Sixteen tubes @ $40-$80 apiece to replace?!?
That isn't practical - IMO.
IMHO 16 tubes at $0.01 apiece is still impractical. I mean SIXTEEN TUBES!!! :headbang If you need more power get a better tube.
Wonder if an amp like that has what it takes to use a better tube? Does that transformer have the needed output windings for the filament, relay, and high voltage circuits? Or will it still have enough amperage output capacity to use a voltage doubler circuit to run a pair of 3-400Z's?
IIRC, the negative bias circuit will use line voltage.
But it might have to use an additional transformer for the filaments . . .
Man, that would be a neat vintage amp
Sounds like he used a separate/second xformer with a 24v heater voltage to make a cheaper, more plentiful tube - that otherwise has the same specs as the 6LQ6 - to make this amp work as designed.If you have a legit line on a Warrior- buy it. They are extremely rare.
Yes, the tubes are pricey. But there is an option you may wish to consider and that is having it modified to use the 24LQ6 tubes instead of the 6LQ6. The 24LQ6 tube is much cheaper- they can be had NOS for $10-12 each if you look around.
If you do pick it up, get in contact with Alan Price in Indiana- he goes by 'fixer' or some variant of that on this board and a few others. He completely rebuilt my 10-tube Phantom and did it at a very fair price considering that I sent him a real basket case.
Check out his website at www.tubesplus.com (don't be put off by the cheesy music on the website, Alan may not know web design but he does know tube gear!). He doesn't work very quickly and is a man of few words but he will get it done and it will be done properly.