Troubleshooting for a Studio Caliber DC-2

[bowery969]

I didn’t mean to add confusion, the point that I was trying to make is:
The Phase Inverter circuit (V6) is unbalanced by design

The only benefits that I have ever seen from a balanced PI are
1. More money for the tube vendor
2. More easily repeatable tone and output wise when you change tubes again

Chances are, you could just change V1 and V3 and make the clean channel sound much better


In retrospect, I never asked what the clean channel was doing or what it sounded like

Roger that.

I am getting a feeling that the notion of the need of a specialized tube for V6 may be only a marketing ploy.

I am finding very little literature/documentation on the tube.

Also, as I have just bought 6 Mesa Boogie preamp tubes, since there was nothing on their site about a balanced/unbalanced/regulator/phase inverter specialty tube, I am thinking I will be alright to go ahead and use the 6 I have.

I am retubing with a friend who has experience in such things. I will inspect the V6 tube in there, and compare with others. That will be my last piece of evidence.

 

[domct203]

A ‘balanced’ PI tube is just a marketing ploy, don’t fall for it.

Here’s a typical PI circuit from a Class AB amp, notice the voltage difference on each triode of the tube. The circuit design is imbalanced for a reason.

Dom

 

[Monsta-Tone]

It helps to see the tube sockets if you lay the amp on it’s face
It’s really important to line up the pins properly

Let us know if the new tubes help your clean tone