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Re: Subject: Re: Car Audio Amps - now Tubes

To: jzimmerm@k12albemarle.org, spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Subject: Re: Car Audio Amps - now Tubes
From: KrkLH@cs.com
Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2006 11:25:30 EST
I am a guitar player and an avid tube nut case.  My favorite amp that I have 
kept after selling a lot of tube amps over the years is a pre CBS Black Face 
Fender Super Reverb which of course is all point to point - no PCB's.  Tube 
rectified -  the thing is incredible.  

Tubes are still used by audiophiles seaking the best in stereo sound - but be 
ready to shell out a few bucks.   And true, if you touch a large filter cap 
it will send you accross the room and likely take your life.  Those big tall 
filter caps store a massive charge. 

Sounds like the amp you had - had exposed components (from the top side).  
This is common in stereo amps.  Just looking at those filter caps and having 
small children in the vicinity would give me the creeps as well!  

The guitar player years ago for a Kenny Rogers band called the First Edition 
literally died on stage when his amp shorted back through his guitar.  True 
story - and a very rare thing to happen.  I have no idea how a filter cap could 
run a ground out back through a guitar - but something happened for this poor 
guy to get zapped like he did.  

That is also a heck of a lot of 6550's!  There is enough power in that thing 
to drive a professional bass cabinet and fill a large venue. 

Mesa Boogie, who built their reputation on tubes (amongst a long list of 
other historical things)  either still does or they used to make an amp for 
audiophile use as well.  

The 6550's give the best headroom before participating in break up.   Used 
also on a run of Marshall amps built during the late 70's due to a shortage of 
EL34's (at the time).   They have since garnered their own limited following 
amongst Marshall players.   They have to be cranked LOUD before they begin to 
saturate - but when they do the sound for a guitar player is out of this world. 
 
 However, cranked for a stereo - the sound would be counter productive.  

Since the 6550 has such a high tolerance to break up - they are favored for 
stereo equipment.  Also used in tube bass amps for the same reason.  

Thanks for sharing - 

Kirk   




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