[Harp-L] RE: Watts Up With That?

[THOMAS FIACCO <mx714@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

There are many factors that determine the wattage of an amplifier.

 One of them is the rectifier-a GZ34/5AR4 will give you 5-7 watts more power

than a than a 5Y3. Thats why you will see some of the amp builders classify 30-35 watts,

or something similar.

If you look back at any old tube amp that had nasty tone,one of the first things you

notice is low voltage at the plates-for instance,a 40's National runs around 90-100 

volts. 

 Plate voltage determines frquency response and headroom. Low voltages cause breakup

at all volume levels,perfect for harp.

Resistors,coupling caps,gain stages,tubes and bias all have a huge effect on the final

wattage output and tone.