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Post by edoetsch on Jan 31, 2019 13:43:42 GMT -7
I am looking to soften up this biting amp as in reality it's more power than I need. Market value at around $800-900 when I paid $1200 for it is not going to happen so I thought I'd tweak with it as much as possible as long as it's safe.
Perhaps the 5u4 will soften its quick attack a bit over the 5AR4 currently in there.
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Post by jhen86 (jordan) on Feb 2, 2019 12:05:18 GMT -7
I don't have any personal experience, but a guy recently wrote here in the KT45 section about how Doc recommended the 5u4 to him in going for more of a Stangray tone. ztalk.proboards.com/thread/78883/kt-45-modsSo it's definitely doable. Just need to rebias after. In theory, I would think that the sag factor would be evident as well. This is a little more costly of a mod, but you could look into a softer speaker as well. Maybe the Creamback 65 or the NEO Creamback speaker. I've read the NEO magnet cream back has a very soft, saggy feel in the initial attack compared to the ceramic version. Bonus, they have a lower sensitivity as well, so less volume, which I perceive as less aggressive/biting.
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Post by edoetsch on Feb 7, 2019 11:51:22 GMT -7
OK I'll give the one I have a short. I have a Weber Blue Dog Alnico at 50 watts no dope.
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Post by hooper on Feb 8, 2019 17:27:11 GMT -7
I added a 5U4 and re-biased last week. It definitely softens the amp and adds some sag. It breaks up earlier - sounds great.
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Post by modernfiction on Feb 25, 2019 21:14:55 GMT -7
I don't have any personal experience, but a guy recently wrote here in the KT45 section about how Doc recommended the 5u4 to him in going for more of a Stangray tone. ztalk.proboards.com/thread/78883/kt-45-modsSo it's definitely doable. Just need to rebias after. In theory, I would think that the sag factor would be evident as well. This is a little more costly of a mod, but you could look into a softer speaker as well. Maybe the Creamback 65 or the NEO Creamback speaker. I've read the NEO magnet cream back has a very soft, saggy feel in the initial attack compared to the ceramic version. Bonus, they have a lower sensitivity as well, so less volume, which I perceive as less aggressive/biting. Hey, that guy was me! š So I haven't yet swapped out the rectifier though I am planning too soon after some booked shows are over. The main change I did and kept was changing the speaker in my 1x12 Z Cab. Straight out a huge change in the way the amp presents itself... Seriously, it's almost enough to be happy with, but the only benefit the 5U4 would add is some softening and sag. BUT! I don't know if it would be 100% beneficial in a full band setting, because as the rectifier stands now the KT45 cuts! It sits very nice in a mix. When playing solo at home and cranking the amp to around 11-12 o clock I noticed the amp was a little harsh sounding but like I said between a bass and full kit the opinion might differ. I think I will like the 5U4 in the end. The KT is very bright, I usually run my treble at 9-10 and bass at 7-8. Very present even at that setting. I think the 5u4 will help me in the playing spectrum, having a little more forgiveness, because this amp is detailed and pronounced on every pluck. Anyway, my speaker choices were an Eminence Red Fang 12" Alnico. Huge sound, super big bass, softer up top... But not how I wanted, almost too dull and I couldn't balance it right. I stumbled upon a custom Ceramic Red Fang 12" on Reverb and picked that up first, after A/B'ing the two the ceramic was just right in the pocket. Perfect balance and the knobs we're very responsive and the tone would shape exactly as I wanted. Hopefully I'll have some more to say when the 5u4 goes in. If you want some speaker recommendations check out Eminences speaker demos on YouTube. I really liked a lot of their stuff, Private Jack, the Governor we're two other options but the Ceramic Red Fang is my problem solver for now.
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Post by jimmysmith on Feb 28, 2019 8:43:42 GMT -7
I always just used the 5V4,, they seem too be plentiful, softened up for me.
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Post by aarondavis on Apr 1, 2019 7:50:42 GMT -7
Edited below: I realized I have a 5V4 instead. Sorry.
I have been running a 5V4 rectifier in my KT45 for about 5 years. It definitely works great and softens the amp, lowering the power a bit. To my ears it takes on some of the great tone of the Zwreck. I recon if I had a Blue and a Gold it would be even closer. But I like my ceramic Scumback J75's too much. BUT, regarding the 5U4 rectifier - I bet it gets even closer to a Stang Ray or Zwreck.
Note: of course you'll need to rebias after changing to the lower voltage 5V4.
Love my KT45. Did some gigging with it this weekend. This line of EF86 amps from Doc are really special designs.
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