Goodbye Valve... Goodbye Valveking...

[BigB]

I'm going to probably show my ignorance here
(...)
Cathode bias (class A) are the ones that 'bias ' themselves'

Well, the only point you got wrong is that "class A" has nothing to do with weither the amp is fix-bias or cathode-bias - but it's a very common error and the fact that quite a few amp sellers incorrectly use "class A" for class A/B cathode-biased amps doesn't help.

[Dmoney]

Also, cathode bias does not equal class A operation.

[HTH AMPS]

ok, so its a 100w head with four EL34s (or 6L6s).  Take out the dead valve and also the mirror image valve in the same position...

i.e. V1  V2  V3  V4

If V1 is dead, also take out V4
If V2 is dead, also take out V3

Assuming you are running a 16ohm cab, just set the amp to 8ohms and rock away on half power.  If your amp has blown the HT fuse and the fuse is accessible from the back panel, just replace the fuse after taking out the two valves as described above.

Instant fix on a budget and stretch extra life out of the valves you have left.

[Toe-Knee]

ok, so its a 100w head with four EL34s (or 6L6s).  Take out the dead valve and also the mirror image valve in the same position...

i.e. V1  V2  V3  V4

If V1 is dead, also take out V4
If V2 is dead, also take out V3

Assuming you are running a 16ohm cab, just set the amp to 8ohms and rock away on half power.  If your amp has blown the HT fuse and the fuse is accessible from the back panel, just replace the fuse after taking out the two valves as described above.

Instant fix on a budget and stretch extra life out of the valves you have left.

I think the heaters are a series string in the valveking which wouldn't play too nicely with this recommendation.

Don't quote me on this though.

[GuitarIv]

Thanks for all the input so far guys. To be honest, I'm usually the DIY guy but reading all of this I think I just might pass on this one. The Micro Terror is in use now and while not being the best substitute, it does it's job. So I'll be saving me money and get it to a tech.

Thanks again and cheers!