+1 to everything 72fretter said.

I'm currently running new stock Svetlana 12AX7's & EH EL34's.  I've tried a few different tubes in V1 and depending on what's in there it will get a little darker/warmer (I expect that will be the case with JJ's).  The amp's heritage is always there though - the clean channel has a modern feel to it.  The brilliance will take some of the edge out of it.  I think the clean channel sounds great with my SG in the middle position, and will do a spanky bluesy clean in the neck position, especially if you push the volume up a bit (and the volume isn't too much).

I'm running it through my V30 2x12 at the moment.  I actually like it better through my Eminence Red Fang cab - more balanced & articulate.  Something like a G12H30 or a Greenback might be a better option if you want a little darker tone.  I've also tried it with my Weber Thames loaded 2x12 (70's Fane "purpleback" clones) and it's a little too "hi-fi" for my taste, especially on the gain channel.

With all that said, the amp is more relaxed in low power mode.  It's a very different feel. 

Depending on what rectifier tube you use it could make a difference also.  Different tubes will deliver different B+ voltages.  I currently have a JJ in mine and the tube recto B+ voltage is close to the SS recto.  The tube recto mode is somewhat softer/saggier, but not a whole lot.  With a different tube the difference may be more pronounced.

That 50w OT will probably work fine with the stock Stray Cat config.  It will sound a little different probably, but so will the 50w BadCat conversion.  the impedance of the OT may be an issue, but they're both configured to run EL34's so it should be fine.

I don't know why anyone would want to juice the HotCat to 50w anyway, as it will change the tone somewhat because the output section will be working a little differently (probably leaning a little more toward class AB than class A).  No need to do it for volume as there's not much difference between 30w & 50w in real terms (and the 30w is plenty loud anyway).  It might give a touch more headroom on the clean channel, but only a touch.

Unfortunately I don't have much of a recording setup.  Just a Zoom H4 really.  Plus hearing me play thorugh the amp might ruin it for everyone!   

Very similar to my experience.  I actually thought the clean channel was a little dark at first with cheap Chinese 12AX7's I was using for testing.  I now have new stock Svetlanas in all the pre-amp positions and it's much brighter on both channels, and a touch less gainy.  You can always roll back the Brilliance a bit to darken the amp overall, and then use the Edge to give the bite back to the gain channel if necessary.

Just a killer amp.

My Stray Cat has a new home.  Thanks to Tim at Saxon-cabs for the nice cab at an excellent price.

Patience...patience!  I was too busy playing it to get to pics!   

As requested.







The pre-amp wiring is a little untidy at the moment.  I've been experimenting to see if I can lower the noise floor some more.  The heater wires on the pre-amp side could be neater & tighter, but it works fine so I'm not too concerned.

Just a quick follow-up.  I replaced my pre-amp tubes with new Svetlana's & the normal channel brightened up quite a bit.  Quite a bit spankier.  It's still very cool, but I may put the other tube back in V1 (Chinese 12AX7) for the darker normal channel.

The only issue I have is a bit of hum on the gain channel.  Just lead dress I'm sure.  On any build with this much gain on tap there's bound to be some experimentation to get it quiet.  I may try shielding the Master Volume lead or at least moving it around a bit. 

I just finished mine this afternoon and it really is a fantastic amp.  I think you'll be pleased with the result!

Hey all,

I just finished off my Stray Cat build this afternoon.  Plugged in some junk tubes I had lying around to run some tests.  Everything's firing up fine.  Voltages look good.  So, I plugged in my SG Standard (with custom wound P-U's) and...

I am absolutely FLABBERGASTED!   

I started with the clean channel.  Nice, dark & warm with the SG.  A bit of creamy overdrive when wound out, but never super dirty.  Kind of sounds like a Bassman but with a touch more compression (EL34's there I guess).  Very sweet.

Then I plugged into the Gain channel and instantly found myself in high gain Nirvana.  I started with all the "tone" controls at noon with the gain very low and it sounded good, but a little noisy and a tad too edgy.  I lowered the Edge (duh) to about 8:00 and this thing just came ALIVE.  With the Edge at that level, gain pushed between 10:00 & noon, Bass & Treb at about 1:00, brilliance at noon, level dimed & master around 10:00 this thing is unbelievable.

This may be the best gain channel I've ever heard in my life.  I haven't heard an actual Hot Cat in person (just recordings & live through a PA a couple of times) so I can't compare it, but I can't imagine it's much better than this.  The amp just does everything right.  Punchy, smooth, responsive, percussive, and still retains clarity & detail.  I can't ask for more than that.

This is the 9th amp I've built.  That includes 3 Marshall clones, several Fenders (Tweeds & BF's) and a low-powered Hiwatt clone.  I also have a Laney GH100TI and a Traynor Custom Special 100.  I can see the Stray cat will be my favorite, especially for that amazing gain channel.

My hat is off to Nik & the gang.  Having something this sweet for this kind of money is just unbelievable.  Job well done my friends.

Darrin