not much of a schematic reader

[bubba]

I have a 71 Sunn Solarus.  I got it with no tubes in it at all.  All of the schematics I read do not show the tubes in relation to where they are on the actual product.  Can someone tell me the order that the tubes go into the amplifier?

[Ryan Phelps]

: I have a 71 Sunn Solarus.  I got it with no tubes in it at all.  All of the schematics I read do not show the tubes in relation to where they are on the actual product.  Can someone tell me the order that the tubes go into the amplifier?

Bubba;
I don't have a tube layout for the Solarus, but perhaps I can help. The tube compliment you need is 1-12AX7, 1-12AU7, 1-7199, 1-GZ34(5AR4) and 2- EL34's(6CA7). The EL34's fit the octal (8-pin) sockets on either side of the bias adjust pot. The GZ34 fits the remaining octal socket. The preamp tubes fit the 9-pin sockets as follows:
looking at the back of the amp, the tube at the far right is the 12AX7 (preamp tube), the next is the 12AU7 and the last is the 7199 (phase inverter/driver tube). The above is based upon my general knowledge of Sunn amps. If any other Sunn fanatics have differing info, please let Bubba know!

Good Luck!
Ryan

[bubba]

: : I have a 71 Sunn Solarus.  I got it with no tubes in it at all.  All of the schematics I read do not show the tubes in relation to where they are on the actual product.  Can someone tell me the order that the tubes go into the amplifier?

: Bubba;
: I don't have a tube layout for the Solarus, but perhaps I can help. The tube compliment you need is 1-12AX7, 1-12AU7, 1-7199, 1-GZ34(5AR4) and 2- EL34's(6CA7). The EL34's fit the octal (8-pin) sockets on either side of the bias adjust pot. The GZ34 fits the remaining octal socket. The preamp tubes fit the 9-pin sockets as follows:
: looking at the back of the amp, the tube at the far right is the 12AX7 (preamp tube), the next is the 12AU7 and the last is the 7199 (phase inverter/driver tube). The above is based upon my general knowledge of Sunn amps. If any other Sunn fanatics have differing info, please let Bubba know!

: Good Luck!
: Ryan

That helps a bunch.  I will check back in to see if anyone has any differing info.  This sounds right though.  Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate it.  

Jay (bubba)

[mike]

: : : I have a 71 Sunn Solarus.  I got it with no tubes in it at all.  All of the schematics I read do not show the tubes in relation to where they are on the actual product.  Can someone tell me the order that the tubes go into the amplifier?

: : Bubba;
: : I don't have a tube layout for the Solarus, but perhaps I can help. The tube compliment you need is 1-12AX7, 1-12AU7, 1-7199, 1-GZ34(5AR4) and 2- EL34's(6CA7). The EL34's fit the octal (8-pin) sockets on either side of the bias adjust pot. The GZ34 fits the remaining octal socket. The preamp tubes fit the 9-pin sockets as follows:
: : looking at the back of the amp, the tube at the far right is the 12AX7 (preamp tube), the next is the 12AU7 and the last is the 7199 (phase inverter/driver tube). The above is based upon my general knowledge of Sunn amps. If any other Sunn fanatics have differing info, please let Bubba know!

: : Good Luck!
: : Ryan

: That helps a bunch.  I will check back in to see if anyone has any differing info.  This sounds right though.  Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate it.  

: Jay (bubba)
Jay, if your solarus is a '71(manufacture date on a sticker placed on one of the sides of the chassis)then you will need two 6550's(or KT88's if you can find enough loose change in your couch)for your power tubes. The original Solarus design employed EL34's, but this was changed to the higher output 6550's around '68. You could still use 34's, but I'd check with an amp tech first, otherwise if you want the kind of break-up that EL34's provide(6550's being very clean), check out KT90's. Also, the 7199 phase inverter/driver tube was originally a 6AN8, which is still available but kinda hard to find--check Antique Electronic Supply(www.tubesandmore.com) or New Sensor. Additionally, if your amp is a '71, you probably have a solid state rectifier, and won't need a GZ34 tube. Check the photo gallery list on the main page;click on "Solarus" and you'll find front and back photos of a '71 Solarus that I had. It did not have a tube rectifier. Also, the 12au7 tube is reverb circuit driver tube; it has less gain than the 12ax7 tube. If you accidentally get them switched around, it won't hurt anything, but your input signal will be weaker, and the reverb sound will be distorted.

