Friedman Smallbox Brightness Problem

[SavageRiffer]

OK, so I've got two Smallboxes sitting side by side right now. One is brighter than the other. The darker one is a 2014 the brighter one is a new 2016. The brighter one has a better, janglier feel. The darker one has a tighter feel and sounds a bit thicker. The only difference between the two is the faceplate on the 2014 is like a plexi faceplate and the 2016 is like a brushed steel. I've looked at them inside and nothing looks out of the ordinary. The 2014 has barely been used, so no wear on tubes. What on earth could account for the brightness and difference in feel?

 

[JerEvil]

OK, so I've got two Smallboxes sitting side by side right now. One is brighter than the other. The darker one is a 2014 the brighter one is a new 2016. The brighter one has a better, janglier feel. The darker one has a tighter feel and sounds a bit thicker. The only difference between the two is the faceplate on the 2014 is like a plexi faceplate and the 2016 is like a brushed steel. I've looked at them inside and nothing looks out of the ordinary. The 2014 has barely been used, so no wear on tubes. What on earth could account for the brightness and difference in feel?

I am no amp tech but even though internally they LOOK the same, could it maybe be different values of components? Or perhaps sourcing of components?

 

[Dave L]

Could be a lot of small, normal things working together, and there could of course be tiny revisions in the circuit itself too. But typical variances in a hundred components, tubes, bias settings and so on could definitely make one brighter. No two amps are 100% identical in the end.

 

[reverymike]

Turn the treble down a little on the brighter one.

 

[Racerxrated]

I would ask Dave if the circuit changed a little. You can make a bright amp darker, but struggle to make a dark amp bright enough. That was my only issue with the past Friedmans. But the 2016 BE is really good, and can get cutting bright if need be. Maybe the 2016 BE circuit changes found their way into the 2016 small box.

 

[SavageRiffer]

I would ask Dave if the circuit changed a little. You can make a bright amp darker, but struggle to make a dark amp bright enough. That was my only issue with the past Friedmans. But the 2016 BE is really good, and can get cutting bright if need be. Maybe the 2016 BE circuit changes found their way into the 2016 small box.

I used to think the darker one should be a bit brighter, but now that I've heard it recorded and compared with the new one, I regret putting it up for sale. I wonder if it would cost a lot to have Friedman mod it o old specs.

 

[sgill72]

Combo's or heads? If combo's...check the speakers.

If head's, check the filter caps...one may be Synergy.

 

[SavageRiffer]

Head. I'm using a Weber Silver Bell, so it's not too bright.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

What preamp tubes in the 2016?

Throw in some JJs and wham... Darker tone.

 

[V2a]

Are there different brands of tubes in the newer model? For brighter tone, stick in some Chinese 12AX7 (get the Ruby 12ax7-AC5 HG+, which is a well-tested Shuguang tube). For darker tone, try the JJ ECC83S. Buy 'em from a reputable dealer that also tests and burns in tubes (like Valvequeen).

Of course, there might be circuit changes as well.

 

[SavageRiffer]

Are there different brands of tubes in the newer model? For brighter tone, stick in some Chinese 12AX7 (get the Ruby 12ax7-AC5 HG+, which is a well-tested Shuguang tube). For darker tone, try the JJ ECC83S. Buy 'em from a reputable dealer that also tests and burns in tubes (like Valvequeen).

Of course, there might be circuit changes as well.

I have an entire inventory of tubes. Shuguangs are my favorite. They're not bright, and I've already tried swapping them.

 

[born_hard]

Ask friedman whats the reason. Provide him the serial numbers. Maybe you have 2 different revisions. Are the amps unmodified? Are you sure? Dont sweat it. Choose the one you like more.

 

[RACKSYSTEMS]

So which one do you like that was not clear. I would need pictures of each amp insides. We changes the negative feedback tap in 2016 and that would do it. Email me friedmanamps@gmail.com. Dave

 

[RACKSYSTEMS]

After rereading this. I can say almost 100% it's what tap the negative feedback is taken off of.. but email me with pics.

 

[SavageRiffer]

So which one do you like that was not clear. I would need pictures of each amp insides. We changes the negative feedback tap in 2016 and that would do it. Email me friedmanamps@gmail.com. Dave

The bright one which is the 2016. Unfortunately, I sold the 2014 and have to ship today.

After rereading this. I can say almost 100% it's what tap the negative feedback is taken off of.. but email me with pics.

THIS ^ is one of the biggest reasons why I love Friedman amps! Will do as soon as I get home, thanks.

 

[SavageRiffer]

Will the negative feedback require servicing or is it an easy mod? Will it change the feel much?

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

Will the negative feedback require servicing or is it an easy mod? Will it change the feel much?

I think that is an easy fix if you can solder.. moving the wire from whatever tap it is on to one of the other two 4 to 8 or 16.

I have a 1982 2204 which is just naturally less sizzly and darker compared to my home built 2204. Maybe it is the transformer or drift in components. Who knows. This is what people talk about when they talk about "mojo" of an amp. Some deliver the "goods", others are more "meh"

 

[btsimoes]

Will the negative feedback require servicing or is it an easy mod? Will it change the feel much?

Exactly what I would like to know...

 

[mniel8195]

I would love to get back my smallbox up to code. Hopefully someone figures out how easy this mod is so i can do it!

 

[SavageRiffer]

I would love to get back my smallbox up to code. Hopefully someone figures out how easy this mod is so i can do it!

I just got the mod instructions from Friedman. Will let you guys know how it turns out. As for pics, I don't want to expose Friedman schematics without their consent. It's a VERY easy mod.