tubes, tubes, tubes

[Yermom]

Ok, I just bought the 100w, giving it a good initial run-through, looking around the thing, getting used to it... blah blah blah

I noticed that the chuckleheads at the guitar store (Guitar Center, for those of you playing at home) had swapped out the KT66's for 6L6's. I know that these tubes are almost identical in headroom and low-end response, but what am I missing with the 6L6 vs KT66's? I'm assuming that the did not bias the amp, just swapped the tubes out.

Thoughts?

[slowpokerhino]

Take it back and make them put the KT66s back in it! If they don't have any in stock (which they probably wont) make them order you a set. The KT66s are the heart & soul of this amp and it will not sound or function right without them.

BTW, Welcome to the forum.

[Yermom]

Yeah, I know, and that's next on the list to do. I'm just not sure of the voltage and whatnot for 6L6 vs KT66... It works and nothing smells like it's smoking. hahaha

[Lordakamai]

lol after reading this i actually shined a light in the back of my 2266C to see it mine are KT66 and they are xD

[Dave W]

The main thing you would be missing with the 6L6's is the Marshall Vintage Modern! Unlikely that GC would have KT66 in stock. One possibility is that someone with tired tubes took that amp out and took the KT66's out before returning it. You know, its GC, there is always the chance that it has been bought and returned many times or not, you never know and I do not believe crap the guys at my local GC say. Another possibility is that one of the sales people uses a VM and took the KT66's. Either way, its not the same amp without the KT66. DO not settle! Make them order you a new one in the box or order you the tubes. If you get new tubes, just read on the forum on how to bias them if you are comfortable after reading the information bias the tubes. Good Luck!

[surfnorthwest]

but what am I missing with the 6L6 vs KT66's

The magical tone of this amp. That really sucks that someone would not only do that but then sell it to you. If they cannot put the Marshall tubes back in find a quad of Penta or Valve Art KT66s, they can be sent to you from many online vendors quickly.

[Yermom]

Thanks guys.

Yeah, let's just say I bought it "new" as in, someone didn't keep it on Monday. As far as I know, they only got one or two shipments of them back in late 07, early 08. So, you know it's been around the block a few time.

I won't settle.

[lowenzz]

I would be really concerned here in that could a 6L6 damage anything ? I seriously doubt they are direct replacements for the KT66's. I would imagine that components would need to be adjusted at a minimum to make them compatable, and this probably did not happen.

They could work fine but I would be very concerned myself. Besides you got flat ripped off on tone and mojo. Give it back to them drive-by style.

[Yermom]

They're going to hook me up with KT66's tomorrow. You know, the guy really didn't sound surprised when I gave him the scoop on the phone. He kinda sounded like "did we really think we'd get away with that?"

Maybe they'll knock some of the sticker price off too, since I caught their little "mistake."

Or not. : )

[SteveD]

Welcome to the forum Yermom. :)

I'm glad this has worked out the only way it should. If I'd meant the Vintage Modern to have 6L6s, I'd have put the bloody things in. :x

[SteveD]

Give it back to them drive-by style.

:D

[Yermom]

Welcome to the forum Yermom. :)

I'm glad this has worked out the only way it should. If I'd meant the Vintage Modern to have 6L6s, I'd have put the bloody things in. :x

Thanks man.