[HAM] Generator output levels

[Alan Lenhoff]

Kon:
   
  Thanks for your detailed response. I'd read some of your explanations of this before, but I 
  always wondered what would be the purpose of measuring all these different tone generators
   if the capacitors aged in random and unpredictable ways, as many suggest.  But it seems 
  to me, after really studying your data, that while there may be exceptions, most of the 
  waxed capped generators do seem to be headed toward a relatively predictable result, with 
  significantly diminished output in the 49-91 note range, but little change in the lowest notes. 
  So, I think you're on to something interesting and important here.
   
  Ultimately, however, it's about what your ears like.  My wax-capped '54 B2 has that kind of 
  mellow, jazzy sound that I like, and there's still plenty of scream in the top octave.  My re-
  built preamp and two healthy Leslies help, too, I'd think.  Maybe in another 10-15 years, 
  however, I'll find my B2 too mellow and I'll be looking to re-cap (or find a mylar-equipped
   replacement).
   
  To my ears, the late '60s-'70s consoles sound really shrill, but they probably wouldn't if I 
  played in a loud rock group and needed that edge to cut through the mix.  (Of course, the
   other factor for rock musicians may be that lots of them suffer high frequency hearing loss 
  from sitting too close to Marshall stacks for too many years.  For them, a shrill B3 may 
  sound "just right".) 
   
  I'll look forward to hearing more reports from you as your research continues.
   
  Alan
   
   
   
   

       
---------------------------------
Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?
 Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.