Is it safe to crank the ED past 3:00?

[primal]

I know, why in the world would I want to.

Check this out.

I have been screwing around with My THD hotplate using it as a dummy load. So basically no sound coming out of the speaker.

I then take the slave out, run it into my Digitech RP250.

I setup the RP250 for Mixer Mode rather then amp Mode (compensates for going directly to a mixer rather then back into an amp)

With the RP250 I then setup a little room reverb, add a vintage 4x12 cabinet simulator then run the left and right into my mixer.

The results are pretty **** good. I wish there was an effects unit out there better setup for doing cabinet simulation (aside from a 1500$ axe fx).

Anyway, I was going for the plexi style tone and I used these settings on the ED.

Lo
Volume 10:00
Treble 2:00
Mid 9:00
Bass 10:00
Present 10:00

Now, here is where it gets interesting. I already comensate for volume differences with my input level.

But When I put the master to about 10:00, it needs a little more punch. If I put the Master on 3:00, wow, big difference. Sounds Really Good.

I'm just worried I am going to blow something up.

It should be OK to push it that hard, right?

I understand tube life will suffer for sure. I just don't want to fry my output transformer.

 

[specialed]

I use a THD hot plate and crank my ED to 3:00 all the time. I haven't had any problems except for complaints from my wife and daughter. This amp screams at that volume and usually exposes all my mistakes, but it is so much fun.

 

[primal]

yeah, at one point I was thinking there really wasn't any benefit to using the hotplate, but over time I have noticed if you really crank it, I mean past noon, this amp will get some sweet power amp distortion going.

 

[rabies]

I used to crank my ex-Mark IV to max output and master (insane I know) for less than 30 mins of course. Only problem I ever had with that amp was a tube shorted due to low ohm load (my mistake). Tubes are usually cheap, swap them every year.

 

[Bullseye]

Do you mean safe for the amp or for your internal organs and ear drums…in which case I say yes as long as there are a few hundred feet and a few walls between you and the amp….

Bill