Laney AOR 100w first series, 505 volts on the plates ?

[Iplayloud]

I bought this beat-up AOR Pro-Tube ('86). I'm just wondering if they are known to have a good OT and would be a good platform to rip out the preamp and point-to-point a plexi style circuit. Looks just like this picture:
http://i38.tinypic.com/mhsoit.jpg

By the way it has a quad of Telefunken EL-34s that's pretty cool, and I was wondering about that 505v is above the usual numbers I see on typical schematics, does that point to a problem or it may just be designed that way ?

[Steve L]

Laney AOR 100W

The schematics I have seen specify about 460V, however I would not be real surprised to see 505V (no signal) in one.
That is just about 10% over nominal.

I can't comment on the actual sound of the amp with the original output transformer, mainly because I have had to replace quite a few of them and I can only recall the sound of the replacement versions.

Therefore, from a reliability standpoint, I would not call the original output transformers good at all.

I do think that the amps actually sound pretty good when they are working properly with fresh tubes, new transformer and a decent cabinet.
They have a very wide range of tones.

If I recall correctly, I used a Hammond transformer on the last one I had to put an output transformer in.

Steve

[Iplayloud]

Ok tx !

[oc disorder]

I was just going to suggest checking the heater voltage to see if it is elevated from 6.3v~ in case the mains selector is in the wrong position.

[Iplayloud]

I was just going to suggest checking the heater voltage to see if it is elevated from 6.3v~ in case the mains selector is in the wrong position.

I'll check this out. The mains selector has about 5 positions, 2 of which are 110v and 130v. It is presently set at 110 which is normal for North America but my wall voltage is about 117-122v.

[Iplayloud]

I was just going to suggest checking the heater voltage to see if it is elevated from 6.3v~ in case the mains selector is in the wrong position.

Finally checked the heaters and they're at 6.6 volts. Should I try the 130 volts setting then or leave it ? Tx

[Gtr_tech]

If the first caps in the pwr supply are in series as per the schemo that was posted yer ok to have that much plate supply. I actually prefer a higher plate supply....seems to "wake up" the tubes more and make higher headroom before clipping with a more solid attack (IE punch you in the chest with a good 4-12).

The extra .3v on the heaters I wouldn't be too concerned about.....won't hurt anything.

[Alex R]

Older Laneys often had very high voltages. FWIW.

[Gtr_tech]

Last AOR I had in had about 430 biased up to 17w. Got mushy at high volumes.