When re-tubing an amp....

[zhivago]

ok...

I need to change the 6L6 tubes on my Tremolux...I bought two matched JJs

now, do I really need to get the amp biased?

you see, the amp is at the rehearsal space, so 2 cabs to get it to the tech and back plus the tech's fee, make this an expensive exercise, but if I must do it, then I will

[Jay]

It may run a little hot or cold without biasing but its not likely it'll hurt anything.  I've honestly never been able to hear much of a difference in tubes where the bias was a little off so I'd put them in and have a listen.  If the sound just isn't there with the new tubes then you may want to take it in or just try a different set if that's an option.

[FireAarro]

You could try doing it yourself? I'm sure you could find instructions somewhere. Infact, the Eurotubes website has some tutorials I think.

[zhivago]

thanks for the replies, guys....hmm...dunno about doing it myself...I have zero electronic knowledge, no actual tools for the job, and I'm scared I'll get myself electrocuted!!



hehehe!

I'll pop the tubes in and see how it goes

[i love sharin foo]

I agree with Jay, I've swapped quite a few before and never had any problems. It might not sound as good as if it were biased really well, but I haven't ever been able to tell much of a difference either.

Justin

[fullerplast]

I heard its a good idea to change the tubes with the power on and the amp plugged in.

Use your tongue to determine which sockets are active.



BTW - I insist all my tubes NOT be biased. I can't have my tubes battling each other over stereotypes, prejudices and such...

[Jay]

I heard its a good idea to change the tubes with the power on and the amp plugged in.

Use your tongue to determine which sockets are active.



BTW - I insist all my tubes NOT be biased. I can't have my tubes battling each other over stereotypes, prejudices and such...

Yeah, I mean what if one was a huge SRV fan and the other not.

[sookwinder]

the main thing is that the two power tubes are matched.

change them , play a while and then decide whether you thing you need your tech to look at it.  Like others have said, I personally have never been able to hear the so called differences between a slightly colder bias and a nominal "normal" bias.

If you have lost heaps of  head room, then obviously it needs looking at ... but all the times I've changed power tubes , never had any issues....  Also JJs seem to be quite robust ..

[zhivago]

I heard its a good idea to change the tubes with the power on and the amp plugged in.

Use your tongue to determine which sockets are active.



BTW - I insist all my tubes NOT be biased. I can't have my tubes battling each other over stereotypes, prejudices and such...

thanks for the tip, Doug...should the amp be in a bathtub full of water too? 

[zhivago]

the main thing is that the two power tubes are matched.

change them , play a while and then decide whether you thing you need your tech to look at it.  Like others have said, I personally have never been able to hear the so called differences between a slightly colder bias and a nominal "normal" bias.

If you have lost heaps of  head room, then obviously it needs looking at ... but all the times I've changed power tubes , never had any issues....  Also JJs seem to be quite robust ..

thanks David...they are meant to be matched, so hopefuly this will go smoothly!



I'll be going down the studio in a couple of days time, so I'll try then and give feedback!

thank you all!