VVT Raptor User Manual

Raptor

Hand Crafted Tube Guitar Amplifier

Vintage Vacuum Tube Amps, Inc.

2580 B Old Washington Rd.

Waldorf, MD 20601

301-396-4100

www.vvtamps.com

Important Information:

1. Please read all of the information contained in this document

2. The Raptor is 50 watts of killer tone….plug in and let it eat. This is a unique

all tube circuit design stuffed into a small package. The clean channel
provides harmonically rich clean tones that are great for vintage rock or
blues. The Solo channel cranks out some phat sophisticated overdrive
distortion for today’s blues or rock. Turn it up a little more for some smooth
output tube distortion. The custom hand wound Mercury Magnetics output
transformer provides lots of tight bottom and other tonal magic.

3. Like vintage amps, VVT Amps are made the old fashioned way. The circuit

board is hand-made using 1/8” phenolic and eyelets. The amp is hand wired
with Teflon insulted wire and has quality name brand components loaded on
a heavy steel chassis. The low noise resistors and capacitors are individually
selected to provide the best tone: Mallory 150s, Sprague Orange Drops, and
in some cases, New Old Stock (NOS). JJ Multi-section or Sprague Atom caps
are used for filtering and bypass. The amp is loaded with the respected JJ
ECC83S/12AX7 preamp tubes and Mullard EL34s.

HUM - Some hum or amplified noise is normal. As the volume is increased some
amplified noise may be noticeable and will be more apparent in a quiet room.
Additionally, tubes have inherent noise as do resistors. Single coil pickups are
especially susceptible to electrical noise sources. Any noise entering the pickups will
be amplified as volume is increased. However, excessive hum (noise) can be caused
by electronic devices located near the amp or on the same circuit such as neon signs,
fridges, fluorescent lights, computers, light dimmers, aquarium pumps, etc. Hum

can vary with different outlets, rooms or buildings.

4. Do not operate this amp without a speaker load.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

WARNING: This guitar amplifier contains lethal HIGH VOLTAGE. To avoid risk of
injury or death from electric shock, do not open the enclosure or remove the back cover
from the amplifier. Refer all service work to qualified personnel.

WARNING: This amplifier contains Vacuum Tubes. Vacuum tubes are heated to
produce electrical currents and they get HOT. Touching this surface could result in
bodily injury. To reduce the risk of injury from a hot component, allow the surface to
cool before touching. DO NOT touch or attempt to remove vacuum tubes until they have
had time to cool.

IMPORTANT! FOR YOUR PROTECTION, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

WATER AND MOISTURE: This amplifier should not be used near water (near a
bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming
pool, etc). Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into
the enclosure through openings.

POWER SOURCES: The amplifier should only be connected to a 120VAC 60Hz
household power source.

GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding
or polarization is not defeated. Do not remove the ground from the power cord.

POWER CORD PROTECTION:
not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the amplifier.

SERVICING: You should not attempt to service this amp beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service
personnel.

FUSING:
the same type fuse.

Your amplifier is equipped with a marked fuse receptacles, replace only with

Power supply cords should be routed so that they are

MAINTAINING YOUR AMPLIFIER

1. Conductive foreign objects could produce a short circuit that could cause fire, electric
shock, or damage to your amplifier. Avoid spilling liquids or allowing any other foreign
matter inside the unit. The panel of your unit can be wiped from time to time with a dry
or slightly damp cloth in order to remove dust and bring back the new look. As with all
electronic equipment, avoid prolonged use in caustic environments (salt air). If used in
such an environment, be sure the amplifier is adequately protected.

2. Your amp was designed for an 8 Ohm speaker load. The speaker load is reflected
back to the primary of the output transformer and output tubes. Contrary to myth, it will
not harm this amp to operate it with a 4 Ohm or 16 Ohm load. DO NOT operate this amp
without a speaker load or with a shorted speaker cable. A high quality speaker cable
should be used. Do not use a guitar cable for a speaker cable. Failure to follow these
instructions could seriously damage your amp and will void any warranty.

3. The vacuum tubes in your amplifier are not solid state devices. They do, and will
wear out over time. The life expectancy of the tubes depends on the amount of time you
use your amplifier. If you replace your tubes they should be replaced with the same type
as originally installed. If the power output tubes are replaced it is recommended that they
be replaced in matched pairs and that the tubes are biased for the proper operating
current. Failure to properly bias the output tubes could result in early failure of the new
tubes or worse. VVT Amps will install and set the bias on tubes you purchase from any
source. VVT amps only offers warranty on tubes originally installed in the amplifier.

4. The vinyl fabric covering your amplifier cabinet should be cleaned periodically with a
soft damp cloth. Make sure that the amp is turned off and unplugged before cleaning the
cabinet. Do NOT use spray cleaners as overspray may cause corrosion of the faceplate,
chassis, or electrical components. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Do not allow
the amplifier to get wet. Don’t set your drink on it either. Use care when moving or
storing the amp; the vinyl could rip or tear. Accidental damage to the cabinet or vinyl is
not covered by your warranty.