What's this "110 volts for my 5E3..." talk I hear from time to time?

[KissTone]

Seems like a few booteek builders (and lay-modders) are chatting up the sonic benefits of special power trannies designed to get the 5E3 operating at a more period-correct 110 volts instead of today's 120.

As per the claims, 110 volts removes "harshness."

Is this hocus-pocus, marketing, true, urban legend, wives' tale . . .???

And if it really is such a big deal, should we all be sticking a variac between our tweed circits and the wall?

[phsyconoodler]

It's hard to say if it's real or not.I have built many 5E3's with a few different PT's and voltages have ranged from factory original to 380v on the plates.None of them were 'harsh' sounding.
There are a lot of other things that can make a 5E3 harsh.A few extra volts is not likely one of them.

[KissTone]

Thanks for the replies. I have a 5E3, but I don't hear any of the claimed "harshness." I've never had it on a variac, though. I might drop the juice some time and see if I can perceive much tonal difference . . .

[slider313]

I believe most are referring to the original 5E3. I use a Weber browner with my vintage amps. I was using my '64 Vibrolux Reverb a few months back and happen to touch the power tranny and it was hot. With the wall voltage at 123v the plate voltage at 443 and the tubes running 36ma it should be o.k but........these amp were built when average wall voltage was 117v. When you plug in at 117v you may actually be seeing 115v or less. With the browner set at 117v my VR is running the same 36ma@400v and the tranny is not hot to the touch. The tone of the amp also seems smoother and a bit more compressed.

[KissTone]

What's a "browner"? Does it just pull down the voltage a bit? Some sort of power conditioner?

[slider313]

The browner allows you to bring down the AC from your wall. In my house I'm looking at 122v-123v. In some places I've seen 125v+. Not good for a vintage amp. If you have a new build there should be no problems.