Using 6V6's in a 6L6 poweramp by using a variac.

[EtherealWidow]

I know that there are a couple Boogie amps that have a variac/half power/tweed power mode in which it reduces the voltage, thus allowing you to run 6V6's if you wish. If your amp doesn't have a tweed power option, would you be able to buy a variac, dial down the voltage a tad, and run 6V6's in it? If so, what would you have to turn the variac to? Thanks.

 

[crane]

You can use JJ 6V6S, they are rated for 500V plate and 450V grid. Eurotube sell replacements kits for several amps running 6L6GC. They say there no pb.
But according their impedance is 10kohm plate to plate, and 6L6GC are 4k plate to plate, you simply have to double the speaker impedance : if you have a 8ohm cab, plug it into the 4ohm output, if it is a 16ohm, plug it into the 8ohm output.
Oh, and don't forget to rebias your amp !

 

[EtherealWidow]

But what about Boogie power amps where the bias is not adjustable and I don't want to void the warranty with a bias mod?

 

[crane]

Ask Eurotube about 6V6 for your amp, they will select proper ones.
Or if you can use a solder iron and are capable of using a multimeter, do a bias mod :mrgreen:

 

[EtherealWidow]

Hm. Well I don't even have a power amp yet. Not sure if I'm going to get one. This was just out of simple curiosity. I think I do remember something about a recto tube kit of EL34's and 6V6's where the bias is just slightly off on both to where they run proper enough. Thanks for all your info!