[bubba]

: : : : I have a 71 Sunn Solarus.  I got it with no tubes in it at all.  All of the schematics I read do not show the tubes in relation to where they are on the actual product.  Can someone tell me the order that the tubes go into the amplifier?

: : : Bubba;
: : : I don't have a tube layout for the Solarus, but perhaps I can help. The tube compliment you need is 1-12AX7, 1-12AU7, 1-7199, 1-GZ34(5AR4) and 2- EL34's(6CA7). The EL34's fit the octal (8-pin) sockets on either side of the bias adjust pot. The GZ34 fits the remaining octal socket. The preamp tubes fit the 9-pin sockets as follows:
: : : looking at the back of the amp, the tube at the far right is the 12AX7 (preamp tube), the next is the 12AU7 and the last is the 7199 (phase inverter/driver tube). The above is based upon my general knowledge of Sunn amps. If any other Sunn fanatics have differing info, please let Bubba know!

: : : Good Luck!
: : : Ryan

: : That helps a bunch.  I will check back in to see if anyone has any differing info.  This sounds right though.  Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate it.  

: : Jay (bubba)
: Jay, if your solarus is a '71(manufacture date on a sticker placed on one of the sides of the chassis)then you will need two 6550's(or KT88's if you can find enough loose change in your couch)for your power tubes. The original Solarus design employed EL34's, but this was changed to the higher output 6550's around '68. You could still use 34's, but I'd check with an amp tech first, otherwise if you want the kind of break-up that EL34's provide(6550's being very clean), check out KT90's. Also, the 7199 phase inverter/driver tube was originally a 6AN8, which is still available but kinda hard to find--check Antique Electronic Supply(www.tubesandmore.com) or New Sensor. Additionally, if your amp is a '71, you probably have a solid state rectifier, and won't need a GZ34 tube. Check the photo gallery list on the main page;click on "Solarus" and you'll find front and back photos of a '71 Solarus that I had. It did not have a tube rectifier. Also, the 12au7 tube is reverb circuit driver tube; it has less gain than the 12ax7 tube. If you accidentally get them switched around, it won't hurt anything, but your input signal will be weaker, and the reverb sound will be distorted.

Thanks, that helps a lot as well.  I appreciate the help!

Thanks a bunch
Jay

[bubba]

I just compared the amplifier I have with the pic that is on the main page.  Looking directly in the back of my amp, there is the 2 el34's or 6550's, and to the left just by the transformer there is another socket, it is parallel with the el34's.  I assumed for the rectifier.  The one in the picture did not have it, mine does.  Whats the scoop on that?

                       

[mike]

: I just compared the amplifier I have with the pic that is on the main page.  Looking directly in the back of my amp, there is the 2 el34's or 6550's, and to the left just by the transformer there is another socket, it is parallel with the el34's.  I assumed for the rectifier.  The one in the picture did not have it, mine does.  Whats the scoop on that?

:Sounds like you have a tube rectifier model, which in itself is not necessarily a bad thing. Scroll down a bit and you should find some earlier postings that explains the differences between the two. Have you pulled the chassis out to check for the date of manufacture sticker on the side? I think your amp is a little older than '71. Ultimately, check with a knowledgable amp tech for proper biasing and set-up; tell'em about this site and the schematics here...Mike
:                        

[bubba]

: : I just compared the amplifier I have with the pic that is on the main page.  Looking directly in the back of my amp, there is the 2 el34's or 6550's, and to the left just by the transformer there is another socket, it is parallel with the el34's.  I assumed for the rectifier.  The one in the picture did not have it, mine does.  Whats the scoop on that?

