Onboard Tube Amp Bias Setup

[tube power]

I'd like to mod my Blackheart Handsome Devil 15 watt el84 tube head so that
the bias can be adjusted while the amp is together.

It looks like the necessasary parts are here...

https://taweber.powweb.com/store/modkits.htm#biasmeter

I'd like opinions on what the possible consequences might be in relation to
the sound of the amp after such a mod.
Do you have reason to believe that there would be a significant alteration of
the tone of the amp with such componants attached and running?

[Steve Conner]

Assuming you didn't break the amp during installation, and you adjust the bias to be the same after the mod as it was before, there should be no difference.

[tube power]

This is something I'd almost certainly have an expert install.

Based on the link I included, does it look like all the necessasary parts are there
to mod the amp so that average Joe's could tweek the knobs and set the bias right?

I'd like to be able to travel with the amp and in the event of a tube change, be able to
set the amp optimally on the fly.

[Steve Conner]

OK, well first of all it seems like the Handsome Devil is a cathode biased amp. There is no bias adjustment and none needed, just plug and chug.

You could still install that bias meter if you wanted, and it would be kind of useful as a check on tube health, but it's not needed.

I have a similar scheme on my fixed bias amps, but with retro looking analog meters.

[melvin]

It would sound more complicated.