listing is 100% better. Worst case.
Signatures have a 255 character limit that I could abuse, but I am not Cecil B. DeMille.
Thanks for the responses. My basic question is whether it makes a good modding platform or if I should just build one from scratch. Done it before and I don't mind doing it again.
Even with the head at $650 used, seems if you have to throw out the iron, tubes and components the answer is no.
robnik33 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 28, 2023 11:29 pm
Even with the head at $650 used, seems if you have to throw out the iron, tubes and components the answer is no.
With that amp, you need to throw everything out. It's not even a chassis donor in my opinion.
Reeltarded wrote: ↑Wed Mar 01, 2023 12:34 am
I jacked one up and drove a whole new amp under it and it's still not better than almost anything else. Honestly.
It is amazing the difference from stock, but not a good result.
I've modded quite a few of these and this sums it up best. You get what you pay for.
"Education is what you're left with after you have forgotten what you have learned" - Enzo
