Tube Amp (Tiny Terror) Issues

[worldwithoutlines]

Okay, recently I got an Orange Tiny Terror from a fellow softie. Got home, tried it and it sounded awesome. It was really loud (I cranked both 7 and 15watt modes) and even at volume 1 it was loud enough for my mum to beat me up. After much reading about Class A amps and such, cathode/fixed biasing whatever, I got myself new power amp and pre-amp tubes to replace the stock ones(with the 'no need to bias' attitude in mind). I got myself a pair of Sovtek EL84M and 2 JJ ECC83 tubes and replaced them the moment I got home. Tried it, loved it and it's awesome the way it is now.

Thing is, it got 'softer' a little bit. At volume 4 it isn't as loud as it used to be. I just want to know whether it's the tubes? Read about the ECC83M(the nice uncle at Berlington Sq) recommended me that, but online it says better for Hi-Fi applications because of clarity and stuff, and it has higher headroom. It's not really a problem, I could really crank it up now and get a good tone, just to know whether the tubes are faulty or I could have placed them wrongly or just the nature of the tube. Or better still, I'm getting deaf.

Also, there's a slight hiss. I'm using a stepdown transformer at the moment and the wire isn't grounded. Could that be the source?

Thanks, I know I talk too much, it's a forum after all. Hehe...
Inputs appreciated!

 

[Ized]

I'm using a stepdown transformer

Uh oh......

 

[worldwithoutlines]

What's wrong with that?

 

[MrBukka]

Noise issues can be related to the power cable being not grounded and the step down transformer may have some effect on it too......it will be obvious if u play on loud volumes. As for the drop in volume, is it a huge drop or just a minor drop? If it is just a minor drop then most probably it is the tube being different, cause every tube has different characteristics,i assume that it is most probably the change in power tubes. As for the suspicion on faulty tubes, try to take it out and see whether the tube is in gd condition eg. any loose parts, burnt areas, cracks and etc. Hope this helps bro!

 

[worldwithoutlines]

It's still loud as it is, but I'm sure enough it's the tubes. They look fine to me, no cracks or anything. My second tube amp and I've never done power tube changing before, so I get kind of curious. I don't need to send it for biasing, right?

Thanks man...

 

[MrBukka]

Hmmmmm u have to check whether the TT is cathode bias amp or not, if yes than just get a match pair of tubes and no need to rebias, but if it is not cathode bias, u gotta send ur amp to a tech to get it biased according to the new tubes.

 

[gsonique]

Sovtek EL84M = Very warm, tons of bottom end, not very bright. Good definition at clean levels, with a great single note, jazz lead sound. ...

Sooo...you are good!

Hmmmmm u have to check whether the TT is cathode bias amp or not

Yes... but still needs checking to get the best out of it!!


Btw what is the rating (watt) of your step down transformer?
Best to use 300watt and above.

 

[MrBukka]

Haha goose, the EL84M is really gd and with well defined sound, but i just find it alittle bit bass heavy.......once i eq it to my liking, it is nice!

 

[worldwithoutlines]

I believe the transformer I'm using is yours, and it's rated at 120watts. I should get it modded to a local voltage. Haha...

I'll see whether the tubes are red plating or not... Those guys at the Orange forum know their stuff, so I guess I'll just read up at the moment. Really enjoying the amp though...

 

[MrBukka]

Bro seriously if ur TT sounds gd to u, dun change it, just leave it as it is! It is ur opinion that counts bro!