So I got myself an F-50, and thought it was just a bit noisy so I might as well replace the STR-440s with a pair SED Winged-C power tubes. However, according to my tech, even the coldest bias in this amp would measure well over 50ma, and cause the SED =C=s to wear out prematurely. That's something like twice Boogie's spec for bias. (Yes, I had the bias adjusted in spite of the prevailing wisdom at Mesa/Boogie.)
I'm wondering if swapping the phase driver with a 12AT7 (or even a 12AY7) would further reduce the amount of voltage hitting the power tubes, thus effectively lowering the bias and making it compatible with the Winged C.
Does this make any kind of sense to anyone, or am I just ig'nunt? Or is the whole point of using a tube like the Winged C to get the amp running hotter?
I'm wondering if swapping the phase driver with a 12AT7 (or even a 12AY7) would further reduce the amount of voltage hitting the power tubes, thus effectively lowering the bias and making it compatible with the Winged C.
Does this make any kind of sense to anyone, or am I just ig'nunt? Or is the whole point of using a tube like the Winged C to get the amp running hotter?