amp servicing?

[ChrisRocksUSA]

is this required for our boogies? I see people mention this all the time, but I presume they are talking about older amps that need biasing and such.

my ROV has the stock ruby 6l6s, so I can just pull/replace and keep going right? Or is there a need to have this mofo serviced from time to time.

thanks!

 

[Third Age Amps]

Since Recto's biases are "fixed" there's really no need to take it in for any tube servicing unless you're having a problem.

The power supply caps OTOH WILL fail at some point. It is really easy to change those out, and should be done every 10-15 years if you are playing regularly.

I sell a power supply cap kit on eBay if you are ever in need.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/30063037191...ELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649#ht_740wt_932

 

[ChrisRocksUSA]

Thanks, brosef!

Can I use any 6l6, or must it be a certain kind that will match the preset bias in my ROV?

 

[YellowJacket]

Since Recto's biases are "fixed" there's really no need to take it in for any tube servicing unless you're having a problem.

The power supply caps OTOH WILL fail at some point. It is really easy to change those out, and should be done every 10-15 years if you are playing regularly.

I sell a power supply cap kit on eBay if you are ever in need.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/30063037191...ELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649#ht_740wt_932

My amp will be 20 years old in another year. It has had light to moderate use over the years but I'm thinking I'll have to get the caps changed. Mesa Boogie suggests that I ship my amp to them for servicing. They say they don't change all the caps though, and that makes me nervous.

 

[Third Age Amps]

Chris: You can use any 6L6GC you want! I prefer SED Winged C's, but it depends on your taste. Eurotubes.com has a great selection of power tube kits using various tubes that he matches to work with Rectos.

Yellow: There are a few lower voltage/amperage caps that don't need to be regularly changed, but the 6 PS caps need to be at 100% or they can color your tone or blow up devices. I just think that if you're going to open it up, why not change them all instead of waiting for them to go bad. It only takes about an hour and any competent tech can do it. Make sure and specify LOW ESR/HIGH QUALITY caps! Lower quality caps can introduce hum and hiss! I prefer F&T caps. They're a bit more money, but definitely worth it.

If you want to pay for shipping to AZ, I'd be happy to do the work for you at cost + $40.

 

[ChrisRocksUSA]

Chris: You can use any 6L6GC you want! I prefer SED Winged C's, but it depends on your taste. Eurotubes.com has a great selection of power tube kits using various tubes that he matches to work with Rectos.

.

thanks, brosef!

I will check out the SED winged tubes you recommended. My old DR had JJs, my ROV has rubys which I'm loving, but I'm all about finding out what all I can get out of this bad boy.

Any recommendations for el34s?

 

[Third Age Amps]

I have Mullard EL34s in my DR right now and they sound SWEET! There is a lot more high-mid presence in them than a 6L6, so might not be your bag if you prefer a more "Modern" tone, but they sound incredible for chugga-chugga rhythm work.

IME JJ's sound kind of bland mo matter what type of tube you use. Not bad, but not good either.

Tung-Sol, SED and Mullard are my fav's right now. They are built like tanks and sound great. I have tried a few Chinese brands and am just worried about their longevity.

if you're touring, use JJ's because they're cheap and tough. If you're recording use one of the other three above.

You can find tons of posts on here regarding using different preamp tube brands for different tones as well.