2009 VHC DR201 KT88 v. EL34

[Dr.HI-TONE]

MikeB. put both through their paces and to my surprise the EL34 version (July 27 1976, with "mid/late 1970's preamp") really held it's own. They were both thunderous, with slight differences in EQ.

Hopefully the others will chime in with their impressions too!

[mhuss]

I think the EL34 version sounded even better after it's "purple flame cleansing."

For those who weren't there, we replaced a broken indicator and re-connected the Bulgin on Dr. H's 201. Apparently, that much vibration and commotion was a bit too much for the old girl, because after a short period of playing she started smoking and blew a fuse. When we opened it up and turned it on we saw sparks and a purple flame! Turns out one of the plate wires had deteriorated a bit too much and was arcing to the chassis. Once we cleaned it up and replaced the wire, everything was fine. You don't want want to mess around with 700 plate volts.

--mark

[OldSchoolDave]

I think the EL34 version sounded even better after it's "purple flame cleansing."

So, the "purple flame" isn't an urban myth, like the "green flash at sunset", eh ? I only heard the sizzling but, that in itself was an experience.

I thought the EL34 version sounding crisper than the KT88 version. As you mentioned, though, that could have been the result of the differing tone stacks. Guess the bottom line is, both are keepers!

Dave

[Dr.HI-TONE]

Well put, Dave!

Both are indeed keepers.



I promise to never bash the EL34 version again.

[Mike B.]

Keith said he hasn't gotten the check yet.

Mike

[OldSchoolDave]

Keith said he hasn't gotten the check yet.

Tell him to wait by the mailbox. Any day now...

Dave

[Mike B.]

Rapscallions!

Mike

[spentmusic]

Did you guys only test with guitars or bass as well? I had Serial # 13056 from around 77 or so. Played bass through it for years and just loved the EL34 version over the KT88's. With my 401 Rickenbacker she just rocked the house down!! There is a review of the amp on our DST website under Tech Information if any one is interested in just how much power the DR201 has and the massive amount of voltage running through those amps!!!
http://www.dst-engineering.com/tech.html

I did use it with my Pete Townshend limited SG as well as my old trusty Ibanez artist guitar. And other then being able to tear the ears right off your head, was underwhelmed. A bit sterial as many hiwatts are. For guitar I love the DR504's over anyother HiWatt.

Wish I could have been there!!!

[mhuss]

Actually, we *only* tested it with bass and the 15" cabs. A guitar and 2 4x12s might have been interesting.

--mark

[OldSchoolDave]

I did use it with my Pete Townshend limited SG as well as my old trusty Ibanez artist guitar. And other then being able to tear the ears right off your head, was underwhelmed. A bit sterial as many hiwatts are. For guitar I love the DR504's over anyother HiWatt.

I don't find my KT88 DR201 at all sterile for guitar. Currently, I use an Eminence Delta loaded 4x12 cab with it. They can handle the power but are a bit darker than desired. I'd like to put in a quad of those FC12's. Unfortunately, there are other budget demands at the moment .

Dave