[guynamedjohn]

Can someone tell me what the "slam" configuration refers to in the Singlepower amps. I understand that is a different combination of tubes, but what does that mean precisely? How is the sound affected?

Cheers.

 

[EdipisReks]

the Slams have 5687s in the output stage. these tubes allow higher current levels, and sound more dynamic and "slammier" than tubes like the 6SN7 and 6CG7. the Slams usually have a 6SN7 or 6CG7 for input.

 

[guynamedjohn]

Which would be a warmer sounding configuration?

 

[matt8268]

The slam will give you a fuller, richer sound. Some may describe it as warmer. To my ears, the non-slam just sounds leaner by comparison. Mind you, it's still good-sounding, but especially on my Grados, the slam tubes sound much better.

You can really affect the sound of the PPX3 a lot via tube selection. So far, my favorite driver tube is a 7N7, which is warm and full as well (and my favorite output tubes are the 5687s).

 

[guynamedjohn]

Thanks! Sounds like the slam is what I want then. Oh, my aching wallet.

 

[BrianS]

i am jealous

i have an old school all 6cg7 mpx3

 

[PFKMan23]

I don't have 5687s, but I do have some nice 6BL7GTs on my amp right now and I can say it's quite open and impactful.

 

[nmculbreth]

In my experience the difference between the Slam and the non-Slam configuration has more to do with the presentation than coloration. As other have said the Slam configuration has a more upfront and dynamic sound and the standard 6SN7 configuration sounds a bit more airy with more depth in the soundstage.

 

[BrianS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmculbreth In my experience the difference between the Slam and the non-Slam configuration has more to do with the presentation than coloration. As other have said the Slam configuration has a more upfront and dynamic sound and the standard 6SN7 configuration sounds a bit more airy with more depth in the soundstage.

how much are slam adapters? i have 3 6CG7 version

 

[nmculbreth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianS how much are slam adapters? i have 3 6CG7 version

I believe I paid $100 per adapter. I should mention that the adapters are for octal bases and wouldn't work for amps with the 6CG7.

 

[BrianS]

ok thanks.

i could always save up and mikhail could convert my amp to 6sn7 or slam i think

 

[tom hankins]

The slam amps also have a dial on the front of them that allow you to adjust the amount of feedback you want with the amp. This in combo with the 5687 output tubes is what makes the difference between the stock and slam amps.

 

[BrianS]

yeah i forgot about that. i guess a mpx3 6cg7 converted to slam would be rather expensive relatively

 

[nmculbreth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom hankins The slam amps also have a dial on the front of them that allow you to adjust the amount of feedback you want with the amp. This in combo with the 5687 output tubes is what makes the difference between the stock and slam amps.

I was under the impression only the PPX3 Slam had the feedback knob.

 

[PFKMan23]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmculbreth I was under the impression only the PPX3 Slam had the feedback knob.

As a standard part of the modification the PPX3 SLAM has this. The MPX3 SLAM has this as an option. You can also request it on any SP amp if you so wish, as an optin as well.