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Operating An Amp In 7-watt Mode?

Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2019 10:49 am
by adkguy07
I use a Dark Terror and for home use I primarily have been using it 7-watt mode. Is the
amp only using one EL-84 power tube in triode mode when doing so? If that’s the case, would
it be wise to swap the tube in use with the other EL-84 every now and then to prolong tube life?


adkguy07

Re: Operating An Amp In 7-watt Mode?

Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2019 2:16 pm
by Jondog
No, it would require a completely different output transformer and wiring to operate as single ended. Orange uses a specially designed power transformer that has an extra tap connected to the switch on the front to lower the voltage in the amp creating less power/wattage in 7w mode. Both tubes are always running. Their El84 amps that switch from 30 to 15 watts do shut off two tubes to get half power, so in that case if they were always run at 15 watts, it might make sense to swap tubes.

Re: Operating An Amp In 7-watt Mode?

Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2019 2:22 pm
by adkguy07
Thanks for that! I guess that I was worrying a bit too much.


adkguy07

Re: Operating An Amp In 7-watt Mode?

Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2019 12:50 pm
by makjoh
Good info Jondog! I wasn't aware of that, as I was also pondering the same question....something new to be learnt everyday on the Orange forum :o

Re: Operating An Amp In 7-watt Mode?

Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2019 1:39 pm
by adkguy07
I was worrying also. The reason for,that was my prior stock EL84 blew taking out a fuse with it.
After retubing afterbthe repair, I was wondering if in the 7-watt side that I'd be letting myself in for more troubles with this Dark Terror.


adkguy07