Maintenance - Atomic Reactor FR Owner's Manual

Like every legendary guitar amp, the Reactor FR is vacuum tube driven,
and therefore requires tube maintenance. The power tubes have a life
expectancy of approximately 1000 hours. Tube amps that get regular
play should be regularly serviced.
Tube Replacement: The Reactor FR utilizes one 12AX7 tube and two
high quality JJ brand 6L6CG tubes specifically selected because they are
capable of producing the best possible sound quality. Depending on your
level of use, you will notice a deterioration of sound quality when tubes
need to be replaced. For continued optimum performance from your
Reactor FR, tubes should only be replaced with tubes of the same type.
The power section is built to work with any properly biased 6L6 or EL34
tube.
Output Tube Bias: Your new Reactor FR has an internally mounted
variable bias control. The bias control is used to set the idle current in the
output tubes, properly matching the amp's performance characteristics to
the type of tubes used. Each different tube type and brand may require a
slightly different bias setting. An amp's bias can also drift over time as
the tubes' bias requirements may change with extended use. The bias
should be checked periodically and when the tubes are replaced. A
properly biased amp will sound great and will run reliably and safely.
WARNING! The internal voltages of tube type amplifiers are
lethal and capacitors are capable of storing these lethal
charges. To ensure tone and safety, biasing the amp should be carried
out by qualified personnel only.
The Fuse: The fuse protects the amplifier in the event of an electrical
fault or tube failure. If a fuse blows, replace it only with one of the same
type and rating. The fuse is in a compartment built into the AC inlet of
the amplifier and can be accessed by opening the fuse compartment with
a small flat-head screwdriver or similar tool. In order to change the
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