Forum newb. Boogie newb. DC-2 convert.

[kidsmoke]

Howdy, new here. first post.

Picked up a DC-2 a few months back and I'm really diggin' it.

It's gonna need a retube, as what's there is all original but for one power tube.

ONLY issues are a slight hiss from the rhythm channel, and a slightly scratchy output pot.

Since I'll start with a retube, wondering what other mods are common the DC-2's specifically. I used the search function and it kicked back hundreds of posts. Is there DC-2 mod thread specifically one of the faithful could direct me to?

Thanks in advance. I look forward to getting this amp to shine. Seems like a crazy versatile amp.

 

[dodger916]

Welcome to the Board, and congrats on the DC-2. I picked up a DC-3 two weeks ago, so I recently travelled this road. The first thing is to determine whether you have an "A" or "B" version. The A's assign eq via a rotary switch on the rear, whereas the B's have a two-position toggle switch.

A common complaint of these amps is the hot bias - very uncharacteristic of Boogies that are typically biased cold. You'll hear everyone hear say to use JJs power tubes, and that Eurotubes knows all about the DC series and hot bias issue. I just replaced the power tubes it came with, installing JJs from Eurotubes, and the amp runs noticeably "cooler" and sounds better. They sell tube sets (preamp and power) tailored for DCs that include cooler-running power tubes.

Which brings me to a common mod: the "bias mod". I've read here where swapping out one easily-accessed resistor will bring the bias to acceptable levels that won't cook the tubes. Or, install a trim pot and a resistor to create adjustable bias. Here's a thread that shows the location of the resistor on a DC-3 B version. Look at the third entry, from bendo, for the pic and a red arrow.

Resurrecting a Neglected DC-3
http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=64432&start=15

This thread discusses the bias issue with a pic of the A version:

PSA- DC-3 bias mod
http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=51785

Here are a few more links, some don't necessaily apply to a DC-2, although the discussion may drift in that direction:

Dating first series DC 5 (Metal Toggles)
http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=36820

DC Mods - Revisited...........Sort of.............
http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=58252

DC Mods that are easy to do!
http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=33293&hilit=DC+Mods+That+Are+Easy+to+Do

This should get you started. It won't take long before you know some basics, and who the players are.

 

[kidsmoke]

Welcome to the Board, and congrats on the DC-2. I picked up a DC-3 two weeks ago, so I recently travelled this road. The first thing is to determine whether you have an "A" or "B" version. The A's assign eq via a rotary switch on the rear, whereas the B's have a two-position toggle switch.

Thanks for the welcome! I think that A/B distinction may be for the DC-3, but not the -2. There is no eq function on the rear of the chassis, either knob or rocker. only rocker/toggle on the rear is a speaker mute rocker. There is a effects loop wet/dry knob and and ext speaker output knob. UNLESS- there is a 3 way toggle on the front of the chassis which is (top to bottom) Rhythm/foot switch/contour...does that indicate it's version B?

A common complaint of these amps is the hot bias - very uncharacteristic of Boogies that are typically biased cold. You'll hear everyone hear say to use JJs power tubes, and that Eurotubes knows all about the DC series and hot bias issue. I just replaced the power tubes it came with, installing JJs from Eurotubes, and the amp runs noticeably "cooler" and sounds better. They sell tube sets (preamp and power) tailored for DCs that include cooler-running power tubes.

I've purchased full retube kits from Eurotubes before, and have a positive opinion of them. I've heard though, that there are are other tube substitutions not accounted for in their kits. Thought I'd dig into that before buying!


Thanks for those links. Certainly narrows things down a bit. I'll dig into those tonight!

 

[dodger916]

I did not see the DC-2 manual on Mesa's website. :shock:

 

[kidsmoke]

the schematics match my unit exactly EXCEPT for the rhythm/lead toggle....

http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/Studio%20Cal%20DC-2.pdf

 

[amrose57]

Welcome Kidsmoke. I have a DC2 (studio caliber, but the same amp) and what I have done is first change out the VS12 Black Shadow (Eminence) to a WGS ET-65, which cleaned it up a bunch. Then, I used a 12AT7 in V2 and V3, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th preamp stage of the lead channel, and a 5751 in V1. What that did was lower the gain of the lead channel way down and uncompress it. That allows me more control. The amp now sounds awesome to me. At this point I see no need for any mods, although as always, YMMV.....I also gave it a reskin from black to red, as, well, I think black amps are boring. Just my opinion....

Al