| Visit Our Catalog at SteelGuitarShopper.com |

Post new topic Peavey VTX Classic 2X12
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  Peavey VTX Classic 2X12
Keith Cordell


From:
San Diego
Post  Posted 12 Aug 2006 3:29 pm    
Reply with quote

I got one of these amps today and it is so clean I might have dinner off it; It sounds amazing but has a little hiss. Being tube amps, any mods anyone has seen and had experience with on these amps? I have heard good things and I think this one sounds way better than I would have expected. If I can make it better I will be glad to do it!
It has peavey labeled square speakers, I have a feeling I'll be changing those; but I don't know for sure what they are rated at. Any thoughts, info and opinions are appreciated.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Ken Fox


From:
Nashville GA USA
Post  Posted 12 Aug 2006 4:08 pm    
Reply with quote

It is a hybrid, solid state components right up to the power tubes. For proper impedance matching to the power tubes they are cathode driven by a pair of driver transistors. Great amp.

GFirst I would try to isolate the moise problem to the preamp or power amp. This easy to do. Insert a very short guitar cord or an open 1/4" jack into the power amp input. If the noise goes away it is coming from the preamp stages.

I would try another pair of power tubes, if you have a spare set. Another option is to take the preamp out to another amp to see if the noise is coming from the preamp stages. Still there are 4 transistors and 1 IC chip (op amp) in the power amp section that could very likely culprits for noise.

A lot of time the preamp out and power amp jacks have never been used. They often can use a good cleaning. You will need to pull the chassis to do that properly.

[This message was edited by Ken Fox on 12 August 2006 at 05:12 PM.]

View user's profile Send private message
Keith Cordell


From:
San Diego
Post  Posted 12 Aug 2006 4:14 pm    
Reply with quote

Thanks Ken! I am pretty sure that it is the original power tube pair in there. I will get some JJ's and see what happens. I am flatly shocked that it is solid state with that overdrive sound in the automix, it is very natural sounding sepecially if I push the amp with a booster. Not quite sure how it works, but it does!
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Ken Fox


From:
Nashville GA USA
Post  Posted 12 Aug 2006 4:19 pm    
Reply with quote

Also the preamp stages use a lot of 4558 IC chips. This amp would benefit much by using Burr Brown chips for these, lower background noise and a sweeter tone. The Burr Brown OPA2604 is the chip I use in the Profex 2 upgrades I do. Peavey does the same and also uses them in the mod kits for Nashville 400 and other steel amps.

[This message was edited by Ken Fox on 12 August 2006 at 05:19 PM.]

View user's profile Send private message
Keith Cordell


From:
San Diego
Post  Posted 12 Aug 2006 4:24 pm    
Reply with quote

Sorry, I misidentified the amp, it is a VT Classic, probably from the 70's.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Jon Light


From:
Saugerties, NY
Post  Posted 12 Aug 2006 5:58 pm    
Reply with quote

I chopped one into a head. I find for steel (pedal) that I need to turn the mid control down to zero. I go back & forth between liking to use it (at home ) and not much caring for it. I've never taken it out--have too many great sounding rigs to use this one. But it is indeed a viable amp.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Keith Cordell


From:
San Diego
Post  Posted 12 Aug 2006 6:00 pm    
Reply with quote

I neglected to mention that it is being used almost exclusively for overdriven lap steel. It seems to have a very warm tone with my OD808.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Ken Fox


From:
Nashville GA USA
Post  Posted 13 Aug 2006 4:12 am    
Reply with quote

The Classic VT is also a hybrid, op-amp/IC in the front end and transistors driving the power tubes. The signal from the transistors drives the grids of the power tubes, a more conventional tube power amp. Pretty much the same applies for trouble shooting the noise.

View user's profile Send private message

All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  
Please review our Forum Rules and Policies
Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction, and steel guitar accessories
www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

The Steel Guitar Forum
148 S. Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425 USA

Click Here to Send a Donation

Email SteelGuitarForum@gmail.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for Band-in-a-Box
by Jim Baron