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.

USING YOUR AMPLIFIER
Front Panel

1. INPUT Jack: Guitar/Instrument input.

2. VOLUME

into the INPUT Jack.

3. MASTER VOLUME Control: Controls the signal level to the power amplifier.

4. TONE Controls: Treble, Middle, Bass, Sizzle/Presence.

5. POWER INDICATOR:

Control: Controls the loudness of the guitar or instruments plugged

Neon bulb: Illuminates when the amp is on.

Rear Panel

1. AC Power Input: Connect the provided power cord to a grounded 120VAC 60Hz

household power source.

2. FUSEs: 2A Slo-Blo fuse, 1A Fast Acting fuse

3. POWER Switch: In the ON position Applies 120VAC to the power transformer. In

the OFF position removes 120VAC from the power transformer.

4. STANDBY Switch: In the OFF position, the STANDBY Switch allows voltage to

the tube filaments but stops high DC voltages to the tubes. When you turn the amp
on, allow the tubes to warm up 15 - 20 seconds before placing the STANDBY switch
in the ON position. The amp will not operate unless the STANDBY switch is in the
ON position.

5. SPEAKER Jacks: Connect to a 4, 8, or 16 Ohm speaker load. ONLY use a high

quality speaker cable. Do not use a guitar cable for a speaker cable.

6. IMPEDANCE SELECT Switch: Set the Impedance Select switch to match the

speaker load.

7. FOOTSWITCH Jack: Plug the provided footswitch into this Jack. The Solo channel

can only be activated with this footswitch. When the LED on the footswitch is
illuminated the Solo channel is active. When the LED on the footswitch is NOT
illuminated the Clean channel is active.

8.

IF YOUR AMPLIFIER WILL NOT TURN ON

Check the power to the unit. Check for tripped household circuit breakers, unplugged
extension cords or power-strip switches that may be turned off. Check the fuse(s). If a
dark brownish color or no wire can be seen within the glass fuse, then replace the fuse
with the same rating as originally installed. Over fusing the amplifier with a fuse of a
higher current rating, or shorting the fuse with aluminum foil etc. could be disastrous and
will void your warranty. The unit may be perfectly fine but occasionally the fuse may
blow because of high AC voltage surges. After the fuse has been replaced with the
proper value and, if the fuse fails again, the amplifier will require servicing . Also, check
your input and speaker output cables.

VVT Amps wants you to be happy with your amp so, if there are certain tonal
characteristics that you desire, we will assist you in those endeavors and make every
effort to help you get your mojo. There are many options for capacitors, transformers,
and speakers available at prices ranging from modest to outrageous. All of these
components affect the tone of your amplifier. Let us know if we can help.

The amplifier is only 1/3 of the equation. A good guitar with good pickups is 1/3. The
most important 1/3 is YOU.

About Vintage Vacuum Tube Amplifiers (VVT Amps)

The VVT Amps workshop is located at:

Vintage Vacuum Tube Amplifiers, Inc.
2580B Old Washington Rd.
Waldorf, MD 20601
[phone]

Call us if you have any questions or problems with your amp.

All VVT amps are built by hand using either hand made eyelet or turret boards. We also
make cabinets and chassis for our custom amps. We use various sources for vintage
reproduction cabinets and chassis that we believe offer the best durability, value, and
style.

VVT Amps also offers repairs and modifications for most tube amplifiers and
Vintage Fender™ and Marshall™ Amp Restoration

Typical turnaround time is 1 – 2 weeks. Exceptions and Emergencies considered for
gigging musicians. VVT purchases new tubes and transformers from many sources and
shops for the best prices. All of our work is guaranteed. VVT will replace defective
tubes that we install for 90 days. All other electronic parts are guaranteed for 1 year from
the date of installation. No warranty is implied or given on parts that you supply. New
cabinet hardware, baffle re-grilling, vintage style speakers, custom modifications, and
amp voicing are available. VVT will discuss various tube, transformer, speaker options,
costs, and expected tone results on an individual basis before restoring your amp. VVT
Amps has over 35 years experience on vacuum tube equipment and references are
available upon request.

VVT Amps does not service solid state equipment of any brand.

For an appointment or to discuss your needs contact our shop: 301-396-4100
or
Jim Hill - 410-474-0598 (cell)
or
Tony Albany – 301-659-3356 (cell)
Email: [e-mail]
One the Web: www.vvtamps.com

LIMITED WARRANTY

All Vintage Vacuum Tube Amplifiers (VVT Amps) are guaranteed against
failure. Vacuum tubes are guaranteed for 90 DAYS from the date of
purchase. If a tube fails within the 90 day period, VVT Amps will replace the
tube at no charge. Speakers are guaranteed for ONE YEAR. All other
components are guaranteed for FIVE YEARS. VVT Amps will service your
amplifier and supply all parts at no charge providing the unit is under
warranty. Any shipping costs associated with repairs are your responsibility.
VVT Amps DOES NOT PAY FOR PARTS OR SERVICE OTHER THAN
OUR OWN. A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL SALES RECEIPT IS
REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR WARRANTY. VVT Amps assumes no
responsibility for external speakers or other equipment damaged by this guitar
amplifier. This warranty does not cover, and no liability is assumed, for
damage due to: natural disasters, accidents, abuse, loss of parts, lack of
reasonable care, incorrect use, or failure to follow instructions. Accidental
damage to the amplifier, cabinet, or Tolex is not covered. This warranty is in
lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. No representative or person
is authorized to represent or assume for VVT Amps any liability in
connection with the sale or servicing of VVT Amp products. VVT Amps
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES. If service is required you may contact VVT Amps at 301-396­4100 or [e-mail]. VVT Amps will
and make arrangements to repair your amplifier. If your unit is out of
warranty, VVT Amps will repair your amplifier but you will be charged the
current RATE for parts and labor.

respond as soon as possible

Specifications:

Model Name Raptor

Product Number 909991050

Model Number 122721-0050

Series Earthquake

Type All Tube Guitar Amplifier

Audio Output 50 Watts into 8 ohms

Output Impedance 8 ohms

Speakers N/A

Channels Two

Features 100% Handmade Amplifier,

Footswitched Clean/Solo Channel
Single button Footswitch provided.

Controls

Front Panel:

Input,
Volume,
Master Volume,
Tone Controls: Treble, Middle, Bass, Sizzle,
Power Switch
Standby Switch
Power Indicator

Rear Panel:

AC Power Inlet
AC Fuse – 2A Slo-Blo
DC Fuse – 1A
Speaker Jacks
Impedance Selector
Footswitch Jack

Covering Black Textured Vinyl

Front Hardwood Accents

Weight 32 lbs.

Dimensions Height: 9.5"

Width: 20.25”
Depth: 8.25"

Tube Complement 2 X Mullard EL34 Output Tubes

3 X JJ ECC83S/12AX7 Preamps/Phase Inverter

Accessories Canvas Cover - p/n EQ500050

Options N/A

Introduced 5/2006

Notice Product Prices, Features And Specifications Are Subject To Change

Without Notice