Voodoo RM100 amp upgrades

[JK40_7]

I'm wondering if anyone has splurged for the upgrades to the RM100 available through Voodoo amps? If so, was it worth the cash?

 

[rbailey1010]

Since no one has responded yet, I will. I have not personally had my RM100 modded by Trace but I have had the pleasure of him modding my modules and his work and customer service is uncanny. His mods are professional and are exactly as described on his website. He is that kind of person you should honestly ask if its worth the expense because he will tell you flat out, depending on what you are looking for and/if you gig a lot of record using the amp. So many factors to consider when asking that question. Shoot him an email, he might have something up his sleeve for you.

 

[bhuard75]

doing the transformer and choke upgrades are definatelly worth doing. putting a dollor value on teh work and justifing if its worth the price is up to you to decide.

these upgrades are not difficult if you have electrical experence. but if you dont, then the cost will probably be worth it.

hope this helps.

 

[JK40_7]

Thanks a bunch.

I guess whether or not the cost of the upgrades is justified depends largely on what the amp is used for.

Personally, I'm thinking of getting them done because I'm somewhat dissatisfied with the bass response on my RM100, although I like the tone and feel of the amp overall.

 

[rbailey1010]

What kind of speakers are you running from your amp? There's a lot to consider when determining sound.....I personally run my rm100 into a Randall cab that has two vintage 30s and one 15inch eminence legend so I have no problems getting good bottom end....I'm sure the mod is worth doing...it's the shipping costs to get it there that sucks...if you gig quite a bit, I'd consider it. If you play at home then I'm not so sure...if you've got money to spend then do what you gotta do....

 

[StratmanR2S]

I would find out if the mod will have the results you are looking for first so you don't waste your money.

 

[bhuard75]

the biggest and most prominate change these transformer upgrades make is the clarity in the sound. dont fall into the misconception of swapping out teh trannies is gonna be a cure all. it does tighten up the low end some but like i mentioned before, clarity is biggest benifiet from these upgrades.

 

[JK40_7]

Thanks for the responses.

Rbailey, I usually just run my RM100 through a marshall 2x12 with v30s. However, I also have a mesa 4x12 with v30s, and will, on occasion, run the RM through it. But I should have been clearer; my RM isn?t lacking in low end. Rather, the low end seems to get muffled too easily, and seems to lack definition. In fact, my RM seems to lack definition and clarity in all respects, although this lack certainly isn?t something that?d make me get rid of the amp, far from it.

Nevertheless, this brings me to bhuard?s post. If I can get clarity and definition out of my RM100 with these upgrades from Voodoo, then I?d be interested in doing so. The only problem is that shipping rates make the upgrades too costly. If I could install them myself?Did you have your upgrades done by Voodoo, or did you install them yourself, bhuard?

And lastly, in response to Stratman, after trying several modules, many of which get me 90% of what I want out of them, I still think the Voodoo mods might increase my overall satisfaction with my amp.

 

[El-Kabong]

What power tubes are installed now? In my experience, 2 KT88's help the low-end definition a fair bit. Mine's setup with KT66/KT88 and I'm pretty happy with it.

 

[Zander]

Thanks for the responses.

{snip}

Nevertheless, this brings me to bhuard?s post. If I can get clarity and definition out of my RM100 with these upgrades from Voodoo, then I?d be interested in doing so. The only problem is that shipping rates make the upgrades too costly. If I could install them myself?Did you have your upgrades done by Voodoo, or did you install them yourself, bhuard?

There was a fellow who used to be a regular poster on here who was a reseller for Mercury Magnetics Transformers. Soulinsane I think was his forum handle. He'd sell the different transformers along with instructions for you to be able to swap out the transformers yourself. I haven't seen him in a long time.

I wish he'd show up here again as I'd love to get his contact information in order to get a replacement OT, PT, and Choke. I'm not in a place to be able to upgrade them right now, but I will definitely be wanting to do so...

 

[JK40_7]

What power tubes are installed now? In my experience, 2 KT88's help the low-end definition a fair bit. Mine's setup with KT66/KT88 and I'm pretty happy with it.

I'm running just the stock JJ6L6s. I was thinking of doing 6550/6l6s, but haven't done so yet.

I really like the way the KT88s sound in my friend's Uberschall twin jet, but have never heard KT66s in anything yet. EL-Kabong, can you let me know how you've got the KT66/88s mixed (which are on the inside and which are on the outside)? In addition, how are you biasing them?

Zander, I'd also be interested in the OT, PT and Choke upgrades from Mercury Magnetics, but just can't afford to ship my amp to Voodoo, not yet at least. I know Voodoo sells all of these components separately, but I would need the install instructions, and I'm not sure if they provide them.

 

[Rod]

I'd look into changing out the power tubes to larger ones...6550's KT88's.....I really don't think a MM transformer is going to change the bass response that much using your 6L6 power tubes

 

[JK40_7]

I'd look into changing out the power tubes to larger ones...6550's KT88's.....I really don't think a MM transformer is going to change the bass response that much using your 6L6 power tubes

I recently picked up a matched pair of GL KT88s and a matched pair of GL KT77s. The bottom end coming from the KT88s is ridiculous; I have them on the outside, and I have the KT77s on the inside. This tube combination seems noticeably superior to the stock JJ6l6s, although certainly less defined at low volumes.

 

[Rod]

I'd look into changing out the power tubes to larger ones...6550's KT88's.....I really don't think a MM transformer is going to change the bass response that much using your 6L6 power tubes

I recently picked up a matched pair of GL KT88s and a matched pair of GL KT77s. The bottom end coming from the KT88s is ridiculous; I have them on the outside, and I have the KT77s on the inside. This tube combination seems noticeably superior to the stock JJ6l6s, although certainly less defined at low volumes.

There you go!!!

 

[speedemon]

Yes,

if you like the "feel" of your RM100, the transformer swap may not be what you are looking for. I have found in sampling expensive amps, (that run a super high dollar, high performance tranny set) that it makes a big difference in "tightness" and clarity, so that notes are very clear and prominent, as are mistakes in your playing! If you are doing rapid fire low string riffs, it will be ideal for making the rhythms come out. I personally chose a "looser" sounding amp since I am playing and jumping around in front of people instead of gazing at my guitar neck in chair at home!

hope this helps you!

 

[JK40_7]

Yes,

if you like the "feel" of your RM100, the transformer swap may not be what you are looking for. I have found in sampling expensive amps, (that run a super high dollar, high performance tranny set) that it makes a big difference in "tightness" and clarity, so that notes are very clear and prominent, as are mistakes in your playing! If you are doing rapid fire low string riffs, it will be ideal for making the rhythms come out. I personally chose a "looser" sounding amp since I am playing and jumping around in front of people instead of gazing at my guitar neck in chair at home!

hope this helps you!

It certainly does. Thanks.

I also have a Splawn Quick Rod, which seems to retain its clarity even with the gain cranked all the way up. It has, what I assume are, better transformers than the RM100. In many ways, though, I do prefer the tone of the Randall to the Splawn.

Alas, I swapped the RM100 for an RM20. I have a few 100 watters; so, the RM20 adds some versatility to my collection. I'll stress this again, the KT combination I had in the RM 100 did breathe new life into it, and in my opinion made the transformer upgrade less desirable.