: :Sounds like you have a tube rectifier model, which in itself is not necessarily a bad thing. Scroll down a bit and you should find some earlier postings that explains the differences between the two. Have you pulled the chassis out to check for the date of manufacture sticker on the side? I think your amp is a little older than '71. Ultimately, check with a knowledgable amp tech for proper biasing and set-up; tell'em about this site and the schematics here...Mike
: :                        

Yeah I pulled the amp out, it says it is a 71.  Go figure eh! I thought tube rectifiers were replaced with solid state in the late 60's.  Could it be a old chassis but not released until 71? By the way, I have told lots of people about this site, it totally rules! Thanks a bunch.

Jay

[bubba]

Forgot to tell you this info.  There are plugs for a 12au7, 1 12ax7, 1 7199, 2 el34 (6550), and the mystery plug to the far left of the power tubes by the transformer, assumed to be gz34.  Am I right?

[bubba]

I can't seem to get all my info on one posting, oh well! Looking at your pic, scanning right to left I see 1 6550, 1 7199, 1 6550, 1 metal cylinder.  I have that too, what is that metal cylinder?

[bubba]

Ha!

[mike]

: : : : : I have a 71 Sunn Solarus.  I got it with no tubes in it at all.  All of the schematics I read do not show the tubes in relation to where they are on the actual product.  Can someone tell me the order that the tubes go into the amplifier?

: : : : Bubba;
: : : : I don't have a tube layout for the Solarus, but perhaps I can help. The tube compliment you need is 1-12AX7, 1-12AU7, 1-7199, 1-GZ34(5AR4) and 2- EL34's(6CA7). The EL34's fit the octal (8-pin) sockets on either side of the bias adjust pot. The GZ34 fits the remaining octal socket. The preamp tubes fit the 9-pin sockets as follows:
: : : : looking at the back of the amp, the tube at the far right is the 12AX7 (preamp tube), the next is the 12AU7 and the last is the 7199 (phase inverter/driver tube). The above is based upon my general knowledge of Sunn amps. If any other Sunn fanatics have differing info, please let Bubba know!

: : : : Good Luck!
: : : : Ryan

: : : That helps a bunch.  I will check back in to see if anyone has any differing info.  This sounds right though.  Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate it.  

: : : Jay (bubba)
: : Jay, if your solarus is a '71(manufacture date on a sticker placed on one of the sides of the chassis)then you will need two 6550's(or KT88's if you can find enough loose change in your couch)for your power tubes. The original Solarus design employed EL34's, but this was changed to the higher output 6550's around '68. You could still use 34's, but I'd check with an amp tech first, otherwise if you want the kind of break-up that EL34's provide(6550's being very clean), check out KT90's. Also, the 7199 phase inverter/driver tube was originally a 6AN8, which is still available but kinda hard to find--check Antique Electronic Supply(www.tubesandmore.com) or New Sensor. Additionally, if your amp is a '71, you probably have a solid state rectifier, and won't need a GZ34 tube. Check the photo gallery list on the main page;click on "Solarus" and you'll find front and back photos of a '71 Solarus that I had. It did not have a tube rectifier. Also, the 12au7 tube is reverb circuit driver tube; it has less gain than the 12ax7 tube. If you accidentally get them switched around, it won't hurt anything, but your input signal will be weaker, and the reverb sound will be distorted.

: Thanks, that helps a lot as well.  I appreciate the help!

