Thanks Wyatt you answered my question.

Oh guys now I'm really lost.  Are you saying that I should not use the 1/2 switch b/c it srews up the tone?   I got the same sense but I couldn't tell in the room I'm in.    I do like the sound without the reduction and the touch and tone are remarkable.   Also did the NIK quote come from the same Nik?

no all I know is when I received my amp the ground switch was replaced with the 1/2 switch.  I am not tech saavy enough to give you a clue.

oh no its the 50.  Nik said the wattage was @22/45

I agree with and appreciate all of your comments that's why I've found the combined use of the 10s and a 12 seem to work quite well.  I think the 12 covers the lower end where the 10s fall short and the 10s have sweet highs that the 12 just doesn't hit.  for playing blues and rock and roll its a great sound.  I also like the fact that I ordered mine with a 1/2 output switch that gives me awesome low volume distortion.  That may also influence my speaker choice.

Has anyone experimented with 10" speakers?   I am about to install my new OTS in a 10" combo with a rajun cajun and weber.   In addition I am adding to my combo (when necessary) a mesa deep back box with a 12" celestian for some bottom.  I love the mix of both.  I was wondering if anyone else had tried 10s?   

Here's to a total collaborative effort.  I too have found the discussions in this forum informative and of great practical use.   Let's all keep rockin.

I have been admiring this forum for a long time from afar and my new OTS arrived yesterday, 3 days from point of departure.   The first question I have for you seasoned veterans is  should I bias the tubes that came with the amp and use those for the "break in period" or will they be fine as is?   By the way I also have a ground hum with my strat if anyone has a solution.    I do LOVE this amp.   Thanks for all the info I 've already found.
BD