Thanks so much Erwin.  yes a schematic would be extremely helpful and appreciated.

Interesting that someone else's first impression is the same as mine.  (I have the "New OTS 50W" topic from a few days ago).  I know everyone says you need to play these amps for awhile.  Granted I don't have a lot of time on mine, but have never had an issue with any other amps.

How complex are the changes?  I would be very grateful if I could see the schematic changes you made.  Seems like mine sounds like your used to.

thanks
chris

In terms of number of hours on the amp---had it a week -- so less than 5 hrs.

Well, here's what I've done so far.   I adjusted the PI trimmer--was only 2 volts delta, correct to 6.

Then I ordered some Tung Sols.  So in the mean time I tried some tubes I had.  First I took out the JJ 6L6's and put in JJ KT77's.  Much better, not as dark.  Then replaced the JJ on V1 with a Sovtek.  Much much better, richer sound.  (I have EH in V2, V3).   Then I had a couple of spare/new Mesa Boogie labeled 6L6's from when I used to haul around a Nomad---a stupid heavy amp, now sold.  Wow what a difference. 
Starting to like it, do think that the Tung Sol's will help the most since this is more of a preamp voiced amp.  The amp has no longer has that "blanket over the speaker" sound any more. 

Will post as progress is made.

thanks for the ideas! 

Will try speakers last--tube are cheaper to start.

how did you guys know I had JJ's in there?  (have been happy with them in other amps) will try some others.

ace1962--thanks for the concurrence about burn in etc---and yeah - I need another amp like I need a hole in the head. 

ah yeah, I have used the tone knobs--not my first amp.
but thanks anyways

Hi All,
I've been reading and listening to all this great info for a couple of months as I prepared to buy, then did order a OTS 50W, MM OT, assembled by Nick--first time buying a pre-made amp in many years.  Have had it for a week, and gotta say I'm pretty frustrated at how it sounds.

A little background: I have built a couple of Tweed Deluxe's 5E3's, a Deluxe Reverb, JCM800, Champ, Firefly, and a homebrew single-ended deluxe reverb----and love all of them.  And have built most of my effect pedals.  I gig with this stuff about twice a month in your typical "party rock" type cover band.  I have to cover many different styles.  Play Strats mainly, sometimes Tele or LP.

The clips on-line are fabulous sounding, the wonderful single note breakup and near infinite sustain, that can sometimes verge on feedback sold me on this amp.  Granted I'm not a fusion player or in the league of most of you, but have played for 30 years or so, in front of people.

So to the point.  Have tried an open back cab with either a Weber Silver Bell, or a Weber 12F150 which is a DR, (Jensen), type speaker.  Boxy sounding.  Also tried it with a Marshall 2x12, (1966A) unknown speakers, but does great blues to rock with my JCM800.  But is like a blanket is over it--very sterile and flat.  BIAS is OK.  Need Prescence up to 7 or 8 out of 10.  Most everything else is around noon as people and the manual say to try---not happening.  Overdrive is more like fuzz.  Clean is just characterless.

Where to go next--yeah have read where people say give it a month or so---really? (My JCM800 was GREAT a day after I built it.)   Or do I need a speaker shoot-out?

any info or ideas would be greatly appreciated
Chris