Solarus head- questions/parts

[karlm]

Hi all, I'm the new owner of an old Solarus head, it uses 2xEl34, 35Z5, 3 preamp tubes. It was such a shock to plug into it and RECognize the tone from old records!

I'd like to know a couple of things, if anyone can help that would be kind.

1) the previous owner scratched his name and other data into the faceplate, any chance of finding a replacement? I actually found him in the white pages, to assure myself it's not hot.

2) the speaker jacks on the back; 1st says 16 Ohms, ext says 8. does this mean it normally wants to see 16 ohms, but you can plug 2 16 ohm loads in to get 8? I did so and it did work but I'd like to confirm so as not to damage the OT.

3) it's in really great shape, seems to be all original, (other than the markings and the reverb being on the fritz until I get that fixed) any idea what these things are worth? It's not exactly my sound, but I figured it is definitely up somebody's alley.

Thanks,

Karl

[karlm]

Woops I meant GZ34 rectifier K

[gene]

Hey Karl,

I have a Sentura II. Mine says the same thing on the back about the ohmage, and you're right, it makes no sense. BUT, I have the original speaker cab and the speakers are 2) JBL 16 ohm wired for 8 ohms, therefore I conclude that the amp wants to see a four ohm load. Two 8 ohm cabs plugged in would give four ohms. It wouldn't make any sense to sell a 16 ohm head (or an 8 for that matter) with an 8 ohm speaker cab. It's just not the correct thing to do. Maybe there's some way to check this. See a tech.

As far as value, I paid $400 for mine, head and cab in near mint condition. The monetary value of these things is not generally very high. But the tone...! I have ab'ed mine through the same speakers against my restored to Pre-cbs specs '69 Bandmaster and the Sentura (also '69) blows the Fender away.

[Anonymous]

I had a tech tell me that if I paid more than $50 for one of these old Sunn heads, I was getting ripped off.  My reaction: I am learning as much as I can about electronics and tube amps so I can work on them myself.  Who needs the abuse??  Especially when you love Sunns!

[Bill Matthews]

I think your so called TECH should get his head OUT of his ass, and come up for air!!!!!

[karlm]

Hmm, divergent opinions, guess I'll hang on to it a while and see what happens. Any body got a Solarus owner's manual?