2ch Dual rectifier

[powerhouse]

Hey guys,

I got an old 2 channel DR, which has the following components.

Output transformer : 56210 EIA606-033
Power transformer : 561136 EIA606-209
Choke : 550381 EIA606-226

And there's 10-92 GM signature inside the chasis.
Obviously, this one is a '92 DR, revision F, which has the same transformers as the pre-500 ones.
And the tubes are STR420 coke bottle shaped ones.

What I'm concerning is the amount of gain of this guy.

It obviously sounds tight and more focused than the RK v1 that I have,
(RK sounds more rich and full in channel 3&4, with a bit looser feeling..)
but the amount of gain is not as much as the RK, as newer 3 channel ones.

Because of its less gain amount, it sounds unnatural with my Gibson, lack of sustain when I attempt to play some fast palm muted riffs. (Such as Battery, Blackend of Metallica.)
And also, I can't smoothly play the lead stuffs, either.

I don't like to add a booster in front of the amp like I did with the RK, but this amp needs one.

Please advice me, if this is the natural character of the amp,
and if it is,
how can I improve the gain amount without using a booster?
(Maybe swapping the preamp tubes could be helpful?)

THANKS!

 

[Elpelotero]

I have 2 ideas right now...

1. The "lack of gain" you're talking about may simply be misconstrued as the lack of fizz that you get with the other amp.

2. Perhaps there is something wrong, in which case if you could do a quick demo vid or sound clip to showcase the issue, we could help you better.

 

[powerhouse]

Elpelotero,
Actually, I was waiting for your advice
Thanks for the guides. I'll try to make quick demo of the amp ASAP.

The gain itself is very thick, solid and even warm as well. IMO, I don't see any problems in the performance itself.
But 'less gain and less sustain'..matters, even in very loud condition.

I 100% agree with you. It has less fizz than other Rectos.

 

[clutch71]

Elpelotero,
Actually, I was waiting for your advice
Thanks for the guides. I'll try to make quick demo of the amp ASAP.

The gain itself is very thick, solid and even warm as well. IMO, I don't see any problems in the performance itself.
But 'less gain and less sustain'..matters, even in very loud condition.

I 100% agree with you. It has less fizz than other Rectos.

It's a 17 year old amp. Couldn't hurt to have a qualified Mesa tech look it over. You could also try swapping out some pream tubes as an econimical attempt at trouble shooting. Your power tubes are very old as well being the Mesa 420's. Could be a grid resistor as well. Not uncommon.

Ironically, I've played one of that vintage, if not that one. If that was bought in Columbus, Oh from Lang Music(don't remember the serial # any more but I know it was from OCt of 92) I didn't find it lacking in gain or sustain.