Delta Dirt
193 posts
Jun 08, 2011
7:45 AM
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I bought a VHT Special 6 a few weeks ago for $200.Does anybody here have one?I was needing a small amp(6 watts)for small gigs and couldnt be happier with my purchase. I was wondering if anybody here had one and if they were to replace the speaker what would you go with? Its a 10 incher. I replaced the tubes and its sweet. Cant go wrong with this amp and for $200 you got to be kidding.
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HarpNinja
1467 posts
Jun 08, 2011
8:04 AM
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The stock speaker is fine. It has a flat response and is clean, but a good match for the amp. I'd put any money towards tubes (if only so the 6v6 was more reliable). I would then put money towards modding the amp rather than the speaker. I spent $30 on mods and that was a real game changer!
If you must get a different speaker, try to find a used Eminence Ramrod or Lil' Buddy. Both will be awesome...but not as noticeable in tone as the internal mods.
I did the following:
R3 100K at 1W
R4 100K at 1W
R5 leave stock
R9 leave at 100K
R10/R12 - take an ohmmeter and measure the resistance from the middle tab of the treble pot of the HG50 (set as you play it) to the RH tab for R10, and then middle tab to LH tab for R12.
R13 measure middle tab of HG50 bass pot to LH tab of bass pot for value.
R15 measure middle tab of HG50 middle pot to LH tab of middle pot for value.
R22 don't pull the boost switch.
C8, C13 yes, 25uf...maybe try removing C13 altogether?
C11 remove
Remove C13 then add a 33K resistor from the hot side of R17 to orange speaker tap wire (16ohms, or 22K if using an 8ohm output). If the amp howls on turn on, reverse blue & red leads going to main B+ and power tube pin 3.
C15 try 220uf, or try removing altogether?
Sovtek5881WXT for the power tube.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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garry
55 posts
Jun 08, 2011
2:17 PM
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you wouldn't happen to have before and after sound samples, would you? or if not, you could come close by recording your modded vht and someone else's stock.
that'd be cool. i read the various modding posts with interest, but most of it means nothing to me. being able to hear what one setup sounds like vs. another would be cool.
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HarpNinja
1470 posts
Jun 08, 2011
8:08 PM
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www.youtube.com/user/mikefugazzi
There are several clips stock at home, one with the Mark Cameron Band with the Ramrod, and the What I Got vid is the modded amp.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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MN
68 posts
Jun 27, 2011
7:38 AM
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Anyone know if it's possible to use a VHT Special 6 combo in Europe without using a voltage converter? In other words, could I just replace the cord like I do with my laptop computer?
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5F6H
751 posts
Jun 27, 2011
7:54 AM
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"Anyone know if it's possible to use a VHT Special 6 combo in Europe without using a voltage converter? In other words, could I just replace the cord like I do with my laptop computer?"
Not according to the manual. If you have a 115/120VAC amp and you apply 230/240VAC to the PT the voltages in the amp will be twice what the tubes expect to see & you will kill it...tubes, transformers, EVERYTHING! Use a step up/down transformer. 45-50W rating should be fine.
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Swezey8
90 posts
Jun 27, 2011
9:52 AM
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HarpNinja-
Is there any way you could post the values you ended up using for R10, 12, 13, and 15? I was thinking of getting my VHT modded and love the new sound of yours after the mods. Unfortunately, I don't have a HG50 to pull any of the readings from! So if you have them written down or anything and you don't mind posting them it would be much appreciated. If not- no biggie!
And are you using a 5881 in yours now? I have a JJ 6V6 and was wondering what you thought about the difference in sound between the two (if you switched to a 5881 of course). Thanks!
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HarpNinja
1489 posts
Jun 27, 2011
12:20 PM
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R10 223k
R12 23k
R13 36.2k
R15 7k
I have a 5881 one in there now as it is the same tube used in the HG50. I bet you can hardly tell the difference. I'd say it is the last thing I'd change.
I'd change:
Circuit
Preamp tube
Speaker
Power tube
Assuming you aren't using junk for any of the tubes/speaker. The stock speaker doesn't suck at all.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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