SUNN SOLARUS

myker · Post by **myker** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:03 am

I just came across a Sunn Solarus year 1969. Point to Point wired. really really good condition. 2 el34 60 watt. I think they made this amp for 3 years. anyone know anything else about these amps?? I would like to sell it to a collector if there is such a person. What is the value of one of these??
mike

Gtr_tech · Post by **Gtr_tech** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 12:03 pm

Sunn amps in general aren't all that much of a collector piece, but that's slowly changing. I have a few, but don't really use them. Most used OT screen taps and sounded kinda sterile, especially the kt88 amps. I had a Solarus on the bench a few months ago and ended up getting rid of the 7199 PI/driver section in favor of a 12at7 long tail pair PI. Also decreased the amt of feedback and used EI big bottle 6ca7's. Didn't sound too bad, but if it were mine I'd get rid of the screen taps for a standard screen supply. KT90s sound real nice in these.

My biggest problem with them is the lead dress. Looks nice and neat all bundled up tight....problem is hum induction from the heater wires. Either gotta rewire 'em or run DC heaters.

If the price is right......go for it. Nice platform for improvement to make a good gigging amp.

myker · Post by **myker** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 11:41 am

thanks for your input Gtr_tech...
sterile you say? how about stale!

yeah, the amp has no real character of its own. even cranked the gain sounds like shit. (what little it has.) its ok clean tones, but again, no real character. it likes pedals though. and i hope to use it for a power amp for my soldano pre-amp clone...
mine has 6CA7's
mike