[1ViciousGSX]

Originally posted by IndiEP@May 27 2004, 11:32 PM
I really wanna get a peavey 5150 combo amp, its an awsome high gain amp and I can also rent it out for studio use and make some $$.

Get the 5150 or 5150II head instead of the combo and get a 2x12 or 4x12 cabinet. The high gain those amps have will cause microphonic feedback with the speakers in the same housing. Especially if you have a weak pre-amp tube. Also have it set up for an "adjustable bias". Any reputable tube amp shop can do it for you. Those amps have a fixed bias from the factory which runs the power tubes on the"cold" side which degrades the tone of the amp, especially at higher volumes. This was done to prevent the power tubes from wearing out while still under warranty :-( . Do not go messin' around in an amp if you don't know what you are doing. There are lethal voltages in there (250-500+ volts, even when unplugged from the 110vlts). Swapping tubes is easy and safe, as long as the glass housing is not cracked or broken. Have it set-up with a new set of Svetlana/SED 6L6GC tubes biased for what sounds the best (ussually 80-85% full power). You would not believe the difference it makes in those amps. Full and thick tone, not wimpy. Eddie (VH) doesn't run his stock either ;-). Get the tubes from somebody like NBS Electronics. They test and match all their power tubes, so once your amp is properly set-up, you can order replacement tubes later. You will get tubes matched the same and you won't have to re-bias your amp, just stick the new tubes in. I buy all my tubes from them too.