: Thanks a bunch
: Jay
Hmmm, I guess you have one of the last of the tube rectifier models; the change over must have occured sometime in '71(you didn't happen to note the date and month of manufacture, did you?). This amp definitely takes a pair of 6550's(if you can go the extra money, get some KT88's, sorta the same tube, but with more "va-voom"...another tube vendor is http://www.triodeel.com  --they also stock the hard-to-find Dynaco transformers that all Sunn amps use in case you ever blow yours out). The metal cylinder you referred to is a capacitor--it is soldered in, so please don't try to take it out, thinking that it is a metal tube cover that twists off(my FIRST major boo-boo when I started to do my own basic amp maintenance!). If you can find them(any major book chain, or if you have a music mega-store near you)I'd suggest you pick up two books by Richie Fleigler, "The Complete Guide To Guitar and Amp Maintenance" and "Amps!" both invaluable information resources and very understandable in non-tech terms...I've learned a lot from both of these----MikeL  

[bubba]

: : : : : : I have a 71 Sunn Solarus.  I got it with no tubes in it at all.  All of the schematics I read do not show the tubes in relation to where they are on the actual product.  Can someone tell me the order that the tubes go into the amplifier?

: : : : : Bubba;
: : : : : I don't have a tube layout for the Solarus, but perhaps I can help. The tube compliment you need is 1-12AX7, 1-12AU7, 1-7199, 1-GZ34(5AR4) and 2- EL34's(6CA7). The EL34's fit the octal (8-pin) sockets on either side of the bias adjust pot. The GZ34 fits the remaining octal socket. The preamp tubes fit the 9-pin sockets as follows:
: : : : : looking at the back of the amp, the tube at the far right is the 12AX7 (preamp tube), the next is the 12AU7 and the last is the 7199 (phase inverter/driver tube). The above is based upon my general knowledge of Sunn amps. If any other Sunn fanatics have differing info, please let Bubba know!

: : : : : Good Luck!
: : : : : Ryan

: : : : That helps a bunch.  I will check back in to see if anyone has any differing info.  This sounds right though.  Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate it.  

: : : : Jay (bubba)
: : : Jay, if your solarus is a '71(manufacture date on a sticker placed on one of the sides of the chassis)then you will need two 6550's(or KT88's if you can find enough loose change in your couch)for your power tubes. The original Solarus design employed EL34's, but this was changed to the higher output 6550's around '68. You could still use 34's, but I'd check with an amp tech first, otherwise if you want the kind of break-up that EL34's provide(6550's being very clean), check out KT90's. Also, the 7199 phase inverter/driver tube was originally a 6AN8, which is still available but kinda hard to find--check Antique Electronic Supply(www.tubesandmore.com) or New Sensor. Additionally, if your amp is a '71, you probably have a solid state rectifier, and won't need a GZ34 tube. Check the photo gallery list on the main page;click on "Solarus" and you'll find front and back photos of a '71 Solarus that I had. It did not have a tube rectifier. Also, the 12au7 tube is reverb circuit driver tube; it has less gain than the 12ax7 tube. If you accidentally get them switched around, it won't hurt anything, but your input signal will be weaker, and the reverb sound will be distorted.

: : Thanks, that helps a lot as well.  I appreciate the help!

: : Thanks a bunch
: : Jay
: Hmmm, I guess you have one of the last of the tube rectifier models; the change over must have occured sometime in '71(you didn't happen to note the date and month of manufacture, did you?). This amp definitely takes a pair of 6550's(if you can go the extra money, get some KT88's, sorta the same tube, but with more "va-voom"...another tube vendor is http://www.triodeel.com  --they also stock the hard-to-find Dynaco transformers that all Sunn amps use in case you ever blow yours out). The metal cylinder you referred to is a capacitor--it is soldered in, so please don't try to take it out, thinking that it is a metal tube cover that twists off(my FIRST major boo-boo when I started to do my own basic amp maintenance!). If you can find them(any major book chain, or if you have a music mega-store near you)I'd suggest you pick up two books by Richie Fleigler, "The Complete Guide To Guitar and Amp Maintenance" and "Amps!" both invaluable information resources and very understandable in non-tech terms...I've learned a lot from both of these----MikeL  

Yeah I have the manufacture date.  It is 3-3-71.  Whats better, tube rectifier or solid state? Thanks a bunch for this info, no one in my area has been able to give me this much quality info on an amplifier before.  Much appreciated.