Another VHT Special 6 Question (Tube related)

[wyattt]

As my other post says, I bought two head/cab versions of the Special 6 by VHT. I read a ton of threads on mods, tubes, speakers, etc.. It made my head spin.

They currently have 6v6's in them and 12ax7's. I'd like to swap tubes out for something that might give a little more volume, but not necessarily increase the clean headroom. I love the break up on these things. So here's my question. Is there a tube(s) that will allow me to get this?

Also, I'd like to differentiate them slightly from each other too. I thought maybe if one had a EL34 and one had something else? I'm not looking for two totally different amps, but just a slight variance so that if I was to use stereo effects the differences in the amps enhances the sound. I was thinking 6v6 and EL34. Any other suggestions?

I may or may not swap out the speakers. I have heard some feedback for certain speakers and some who said they put the stock speaker back in because it sounded better.

[Wally]

You will notice some differences with different power tubes in there. However, I don't see 'two different amps' just by changing tubes. The circuit is the basis for the sonics....much more of a determining factor than the tube choice.
The volume of the amp is determined more by the OT and the speaker than the choice of power tube, ime. I would not expect 'night and day' differences going from a 6V6 to a 6L6 or an EL-34. One could probably mess with the bias and see as big of a change in sonics..but not power.

That said, if the amp is built to allow those different power tubes, have at it....and see what you find for you. I don't know what speaker is in the amp, but if you can find a speaker of 3 or more db increase in efficiency, you can double the volume of that amp.

[wyattt]

Thanks for the info! All the other threads were helpful, but they usually contained people's personal preferences tonally and also included the other mods to the tone stack that they did. So far I like the tone stack as is.

How would one find out if a speaker has a db increase over my stock VHT Chromebacks?

[Wally]

wyatt, I woudl start inquirying of VHT as to what that speaker does. IF it is in themid-90db range, then an 'upgrade' to a higher efficiency speaker will get you more volume. You might inquire of them as to the specs for the speaker so maybe you coudl look at similar freq specs, too.

[puke hat roy]

http://wgs4.com/all-products

Check the above link for excellent American Made speakers. Small family-owned company in Paduka, KY. They are mail order only to keep costs down. I have a Celestion green back speaker that is great for $ 125. I bought the WGS Green Beret for $69 and it is definitely superior to the Celestion. I have had the same experience with other of their speakers.
Good luck in your tone search. P.S.- I have a Special Six head. Love it. I just ordered a VHT 12/20 head and if it is as good as the Six i am done buying amps.

[wyattt]

Thanks for the tip. I checked them out a while back but then I got an amp with blues in it and was good.

Love the Special 6's. I have a pair with matching 1x12 cabs. They have the chromebacks which aren't too bad, but I am curious about other speakers. The amp already sounds so good as it is that I got rid of half my dirt pedals. Got a TC Electronic Spark Booster coming though which may be fun with this!

[Steve G]

I have a cab with a eminence cannabis rex in. 102db so Im hoping to get hold of a special 6 head and get the most from the amp. Should be cool!