Have several Bogen DB20s I picked up years ago, did some routine work caps and the like but never gave me a kick like the little Bogen 110s have. Anyone run thru a pair of the 20's and get results and how ? Before I waste time and money.
RE: Bogen DB20s, posted on April 13, 2022 at 10:45:26
Posts: 10012 Location: Central Texas Joined: September 24, 2006
I haven't heard or tested either of those amplifiers. However, a quick look at the schematics indicates three fundamental differences. The first has to do with tube types. Whereas the DB 110 is a 12AX7 - 6V6 amplifier, the DB 20 uses 12AT7 - 12AU7 - 6L6. I would never expect the latter to exhibit comparable sound quality. In addition, the DB 20 employs a rather unconventional feedback topology with a separate winding on the output transformer back to the 12AU7 drivers. I can't say this is detrimental, but it does represent a significant difference. The last thing I notice in a quick comparison is that the tone control section of the DB 20 is more complex. This might also be contributing to a lack of clarity or response.
I really like the 6V6 in general, but the 6L6 is no slouch either. If I had both amplifier types, I would start by measuring frequency response and distortion. This is likely to reveal performance differences that can't be determined from the schematics alone.
RE: Bogen DB20s, posted on April 13, 2022 at 12:15:47
Thanks on that info it makes me want to leave it be for now, I see no value in the time I would spend other then to learn more so then anything. I could use it in a amp for a harp possibly down the road but not in any way fill up a room with it. Freind of mine who has repaired n built amps all his life said he had two of them he picked up cleaned up and never did a thing for him couuldnt even make a buck on them so tossed them to the Sal-Army. Appreciate the time. I got others but I wanted to clear space for the other older tube amps to fix up. If interested in kicking around those Models shoot me a EMail Now the little ones 110's they are sweet to my ears
Thanks for your comments on the DB110s. My two are in a box in, posted on April 13, 2022 at 18:03:41
Posts: 4366 Location: SF Bay Joined: August 16, 2001
that tracks - Bogen made different amps for different applications- some for home Hi-Fi, others (the lion's share) for commercial applications as PA systems and the like- Many of the commercial product amps were designed to 'sound good' despite installation issues and were not aimed towards fidelity - but clarity of the human voice in a cinder-block building like a school....
Happy Listening