User manual

10
MAINTENANCE
The power section of your amplified Reactor Series product is vacuum
tube driven, and therefore requires tube maintenance. The power tubes
have a life expectancy of approximately 1000 hours. Regular play
requires regular service.
Tube Replacement: The Reactor power amp utilizes one 12AX7 tube
and two high quality JJ brand 6L6GC tubes selected because they are
capable of producing the best possible sound quality. Depending on your
level of use, you will notice sound quality degradation when tubes need
to be replaced. For optimal performance, tubes should be replaced only
with tubes of the correct type. The power section is built to work with
any properly biased 6L6 or EL34 tube.
Output Tube Bias: Your new Reactor has an internally mounted variable
bias control. The bias control is used to set the idle current in the output
tubes, properly matching the amp’s performance characteristics to the
type of tubes used. Each tube type and brand may require a slightly
different bias setting. An amp’s bias can also drift over time as bias
requirements can change with extended use. The bias should be checked
periodically and when the tubes are replaced. A properly biased amp will
sound great and will run reliably and safely.
WARNING! The internal voltages of tube type amplifiers are
potentially lethal and capacitors are capable of storing these
lethal charges. To ensure tone and safety, amp biasing should be carried
out by qualified personnel only.
The Fuse: The fuse protects the amplifier in the event of an electrical
fault or tube failure. If a fuse blows, replace it only with one of the
required type and rating. The fuse is in a compartment built into the AC
inlet of the amplifier and can be accessed by opening the fuse
compartment with a small flat-head screwdriver or similar tool. In order to