Hoffman 5E3 tone vs Fender 57 Deluxe & Victoria 20112

[ululufut]

Hi - I recently built a 5E3 using the parts list from the Hoffman website. I have since made some modifications to it, however from the start I noticed that the tone was rather dissimilar to other 5E3 reproductions I've played, particularly the Fender 57 Custom Deluxe and the Victoria 20112.  I'm looking for insight as to what may be different between my build and these production models. I like the tone of my build, but would like to know more about why it sounds different from these other amps.

I understand that the Fender uses MM transformers, and I believe the 20112 has its own (relatively) proprietary transformer design, however I don't know whether this accounts for the difference or not. In short, the gain sounds in the Fender & Victoria are a little warmer, more saturated, and slightly more "balanced" sounding, if this makes sense.

I was wondering if preamp tube selection (or 6V6's for that matter) could account for it as well. Other than that, it's basically the same circuit, I believe (at least the Fender), so I'm puzzled that the two production amps don't sound closer to my build.

For what it's worth, I used a Celestion Gold - maybe the higher wattage speaker is a significant factor?

[drew]

"other 5E3 reproductions I've played" -- so you didn't have these other amps in the same room at the same time with the Hoffman, doing direct comparisons with the same guitar and so forth?  Trying to judge one amp against a memory of another amp isn't very reliable, in my opinion.

Speakers, tubes, different B+ voltage levels all might make the same circuit sound different.

[tubeswell]

For what it's worth, I used a Celestion Gold - maybe the higher wattage speaker is a significant factor?

Yes, these are quite a lot 'stiffer' than 25W or 30W speaker versions. Try a Weber Sig12A or even a 12A125A 30W version.

[ululufut]

For what it's worth, I used a Celestion Gold - maybe the higher wattage speaker is a significant factor?

Yes, these are quite a lot 'stiffer' than 25W or 30W speaker versions. Try a Weber Sig12A or even a 12A125A 30W version.

Yes - curiously enough, this occurred to me just as I was writing it, however I was curious in general as to what others thought about the topic in general. I think the speaker choice is likely the most salient factor - I do have a 12A125A that I can try for my next build - I've already sold the amp in question to a friend of mine. I actually liked the sound of the Celestion Gold - at the same time I believe you're right - using a lower wattage speaker like the 12A125A or Sig12A will likely make a significant difference. Thanks!

[ululufut]

"other 5E3 reproductions I've played" -- so you didn't have these other amps in the same room at the same time with the Hoffman, doing direct comparisons with the same guitar and so forth?  Trying to judge one amp against a memory of another amp isn't very reliable, in my opinion.

Speakers, tubes, different B+ voltage levels all might make the same circuit sound different.

Drew - excellent point; voltage is another factor I was wondering about. I agree in general with the principle of of A/B'ing amps in real time, however in this instance the differences weren't subtle.