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Greetings all! Just crawled out of hibernation to take a peek around the hood, only to find we are now only 2" away from an all time snow record here in Massachusetts! So much for global warming!!

So anyway, this guy I know decided to try a shorted speaker cable on his Hiwatt/Sterling Lead 30 amp, and did a pretty decent job toasting the OT (while he apparently gazed in wide wonder at the smoke he had found). Problem is that there isn't much info on this amp anywhere that I can find. I thought that I would just stick a standard 4K AC30 OT in there and be done with it, but I see several boutique-y type 30w/4-EL84 amps with as high as a 6.6k primary impedance. Any thoughts on what this amp may have had originally would be appreciated.

Thanks all,
Joe G

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What is the power tube arangement??

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Stephen
Web: www.trinityamps.com. Facebook: facebook.com/trinityamps. Twitter: @trinityamps

Hi Stephen.
This amp uses four EL84's, which is why I was hoping that an AC30 OT with a 4K primary would be ok. It looks like a typical arrangement, although I read somewhere that it's an "interesting" design whatever that means. Not a true Hiwatt by any means, but a lot of people seem to like it for what it is. From the looks of the iron on this thing I can't see it putting out 30 watts down hill! Any info would be helpful.

Thanks Stephen,
Joe G

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I cant find anything but 4K would be the correct impedance. I did find a note saying it was undersized making it gritty sounding. An AC30 would be a starting point. Measure the core size and compare them.

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Stephen
Web: www.trinityamps.com. Facebook: facebook.com/trinityamps. Twitter: @trinityamps

Thanks Stephen, I will probably start with the 4k primary then, as the AC30 OT is pretty common. Can you think of any advantages/disadvantages of going with a higher primary (maybe up to 6.6k), tube life, sound or whatever? It's tough reading through this stuff online as everyone has their own opinion or theory!!

Thanks,
Joe G

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4K will give you the best power transfer and cleanest tone. i dont think Hiwatt played around with impedances so go with the correct spec IMO.

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Stephen
Web: www.trinityamps.com. Facebook: facebook.com/trinityamps. Twitter: @trinityamps

Many thanks as always Stephen!

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