DSL 50 Metro OT transformer replacement worth the hassle?

[tweed]

Going over the Joey thread at the Marshall forum and going to replace somethings in my DSL( bias resistors, grid blockers) as well as some Fortin changes. Some of the guys are suggesting an OT replacement from MetroAmp, 784-139 Plexi CLONE, for the DSL50. I already have a choke installed and it made great difference especially at gig volumes, just wondering if the OT is a worthwhile investment.

Thoughts?

 

[dstroud]

When I had my 2203x I put a Mercury transformer - it was worth the money, especially if you can do it yourself. Instantly gave the amp more punch and less fizzy on top. I'm sure with the Metro you'll experience some sort of change that is positive.

 

[tweed]

Thanks Darren. Not sure I want to go with MM. I am thinking this Metro OT may be better. Hell, what do i know LOL!!

 

[Digital Jams]

Thanks Darren. Not sure I want to go with MM. I am thinking this Metro OT may be better. Hell, what do i know LOL!!

Many like his own trannies more that the MMs for the 19xxx stuff.

 

[tweed]

Thanks Darren. Not sure I want to go with MM. I am thinking this Metro OT may be better. Hell, what do i know LOL!!

Many like his own trannies more that the MMs for the 19xxx stuff.

I'm not completely sold on upgrading just yet, but I'm looking into it. Not to bad to expensive either, only 125 bucks. I think the MM is quite a bit more.

Still toying with the idea of dumping a few guitars and an amp for a Ultra/atomic 2x12 setup. Just not sure I could actually part with any equipment.

Anyways, I gig with the DSL quite a bit and figured it would be worth it to spend a few hours and a couple of bucks and upgrade some components. I actually found an easy mod for the crunch channel to add some gain. Going to give that a try as well while I'm in there.

 

[jasonP]

I replaced my transformer with both a MM and later a c1998 clone. MM didn't do anything for me. Even after 50 hours. The 1.5" clone was pretty nice change to the sound but I would suggest circuit changes first. Its a ton of money to spend on the amp that is only worth 500-600 dollars for what you get in tone. Imo much better off changing more to fortin's mod and leaving the trannys alone.

 

[tweed]

I replaced my transformer with both a MM and later a c1998 clone. MM didn't do anything for me. Even after 50 hours. The 1.5" clone was pretty nice change to the sound but I would suggest circuit changes first. Its a ton of money to spend on the amp that is only worth 500-600 dollars for what you get in tone. Imo much better off changing more to fortin's mod and leaving the trannys alone.

Thanks for the info Jason! I am in the process of trying to find the right parts on Metro Amp and Mouser to do the Fortin Mods and other stuff. It's taking forever as I'm not familiar with this stuff. I am hoping to find all the parts at one stop and make one order but not sure that's going to happen. Mouser has so many different options for the same parts its DAMN confusing

My main bitch with the amp is the crunch channel is well not to crunchy. I've heard changing R12(front board) to 220k from 470k will really help with this, and I think its what Mike recommends as well.

Any tips you could share that could make the mods go easier?

 

[tweed]

I am going to put the part list here with links to mouser.com/ MetroAmp store. I'll keep adding more links as I find parts throughout the day. Feel free to check it over, add suggestions and let me know if I have any mistakes please. I take any help I can get sourcing these parts.

R12 220K http://metroamp.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_31&products_id=373

C12 .68UF Electrolytic

R13 same link as 220k above at MetroAmp

C17 .001UF Ceramic http://mouser.com/ProductDetail/Vis...GAEpiMZZMukHu%2bjC5l7YXXgfhYJPJO68xoKQEiHpM8=

C13 2.2UF Electrolytic

C8 .0047UF polypropylene radial type or tubular

C16 .0022 Ceramic

C6 & C7 .1 UF polypropylene radial type or tubular

R23 mod 220PF or 470PF Silver Mica or Ceramic

Input PCB
C12 .0047 UF

Grid Blockers Carbon comp 1/2w from Metro AMP 5K6 (R7 R6 R66 R70)
http://metroamp.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_31&products_id=119

Bias Resistors
1W PRP Precision metal film http://www.soniccraft.com
R68 33K
R77 10K
R67 220K
R69 220K

 

[dstroud]

Thanks Darren. Not sure I want to go with MM. I am thinking this Metro OT may be better. Hell, what do i know LOL!!

