IIc+ 60w: regular vs. export (x62) PT?

[erickompositör72]

Wondering if anyone has been able to do any comparisons of the non-export 60w IIc+’s (S, SR, SRG) vs. the versions with the export PT (SX, SRX, SRGX).

I recently played an SR and an SRX (two different locations), and I could have sworn the SRX had a little more spank/punch. However, both amps probably hadn’t been serviced in a while (probably new power tubes, but quite possibly original caps), so this difference could have been many things beside the PT. The info I’ve read seems to state that both transformers have the same voltages, but I’m just wondering what others’ experience is.

 

[LockStock]

I think you are not hearing things. To me the X62 adds some punch and broadens the EQ. It is a huge transformer.

I have a June 1984 IIC+ SRG Combo and a July IIC+ 1984 SRX Head.. I also have a Mk III Red Stripe SX Combo with a leftover x62.
I have the Eminence MS12 "jouster" speaker in each of the combos - my favorite speaker in a Mark.

They all sound so different. June 1984 SRG is a smoother, bluesier amp. Just a real pleasing lead tone.
The July 1984 SRX is more aggressive, has more gain on tap. Bigger bottom, Can easily pull Metallica out of it. Also a great lead tone.
The 87 Mk III SX is also more aggressive, lots of gain on but can do Marshall really well, excels at moderate overdrive and has my favorite cleans.

I have them tubed different, but I definitely look for the x62, and I love the 60W ones.

1984 June Mesa Mark IIC+ SRG Combo Tubes
V1 1985 Tungsram Tall Bottle 12ax7: (A) Pre-TMB Input Amplifier / (B) Tone Control Amplifier
V2 1960s Telefunken Smooth Long Plate ECC83: (A) Effects Return (B) EQ/Mixer Amplifier
Note: (A) Drives the Loop/Divider Network in parallel with Reverb before Effects Return
V3 1970 Mullard Blacburn B0F3 I63 12AX7 Bent Post/Silver: (A) Lead Drive Amplifier 1 / (B) Reverb Return
V4 1973 Mullard Blackburn I63 12AX7 Bent Post/Silver: (A) Lead Drive Amplifier 2 / (B) Reverb Driver
V5 1985 Tungsram Tall Bottle 12ax7: Phase Inverter / Output Driver
V6 Early 80s Mesa STR-415 6L6
V7 Early 80s Mesa STR-415 6L6

1984 July Mesa Mark IIC+ SRX X62 Head Tubes
V1 1975 Mullard Blackburn I63 100/104+ 12ax7 Branded Amperex Globe: (A) Pre-TMB Input Amplifier / (B) Tone Control Amplifier
V2 1971 Amperex Globe Herleen/Holland Dimple Getter ECC83: (A) Effects Return (B) EQ/Mixer Amplifier
Note: (A) Drives the Loop/Divider Network in parallel with Reverb before Effects Return
V3 1950s Sylvania Long Black Plate 12AX7 101/104+r: (A) Lead Drive Amplifier 1 / (B) Reverb Return
V4 1960 (January) Philips Miniwatt Herleen/Holland ECC83 90/95: (A) Lead Drive Amplifier 2 / (B) Reverb Driver
V5 1975 Mullard Blackburn I63 100/104+ ECC83 Branded Amperex Globe: Phase Inverter / Output Driver
V6 Early 70s Tall Bottle Sylvania Single Getter 6L6GC
V7 Early 70s Tall Bottle Sylvania Single Getter 6L6GC

1987 Mesa Boogie Mark III SX Red Stripe X62 Tubes
V1 1959 (early) Mullard Blackburn I61 ECC83 4-Seam: 1st Gain Stage Before TMB / 2nd Gain Make-Up Stage After TMB
V2 1960s Telefunken Smooth Plate ECC83: Effects Send / Return (After V3 Gain Stages)
V3 1960 Mullard Blackburn I61 ECC83 2-seam: Lead Gain Stage/Lead Master Gain
V4 1960s French Mazda Nickel Plate 100/104 ECC83: Phase Inverter - Positive / Negative – new NOS tube 11/24
V5 Early 80s Mesa Boogie STR-415 6L6: Power Tube
V6 Early 80s Mesa Boogie STR-415 6L6: Power Tube

 

[erickompositör72]

Awesome- thanks for the info! I’m hoping I can A/B my HRGX with an SRX. I want to see if I can get a similar “punch” from the SRX that I do from the HRGX. While I loved my DRX, I wanted to add a flavor of C+ that could deliver more spank and more “throaty” tones from a neck pickup, and the HRGX did the trick. However, I tend to prefer non-GEQ IIc+’s, so I’m putting my hopes & dreams in the SRX’s ability to satisfy the above tones. Would also allow me to unload the HRGX & replace it with an amp that is significantly less expensive!