Revisiting an old question on converting a Traynor YBA-3A Super

[pbman1953]

I'm giving this some more serious thought compared to the past.

The Amp has 3- 12ax7's and 4- 6KG6 tubes that are only available from Russian vendors and there's no way that any of the so far can match a set.So I have to get pairs here and there and get lucky with matching.

Here's the map-http://www.freeinfosociety.com/electronics/schematics/audio/traynor_customspecial_yba3a.pdf

I'm told that the transformer was specially would for this power tube , which was a horizontal TV tube. I guess Pete Traynor had to be different.

I'm thinking of going to KT-88's or possibly the newer KT-120's. I hear good things about them

Every one says that it's an expensive project. The main question is if the transformers are able to be used. If I have to change them out then I'll not go forward and possibly sell the amp. It's not that I'm unhappy with the amp it's that recently I picked up a Fender/Sunn 300T, previously owned, and realized what I missed. Plus I have a  Sunn 2000s also.The Traynor has a forward focused sound where the other 2 warmer.

So as far as the expense:
If it's go and besides the 4- tubes I need and the tube sockets, would there be an extensive parts list of just re-wiring labor? I'd go for  a second bias pot. How many labor hours are we talking here?

Thanks

 

[loogie]

There seem to be plenty of those tubes around and the don't look that expensive.  I think you start pulling on the Kt-88 thread and you'll be pulling for a long time.  Why not just get some new tubes and see how it sounds? 

[kagliostro]

Does anyone know the impedance of the primary of the output transformer ?

this would help a lot in finding a replacement tube

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Those tubes requires particular low screen voltage and so they use "special" PT

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The simplest solution may be new JJ EL509 (also if a socket substitution is required)

http://www.hifitubes.nl/weblog/wp-content/jj-electronic-el509.pdf

Here you can find also matched

http://www.thetubestore.com/Tubes/Big-Power-Tubes/JJ-EL509-S




K

[pbman1953]

Tube wise, I just had it set up with a very reputable tech . The tubes in there now are a pair of Sylvania's and a pair of winged C 6P45S. maybe that it's the Traynor
"sound" that;s getting to me compared to using my Sunn type amps. The sustain on the Fender/ Sunn 300T and the Sunn 2000 will go on for days

[loogie]

Maybe you leave it stock and just consider it another part in your sound mix?  Or maybe it takes pedals well?  Think about the possibilities -- assuming you have a strong back.  I have a couple of Traynors and I've played a Sunn, can't remember which model.  I think they're different enough animals that making the one sound like other would be a challenge.

[pbman1953]

Thanks, but I don't think a pedal would help

[pbman1953]

Will the JJ sound like a 6Kg6/ el 509?