A poll for our electronics and amp guru's

[megabutter]

Electronics and amp guru's:

Like many many other guitarists, I spent the first portion of my gear days digging into the guitar itself. The woods, the p/u's, frets, how they work, how to set them up, etc. (which of course, is how I ended up w/ my job. :) ).

Naturally, as I progressed, more experienced players turned me on to just how important your amp is. So, for years I paid close attention to amps, but remained a know-nothing on the guts (save for real construction and tube basics necessary to know why I liked certain boxes).

For the last couple years, I've been trying to REALLY learn tube amps and what makes them tick. Down to the multimeter bone!

So, for you in the know, I'd like to pose this question:

Understanding that the amp is, of course, the sum of it's parts, how would you stack up some of the individual physical components of an amp in terms of how highly they affect it's tone? #1 listed as being the most important tone shaper.

Here are the components I'm thinking of (of course, if some should be separated or I forgot some, add it in!):

Components: Cabinet material, Speaker(s), Tubes, board component materials, transformers, filter caps

Thanks all, I'm really looking forward to reading your answers and the discussions following.

[telex76]

Of course it all needs to be good. No matter how good the rest of it is, if you don't have the right OT and Speaker, it really doesn't matter.

[Prairie Dawg]

You've overlooked grill cloth. That's significant.

[Ricky D.]

Anything that changes electricity to vibration (or vice-versa) has a huge impact. Put transformers next on the list, maybe tubes next. Board component materials, not much at all except as it bears on actual component values and value tolerances.

The circuit design is where you ought to focus your attention. There's no component swap that's going to make a Blues Jr. sound like a 5E3.

[telex76]

Originally Posted by Prairie Dawg

You've overlooked grill cloth. That's significant.

[jh45gun]

don't forget the flux capacitors ;)

[pedenphoto]

Everything effects everything but some things have a bigger effect than others. IMHO assuming everything is within spec and working properly then the basic design of the amp is the biggest factor, then cabinet design combo vs closed back, speaker design and choice, then output tube configuration, then transformers. of course there are other factors but IMHO the items already mentioned are the first priorities.

[Wally]

Every variable has its positoin in the equation that creates the sonics. IF you change one thing, you will change the sound. Circuit design has to be first, imho. OF course, this one is the hardest to change;so it is the hardest to assess, perhaps. Change the preamp and the signal is changed early in the circuit...as the effect is great. Change the bias method and things change...greatly. Tube and component choice...cab--open or closed---with speaker choice, cab material.....everything is part of the whole. And..at the end...there is such a variety in what varisous speakers do that this choice can make or break the 'whole', ime.

[jmaul]

I would go :
1) Circuit topology
2) tie - speaker and transformers
4) cabinet dimensions and materials
5) tone caps and resistors

[dconeill]

I think this is kind of a silly question. An amplifier is an engineered and manufactured object. Everything - from the manufacturing budget to the design through the bill of materials to the quality of construction - contributes to the sound. This question is like asking which is your favorite kidney.

[megabutter]

Thanks for some of your answers guys!

I think I should have specified more that I was thinking physical components. Taking design out of the mix.

For instance, I read a whole study on resistors in amps. On the subject of carbon composition, the math said they only effect the signal differently when used on the plate resistors and even then only with a lot of current.

In another forum regarding the Excelsior and upgrading it was said, to paraphrase, why bother when it's in that sub par box?

In this world of guitar science vs. mojo and snake oil we tread through, it can be hard to pin down what does or doesn't and how much it does or doesn't.

I guess, therefore, I ask silly questions. But, I'm also getting some cool answers.

[krowbot]

Originally Posted by jh45gun

don't forget the flux capacitors ;)

Make sure they are NOS circa November 15, 1955

[megabutter]

Here's the meat:

Understanding that the amp is, of course, the sum of it's parts, how would you stack up some of the individual physical components of an amp in terms of how highly they affect it's tone? #1 listed as being the most important tone shaper.

Here are the components I'm thinking of (of course, if some should be separated or I forgot some, add it in!):

Components: Cabinet material, Speaker(s), Tubes, board component materials, transformers, filter caps

Grill cloth. Good addition! Champ 600 is a great example of that, huh?

[Raybob]

Originally Posted by megabutter

..Here are the components I'm thinking of (of course, if some should be separated or I forgot some, add it in!):

Components: Cabinet material, Speaker(s), Tubes, board component materials, transformers, filter caps

...

If you are just changing brands and not values, the biggest difference in sound would be from the speakers. If values are not changed, the other components aren't going to make much difference but speakers can make a huge difference.