Dr-103 Gamble

[smsayre65]

Hey, I just picked up a DR last night for $850 cash. Appears to be a super late Hylight and/or super early Biacrown?? 1980/81?? It is really clean. Astounding how great the condition is actually. Had all the original (?) Mullards in the preamp. Very old Peavey output tubes! I attached a few pics. It sounds great with no apparent concerns. No mods???
Steve

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[Dr.HI-TONE]

Congrats!
That truly is a HYLIGHT.
It looks pretty clean.

[smsayre65]

Thanks Dr. H!!! 1 question (for now, lol...) Are the electronics considered the "hybrid" electronics (pcb's + turrets)? It looks like it according to Mark's site (which is incredible!!!) If these are the hybrid electronics, are they inferior to the 100% turret construction of the older Hylights? Any advantages? Well, my wife is going to the store and I dont have a gig tonight, so, time to turn up the 'Watts!!!! Everyone have a great weekend!!
Steve

[Dr.HI-TONE]

It is PCB construction. But it is done the right way.
let us know how it sounds when you open it up!

[OldSchoolDave]

Very old Peavey output tubes!

Ummmmmm, they wouldn't happen to be stamped "6CA7 / Made in U.S.A", would they????

Nice score - that may be even nicer, pending your answer .

Dave

[mhuss]

Nice score indeed. There is no real sonic difference between turret board and PCB board construction given identical circuits. PCBs are just easier to manufacture.

--mark

[smsayre65]

Thanks for the props everyone!! It straight-up sounds INCREDIBLE! The very first thing I played was "Overture" from Tommy and "Anthem" from Rush. Both sounded VERY authentic to me.
I think the people I got it from thought they were getting one over on me. I think they were advised to pull the original Mullard EL34's and put these junk early 90's X14 "Shuguang" Chinese Peavey tubes in their place. (@ Dave: I wish they were "6Ca7 Made in USA" Peaveys.... ) The Peavey tubes were NOT dusty at all (Chassis was...) and appeared to have very fresh fingerprints on them. My uncle's a cop and looked at them and came to the conclusion they were pretty fresh. However, b/c they admitted they were intimidated by taking it apart (the guy told me he was a photographer and didnt play {but had friends who did=told him to pull Mullards???}) They didnt touch the preamp tubes b/c they couldnt get to them(shield blocking them.) The first time i disassembled it, there they were. All the original Mullard tubes in the preamp. Idiots. Who got the last laugh for $850???? I am going to look at the tubes again today though. The 2 outboards were marked "Peavey" the 2 inboards were marked "X14." So, I dont remember if the ones actually marked "Peavey" had "made in prc " on them and Dave peaked my interest. I really doubt they are the "Eddie" Peavey tubes, but I need to make extra sure.
Steve

[Zells]

The 2 outboards were marked "Peavey" the 2 inboards were marked "X14."

X14? Are you sure those tubes are not XF4 Mullard EL34? The Mullard label could have rubbed off.

Regardless of tubes, you got a good deal on a great amp.