VH4 TUBE replacement and info please

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sixtonoize
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Sixtonoize

Sixtonoize

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I like 6550s in my VH4. They extend the high-end a little bit and tighten up the bottom slightly relative to EL34s, but don't have the mid-scoop sound of 6L6s.
If you smelled somethign burning, you should take the amp to a tech. There's no telling what it could be.
Also, if the Tube Fault LEDs were on, you'll need to replace the Tube Fault fuses. I don't know about LA, but in SW Michigan, they're impossible to find. I had to order mine from Mouser. They're 250v 1/4 amp Slow Blow fuses.
 
Do you know where the tubes are from? If they are Russian then blue glow is perfectly normal, I have multiple sets of tubes that have a slight blue glow. Also smells are not unusual, especially if it's a new amp and your just getting it cranking, two things could be the odor that aren't bad, 1st of which is the logo on the tube it self many times will actually kind of "burn" off once it really gets cranking, but be careful your bias isn't to high, and the other is also when stuff is really getting cranking up it heats up the tolex and adhesive in the amp and that can make a weird smell as well.
 
Dallas Marlow":2l5i5ix1 said:
Do you know where the tubes are from? If they are Russian then blue glow is perfectly normal, I have multiple sets of tubes that have a slight blue glow. Also smells are not unusual, especially if it's a new amp and your just getting it cranking, two things could be the odor that aren't bad, 1st of which is the logo on the tube it self many times will actually kind of "burn" off once it really gets cranking, but be careful your bias isn't to high, and the other is also when stuff is really getting cranking up it heats up the tolex and adhesive in the amp and that can make a weird smell as well.
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+1

Seriously - if there's no popped valve or LED showing a fault, you're fine. The blue glow is perfectly normal and OH SO AWESOME to see!! I get the same smell - it's not gross, and it's not all pleasant either - it's kind of industrial smelling. And I've really grown to love it :thumbsup: Mix this scent with that of a fresh new Custom Lester case (the purple interior type) and I'm in vapor-heaven!! :lol: :LOL:

V.
 
SED Winged C 6550s is my personal fav. Sound great & really reliable. I know Papa is loving the Ruby EL34BHTs. So if u are going EL34 i would imagine thats the way to go. I also have tried KT77s in the VH4. Loved em!!
 
Winged C SED 6550's for the power section, biased to 35mA to 40mA, even though some are swearing by 40mA to 45mA (per tube, so 2x this per pair, as the V is biased in pairs).

As for preamp section, Herr Diezel really recommends the Shuguang (Chinese) varietal. V1 and V2 ought to be 12AX7AC5 HG+ with V3 through V7 being 12AX7AC5 HG. My personal jury is still out with this lean towards Chinese preamps, as I'm kinda into Tung Sol preamps. I'm just awaiting some feedback from Papa (Herr/Mr. Diezel) as to why he's so bent on Chinese when there are way higher quality tubes out there to be had (that being said, Shuguang aka "Chinese" are most into warp speed hi gain, so this may be one of his reasons).

Again, if your amp doesn't really need it, don't bother. I'd say keep 'er cranked and just enjoy the snot out of it.

V.
 
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