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Post by genobluzgtr on Apr 14, 2007 12:36:58 GMT -7
I am thinking of trying a couple different rectifiers in my Z28 to see what affect it has on the tone, volume, headroom and sag.
Is there a problem with either a 5U4 or 5Y3 rect in these amps?
I know the 5Y3 is used in most other circuits for 6V6 power sections, but the Dr built it with the 5AR4 for a reason...
The 5U4 concerns me because of the 3 amp filament current instead of 2 amp for other rectifiers.
The 5Y3 I have is a Bendix 6106, which is super heavy duty, but I want to make sure that it doesn't lower the voltage too much.
Also, has anyone ever tried any Alnico Speakers in the Z28 two 10 config? The extra 5-6 lbs of weight savings would be great, but it might also tame the volume a tad? Anyone?
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Post by zdogma on Apr 15, 2007 5:10:37 GMT -7
YOu can use a 5R4, A 5U4 or a 5Y3 no problem. Z designs the amp/transformer to be comatible with the 3 amp filament current. The 5y3 produces a lot of heat and will have a bit shorter lifespan than the 5AR4. I've been thinking of trying one too, I wish the z28 had an external bias pot, I hate taking it apart to rebias everytime I switch rectifiers or output tubes. I havent used alnico 10's unfortunately. The eminence ragin cajuns are a lower sensitivity speaker that still sounds good (a little darker), but they are still big ceramic speakers and pretty heavy.
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Post by genobluzgtr on Apr 15, 2007 10:32:14 GMT -7
Thanks... I actually emailed the Dr about this same issue, and he assured me that the 5U4 and the 5Y3 is safe for the Z28, but he prefers the extra "tight bottom" of the 5AR4. He recommended the Jensen P10Q speakers as a good Alnico Alternative to the Z speakers. I really dig the Z speakers, but if I could get similar tone with less weight I would consider changing. He recommended the 16 ohm speakers (in parallel of course for the 8 ohm speaker).
One question... if I got 8 ohm speakers and wired them in parallel, could I use the 4 ohm jack as my primary speaker out?
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Post by zdogma on Apr 15, 2007 10:49:32 GMT -7
Thanks... I actually emailed the Dr about this same issue, and he assured me that the 5U4 and the 5Y3 is safe for the Z28, but he prefers the extra "tight bottom" of the 5AR4. He recommended the Jensen P10Q speakers as a good Alnico Alternative to the Z speakers. I really dig the Z speakers, but if I could get similar tone with less weight I would consider changing. He recommended the 16 ohm speakers (in parallel of course for the 8 ohm speaker). One question... if I got 8 ohm speakers and wired them in parallel, could I use the 4 ohm jack as my primary speaker out? You could, for sure, but i think z prefers the sound of the 8 ohm tap.
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Post by Burnsy on Apr 18, 2007 4:08:35 GMT -7
I tried to put my weber Blue Pup and Silver Bell in my Z28 2x10 combo, and decided in about 30 seconds that Z got it right the first time. They sounded pretty good at low volumes, but just didn't hold together like the Z 10" speakers when you crank it.
I mostly use my Z's for gigging, so that's where it's important to me anyway. I love how those bass notes stay tight - so impressive.
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Post by genobluzgtr on Apr 18, 2007 19:59:11 GMT -7
I just used my Z28 for rehearsal tonight for the first time, and I think I won't mess with it for now. If it sounds as good at the next gig Saturday as it did tonight, I will likely never mess with the speakers.
I thought the amp sound pretty excellent the two or three days I was able to play it at volume at home since I bought it... but I wasn't quite prepared for the pleasant surprise tonight at rehearsal. It sounds SOOOO damn GOOD in the mix with the rest of the band. I have never had an amp that sound clean and overdriven at the same time, but it was somehow.... perfect. Just the right amount of everything. Mids/Lows/Highs/Punch/clarity/grind.... A couple of songs I forgot to click on my Direct Drive... it sounded so good, I forgot I was supposed to push a little harder to cover the tune. I foresee less pedal use in my future.
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