NAD

[Dmoney]

I'd love a real SLO. if you ever sell it, let me know!

I wouldn't mess with an SLO. The one I built uses EL34's though, but I think I can swap them for 6L6 with no problem, so I might try it one say.

I do like the EL34. I had a 6L6 Avenger that broke down, and it was replaced with an EL34 one that for me, was more to my taste.
Same deal with my old mesa, I tried a bunch of valves in it mostly 6L6 type and then hit the bias switch and went EL34 and it was just what I was after. changed some preamp tube too.
So both those experiences have kind of got me favoring EL34.

I know very little about amp guts. the other guys on here know much more.

[HTH AMPS]

Another way round it is just to use two valves in the output stage rather than four (I'm assuming its a 100w head).

If it IS a 100w head, then running it with just two EL34s will get round the issue of increased current draw from the PT.  You then only need to run the amp at half the impedance of the cab (i.e. 16ohm cab, 8ohms setting on the amp).

Personally I'd go for some KT66s.

[Dmoney]

I've got some 6L6GC's coming,

I tried it out tonight. The Decatone bias circuit has enough range to get EL34's right.
I got all the tubes in and left the amp in standby for a good couple of hours, came back at the PT was warm but not hot at all. My Avenger has gotten pretty hot in the past. I tried playing it and it sounded improved (although I guess the 5881's where probably worn out). So I'll see how the 6L6's run, and then make a decision.
I haven't changed the screen grids to 1K's, right now they are 500ohm. so EL34's ain't happening in it right now.

Seems ok though. just sayin'

maybe this should be a tech thread now?