swapping 6v6's for 6L6's

[noworrybeefcurry]

Id like to swap tubes and raise the plate voltage, i know that my filament taps can handle the new current. But can the transformer in general handdle the current of the 6L6's. its a deluxe reverb style transformer.

[RobBozic]

When you go from 6V6's to 6L6's the plate voltage will go down, because the 6L6's draw more current.

Apart from that you should check with the manufacturer of the PT & ask them (assuming you know who they are) if the PT can handle 6L6's.

The easier solution would be to install JJ6V6's which sound similar to a 6L6 anyway & plug in a solid state rectifier & rebias the amp.

Also, even if your PT could handle 6L6's don't forget that your OT is probably small as it's designed for 6V6's & therefore you probably wouldn't get the full benefit (extra headroom) of running 6L6's.

Rob

[noworrybeefcurry]

This amp is more or less my test bench, so im just experimenting with things as of now. My power transformer is a cheap weber one and the HV taps are rated at 150ma. on top of the power tubes i am running four 12ax7's. i did some calculation earlier and if my math is correct i believe all the tubes will draw slightly under the transformers rating. is it bad to push the PT that hard?

[RobBozic]

In that case, go ahead.

6V6's primary OT impedance is typically 8K, & the secondary load is typically 8K (speaker tap)
6L6 primary OT impedance is typically 4K, therefore if you run the same 8K speaker your 6L6's are only drawing half the current from the PT, so it should be OK.

The amp won't be much louder, it'll have a bit more headroom & a different tone.

Rob

[robert]

I.M.H.O. the amp will sound fuller/fatter/warmer with 6L6 instead 6V6.
Try it- you won't get disappointed!

Regards

Robert