Stock 5E3 on 6L6's

[foxman]

Hi,
I just built a 5E3 (first amp build) and really want to try 6L6's in it since I'm a neil young fan and have a bunch laying around. I could use a low down for dummies on how to do it with the original style circuit and transformers. Thanks, Jim.

[stokes]

Just be sure to check the idle current,and adjust the cathode resistor if needed.

[TD_Madden]

swap the 5-watt cathode resistor out for a 10-watt. I use the "small bottle" 6L6s or 5881s....both sound fine.

[HTH]

btw, if you want some nice small-bottle 6L6WGBs, the current TAD ones sound very nice indeed (that what I put in my friend's Bluesbreaker I modded a week or two back).

Those small-bottle 6L6s should give that looser feel that fits well with the tweed vibe (imo).

[Amp Kat]

Are you guys sure that OT will handle 6L6's athigh volumes ? I remember Bruce telling me he wasn't real kean on 6l6's in the 5E3. Just wondering

[foxman]

Thanks for replies. I'm also wondering about which rectifier to use. I used stock replacement from Mercury for both transformers, Thanks. Jim

[bob p]

If you want 6L6 in that circuit, compare it to the 5E5 Pro for reference. It uses a 5u4GB.

[Colin]

I think it's best to use a 'Copper Cap' rectifier to keep the current drain on your PT as low as you can if you're using 6L6s on a transformer designed for 6V6s. I used the WV4 copper cap, which is a 5V4 replacement, and that worked fine. However, the extra current draw of the 6L6s pulled down all my voltages and I wasn't over pleased with the result. (so I suppose it didn't work fine..) I ended up going back to 6V6s but with the WV4 rectifier.