I actually didn't mean to suggest the MM, I would go with Metro myself if I was doing it again. I was just trying to say a transformer upgrade would probably help. But resisters and caps are cheaper - so I'd actually go that route first

btw - can't you find some sort of electronics warehouse parts store close to you to source parts? I've always found these warehouse type places that have cool electronics in about every city I've been in.

 

[tweed]

Thanks Darren. Not sure I want to go with MM. I am thinking this Metro OT may be better. Hell, what do i know LOL!!

I actually didn't mean to suggest the MM, I would go with Metro myself if I was doing it again. I was just trying to say a transformer upgrade would probably help. But resisters and caps are cheaper - so I'd actually go that route first

btw - can't you find some sort of electronics warehouse parts store close to you to source parts? I've always found these warehouse type places that have cool electronics in about every city I've been in.

Yeah there is a store right up the street, but I have no idea what I need to get. Remember I'm a noob

 

[Digital Jams]

Damn boy looks like your gutting that amp

Good luck Randy, I hope it kills!

 

[tweed]

Damn boy looks like your gutting that amp

Good luck Randy, I hope it kills!

Thanks Scotty!!

 

[dstroud]

Thanks Darren. Not sure I want to go with MM. I am thinking this Metro OT may be better. Hell, what do i know LOL!!

I actually didn't mean to suggest the MM, I would go with Metro myself if I was doing it again. I was just trying to say a transformer upgrade would probably help. But resisters and caps are cheaper - so I'd actually go that route first

btw - can't you find some sort of electronics warehouse parts store close to you to source parts? I've always found these warehouse type places that have cool electronics in about every city I've been in.

Yeah there is a store right up the street, but I have no idea what I need to get. Remember I'm a noob

I'm sure there will be knowledgable guys there that want to help you find what you need

 

[tweed]

Thanks Darren. Not sure I want to go with MM. I am thinking this Metro OT may be better. Hell, what do i know LOL!!

I actually didn't mean to suggest the MM, I would go with Metro myself if I was doing it again. I was just trying to say a transformer upgrade would probably help. But resisters and caps are cheaper - so I'd actually go that route first

btw - can't you find some sort of electronics warehouse parts store close to you to source parts? I've always found these warehouse type places that have cool electronics in about every city I've been in.

Yeah there is a store right up the street, but I have no idea what I need to get. Remember I'm a noob

I'm sure there will be knowledgable guys there that want to help you find what you need

I dunno Darren, its a surplus store not a buy new stuff kinda shop. I would just order the stuff if I could figure everything out.

 

[jasonP]

I am going to put the part list here with links to mouser.com/ MetroAmp store. I'll keep adding more links as I find parts throughout the day. Feel free to check it over, add suggestions and let me know if I have any mistakes please. I take any help I can get sourcing these parts.

R12 220K http://metroamp.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_31&products_id=373

C12 .68UF Electrolytic

R13 same link as 220k above at MetroAmp

C17 .001UF Ceramic http://mouser.com/ProductDetail/Vis...GAEpiMZZMukHu%2bjC5l7YXXgfhYJPJO68xoKQEiHpM8=

C13 2.2UF Electrolytic

C8 .0047UF polypropylene radial type or tubular

C16 .0022 Ceramic

C6 & C7 .1 UF polypropylene radial type or tubular

R23 mod 220PF or 470PF Silver Mica or Ceramic

Input PCB
C12 .0047 UF

Grid Blockers Carbon comp 1/2w from Metro AMP 5K6 (R7 R6 R66 R70)
http://metroamp.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_31&products_id=119

Bias Resistors
1W PRP Precision metal film http://www.soniccraft.com
R68 33K
R77 10K
R67 220K
R69 220K

Dude send me a PM with your e-mail and I will e-mail what you need in one mouser order.