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The M50 puts out between 50 to 60 watts using 6L6GC / EL34 / KT66 output tubes & 22-25 watts using 6V6 tubes in push-pull Class 'AB' (fixed bias) with the ability to vary the BIAS within multiple 'AB' modes up to and including class 'A'. The "M" series preamp is a single channel Cascading Gain Stage design using 2 double triodes. There is no negative feedback loop in this design and as a result the output is huge and responsive. You may use un-matched pairs of output tubes in the M50; individual bias controls and accessible, low voltage test points make it easy to setup. My personal observations on tubes, bias and tone in the M50 are summed up as follows:
Yes, the M50 will easily BIAS into Class 'A' with any of the preceding output tubes. Heat dissipation is great with our open and airy design, but at high ambient temperatures or for prolonged use at Class 'A' bias levels, it is strongly suggested that air flow be boosted with a small external fan. And, bear in mind, operating at Class 'A' will likely shorten tube life, especially with the 6V6! The M50's power supply uses a solid state rectifier a massive choke and large filter caps. This delivers a loud, punchy, responsive output. The M50 is highly touch sensitive to the player and at higher volume settings, is very aggressive. There are 5 points in the signal path where gain, compression and distortion can be tailored to suit various guitars, pickups and desired tone. Tube Complement -2 - ECC83S (12AX7) dual triodes in the preamp. 1 - ECC81 (12AT7) or ECC83S (12AX7) dual triode as the phase inverter. 2 - 6L6GC output tubes You may choose to have us install EL34 or 6V6S output tubes and make minor tone alterations at no extra cost. EL34 tubes are somewhat louder but not as dimensionally flexible as the 6L6GC. Use them if you prefer a hard rock sound for the most part. The 6V6S is a lower power output tube that is still loud enough for most smaller venues. It brings an amazing, ringing sustain to the higher gain realms and a "browner" tone. Other tube substitutions are possible in all positions, especially the phase inverter. In this position, an ECC83S (12AX7) works great when combined with EL34 output tubes to provide greater "crunch". If you desire JJ's KT66, KT77 or an NOS tube set, please let us know ! Custom configurations and customized tone tweaking can be provided. Please drop us a line to enquire about custom work.
Safety -All of our Amplifiers are hand inspected by the Canadian Standards Association and labeled under CSA SPE-1000. The high conductivity chassis features a solid bottom / firewall made of the same .090" aluminum and separate signal grounds ensure a safe (and noise free) operating environment. All critical components carry the CSA logo and meet or exceed CSA requirements. It is important to note that in Canada, it is illegal to sell electrical products that do not carry the CSA logo (or a recognized off-shore equivalent). Further, it is illegal to operate non-certified amplifiers in a public venue. Equipment that has not been certified is subject to seizure until it can be inspected and certified by the CSA. Why take the risk by buying a boutique amplifier that has not been inspected and certified? Longevity -Our amplifiers are designed for a 100 year lifespan. That means we engineer our designs to be "overbuilt" from the start. All parts have been selected to operate reliably for decades and be easily replaceable should that be required in the future. There's no "black goop" on in-house components or values covered or removed to conceal their "mojo". We build them with the understanding that sometime in the future, somebody is going to want to modify or have to repair a chassis. Your Amptech can get at everything easily and the teflon insulation on our wiring can take the abuse of resoldering. For servicing, you may contact us to arrange for your Swampdonkey Amplifier to be returned to us or have your local Amptech contact us directly with purchasers name, and amplifier serial number and a full Technician's Package will be sent without hesitation. We use Hi-Fi quality electrostatically shielded Hammond Transformers that offer more output, more clean headroom and longer service life & with their reputation you can count on replacement parts always being available! The M50 head weighs in at around 50 pounds including cabinet! 22 of those are transformer iron. Our amps are fitted with ceramic tube sockets that can be replaced if needed. All fasteners are stainless steel. All pots are easy to get at to clean or replace and have metal shafts & even the chicken head knobs feature solid brass inserts and set screws. Control faceplates on Swampdonkey Amplifiers are powder coated .030" aluminum with screen printed markings using epoxy based ink. Don't forget; all Swampdonkey Amplifiers and Speaker Cabinets come in a full ATA flight case. There's no other way to buy one, so you get all the protection you'll ever need to keep your Swampdonkey in top shape for as long as you own it..... and beyond.
Your Swampdonkey Amplifier is an investment. It looks fantastic, sounds awesome and is a true original... just like you are!
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