question for the knowledgable?

flemingmras · Post by **flemingmras** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 12:03 pm

Get rid of the stock master volume and install a PPIMV(post phase inverter master volume). George sells the kits for these and it involves changing the stock master volume to a dual pot. And with George's super detailed instructions, with basic soldering skills a 2 year old could install it for you.

I'd get the 500K version since it completely removes itself from the circuit when fully cranked.

Jon

rjgtr · Post by **rjgtr** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 1:17 pm

I don't know...I think it would be more like a five year old...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 1:45 pm

i was thinking more in the direction of which resistors or caps to make it sound more like nmv but keep the gain as in more open sounding less compressed. my first encounter with a ppimv was in 1988 and that was my last encounter thanks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 7:16 pm

i.e. i do not want the sound of a cranked phase inverter at low volumes. any other suggestions would be appreciated. thanks

rjgtr · Post by **rjgtr** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 12:02 pm

A well designed and installed PPIMV will sound more like a cranked amp than any other MV scheme. A bad one will sound bad.

If you just don't want one then you should consider removing the Master Volume and buying a WeberVST MASS or THD Hot Plate attenuator. Except for the speaker distortion component, this gets about as close as you can get.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 8:55 pm

Anonymous wrote:i was thinking more in the direction of which resistors or caps to make it sound more like nmv but keep the gain as in more open sounding less compressed. my first encounter with a ppimv was in 1988 and that was my last encounter thanks.

look i am asking ths question. iam not asking about attenuators or master volumes. thanks i think

Flames1950 · Post by **Flames1950** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 9:23 pm

The problem is that part of the non-MV sound IS less gain in the preamp, and cranking up that power amp section. The MV amps come closer by turning the preamp down to about 3 and cranking up that master volume knob so the power amp gets cooking. The actual EQ tonality of the amp was similar. But at that point you're not getting the same preamp gain which you said you wanted to keep.
I always ran my 2204 at three on the preamp, seven on the master and used a boost/overdrive for that extra solo kick. It just works way better than turning up that preamp knob -- anything past five on the preamp was pure buzzsaw.
Of course, I converted that amp to the non-MV circuit, so what's that say......

white room · Post by **white room** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 12:08 pm

That was the same way I used my 2204; turn the pre up just before distortion and then back it off just a little and crank the master and I used a TS-9 for that extra kick. I miss that amp

Billy Batz · Post by **Billy Batz** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 10:24 pm

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:i was thinking more in the direction of which resistors or caps to make it sound more like nmv but keep the gain as in more open sounding less compressed. my first encounter with a ppimv was in 1988 and that was my last encounter thanks.
look i am asking ths question. iam not asking about attenuators or master volumes. thanks i think

You need to read everyones replies again because there basically 100% correct. One reason is that if cranked NMV tone was as simple as a few resistor or cap changes then every amp manufacturer would be making awesom amps and NMV amps wouldnt be special at all. The second reason is that your 2203/4 is almost the same amp as earlier NMV Marshalls but for the input stages and the master. So if you really want that sound, like what was said you need to run the gain low and the master high using an attenuator if you need one. I dont see any other way. Preamp gain is buzzy by nature. Some manufacturers can do preamp gain tastefully but I dont think a small resistor or cap mod will get you where you want.

$.02

You dont like the buzzy thinness of preamp gain. Well thats exactly what a PPIMV doesnt sound like. It may still be buzzy when set low but its very thick compared to a master fed from the treble knob like it is stock. Im no fan of PPIMV myself but short of that theres no other way to get cranked tone then to crank it. With attenuation device or without your choice.