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Post by cashandkerouac on Jan 31, 2008 10:52:36 GMT -7
i am curious to know if the Maz. Sr. can be run with 2 EL-84 power tubes instead of 4 to reduce the overall power output? i am sure that the amp would need to be rebiased, and speakers would also probably need to be run at a different ohms rating. i did this type of mod with my JCM800 (running it on 2 EL-34s vs. 4 EL-34s) and it worked out great. i'd be interested in hearing thoughts and opinions on this strategy with the Maz Sr.. thanks in advance.
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Post by wilhelm on Jan 31, 2008 13:16:36 GMT -7
Hi, as long as I remember I read about these theme anywhere in this forum. If I remember right - no you can´t do that. Ask Brent and he´ll give you the correct answer.
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Post by guitarboy02451 on Jan 31, 2008 13:37:12 GMT -7
NO!!! You'll blow something big time. Asked and answered by the Doc himself.
pg
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Post by detuned on Jan 31, 2008 14:35:30 GMT -7
If I understand the concept correctly...
The Maz (all versions) are designed to use all the output tubes at once all the time. Pulling tubes will put a strain on the amp that could lead to failure.
Your Marshall & many other push-pull amps only use one side or the other of the power tubes at any given time. Pulling two tubes (either the inner or outer tubes) can be done if the amp's sturdy enough to take the mismatch. In fact, a lot of folks do this with their old Fenders...
Don't do it with your Z tho'!
edited to add: my advice is worth what you paid for it. Trust the Doc!
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Post by cashandkerouac on Jan 31, 2008 19:32:56 GMT -7
glad i asked. your feedback has been most vauable once again. cheers.
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Post by paulgiz2 on Feb 3, 2008 12:07:08 GMT -7
The reason you can't do this has nothing to do with sturdiness.
This amp is cathode-biased (also known as self-biased). Stating as simply as possible, the tubes themselves set the bias voltage. Pulling tubes is sure to damage the amp since the amp wants to see the current draw from 4 tubes.
Fender and Marshall amps are fixed bias. That means the bias voltage is set by the amp's circuitry, independent of the tubes themselves. You can pull one tube from each leg, and set the bias correctly, and you're ok.
If you want more info, we can get deeper, just understand there is a basic design difference, not one of "sturdiness" or quality.
P.
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Post by mitch8686 on Feb 13, 2008 9:54:54 GMT -7
Just pick up an airbrake and be done with it. I know it's a more expensive option, but it will worth it in the long run. That way you know you're not gonna damage the amp. Just my .02...
Mitch
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