Why all the mod chips?

[Tommy Boswell]

I have 2 Peavey amps with mod chips. But I bought the amps used, so I never got to hear what they sounded like straight from the factory.

What do the mod chips do for the sound? And if they're so popular, why doesn't Peavey change their design?

[Ken Fox]

You dn not have to search very far on the Forum to find the answer to this so often asked question. The chip is the audio amp, much like a preamp tube in a tube amp. Some people like Chinese tubes, some like Russian tubes, some like old stock (RCA, Tungsol, Mullard, GE, Sylvania, etc). Same with audio amp chips.



Here are a few comments on the chips:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... ht=opa2134

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... ht=opa2134

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... ht=opa2134

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... =opa2134pa

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... =opa2134pa

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... =opa2134pa

[Dick Sexton]

I've heard they have made a design change to the newer NV112s. The preamp chips involved in this change are now soldered in, they no longer use the "Chip Sockets". Changing the chips in one of the newer 112s will be a little harder and not normally for the "Do It Your Selfer". Someone else may have other information or opinions about the change.

I think Mr. Jack Stoner put up some good sound clips of an amp, pre and post chip change. The difference is subtle, but not to discerning ears. It made the biggest difference in my NV1000 and I have since changed the chips in both of my NV112s and my NV400.

First time chip changers should probably contact Ken Fox for information and great service. Again, my opinion.

[Dick Sexton]

Ken, I was writing as you were posting. Thanks for putting up the links for this gent. Good info.

[Ken Fox]

I did a side by side comparison with two of Larry Sasser's N112 amps. We were in his workshop and I modded 1 amp. I used my Tele and played thru both. Larry asked if I had another set of the chips! The difference was not suble at all, but huge on this amp comparison. I have done the same test in my shop with the same results.

Each to his own for sure. I have 100's of factory chips in tubes I have saved, if want some just pay the postage and I will send out as many free to anyone wanting to try them out. All are not hte same brand, as the manufacture uses what ever they want to buy from time to time in the amps. All are the same type of chip, however.

[KENNY KRUPNICK]

I can tell a world of difference since Dick put the new chips in my Nashville 112's. The Peavey reverb is better, although I use an external unit, and there is no more noise coming from the amps, and the tone is exceptionally bettter than stock!

[Scott Appleton]

Which chips does LeMay sell in his kits .. he isn't listing type on his web site .. curious ..

[Roger Crawford]

Ken, are you going to the Alabama show next weekend?

[Ken Fox]

Hi Roger. No we will not be there this year. The next show for us this year is the Nashville Super Jam in September.