Page 1 of 1

Fender 5E3 Cathode Resistor

Posted: Fri 01/05/18 7:52 am
by gretsch61
Hi,

the Fender 5E3 has a 250R 5Watt Cathode Resistor, aacording to the Schematic. What difference in any way would it make, if I would change the Value to 220R 5Watt?

Cheers,

Steve

Re: Fender 5E3 Cathode Resistor

Posted: Fri 01/05/18 11:08 am
by Daviedawg
I think the 5E3 is cathode biased. In which case a change in cathode resistor changes biasing. To reduce the impedance will make it hotter. My limited experience of 6V6s tells me 300 ohms is a common value. But there is a wide range of 6V6 type valves some of which can take hotter biasing and some which do not. I believe.

The amp will work and produce more power but it may reduce the valve's life. It may also affect the tone of the audio.

If you google your question you should find ways of calculating the bias and how hot to make it for optimum use. You can choose to ignore that if you like the outcome.

Dd