Mesa Bias Select Mismatch

[big al]

I was trying a Mesa Boogie Solo 50 head today and almost made the purchase. After playing through the amp for an hour, I shut it down and took one final look at the amp. I noticed that the bias select switch was set on the "EL34" but the amp comes with 6l6's. I changed the bias select switch to "6l6" and gave it a try. The amp seemed fine but I decided to check with you guys before making the purchase. What damage could this cause? The sales guy told me he would replace the power tubes but could there be other damage?
This dealer is dropping Mesa Boogie so they do not have any more of these heads. I would normally pass on the head but the dealer is discounting their entire remaining Mesa line (hard deal to pass up). I will give Mesa a call but I am afraid it will take a few days to get a response due to the holidays.
Any thoughts?

[big al]

Anyone?.....Anyone?
The Mesa Techs are have not returned my calls.

[bammbamm]

It depends mainly on what the bias voltages are set at for each tube type. Not having the schemats here I can't tell you how much may or may not have happened. Most likely the amp is fine and a fresh set of tubes wouldn't hurt ( if they're free why not? ) Mesa's don't run their tubes wide open so it shouldn't be an issue realistically, because I'm sure they considered this eventuality when they designed the amp.

Bamm

[jemsite]

mesa doesn't push these amps from the factory like bammbamm said, so odds are the amp is fine. they likely factor "user error" and for sure many customers have had this switch in the wrong position.

Are you getting a warranty? if so.... get the bargain amp w/ new tubes. the warranty eliminates any risk.

If the amp is working fine, i'd probably take the gamble on it even w/o the warranty... just ensure there is a 14-30 "defect" grace period from the dealer. Tell them you want the "old" tubes for backup (free set of emergancy spares - they're likely fin anyways) ...glen

[big al]

Thanks for the comments!
I checked my dual rect. owners manual and it did warn about the bias select switch and stated that this could cause tube damage and possibly burn the resistor in the bias supply. Then again, if it sounds fine, it probably is fine! I am just a little worried that it may some how affect switching to EL34's.

BTW if anyone is interested in purchasing from this dealer, email me for the phone number. They are discounting 20-30% off the retail price (Mesa dealers are forbidden to do this but since they are dropping Mesa...)

[bammbamm]

Odds are that resistor won't be affected as the volume was never cranked up so you never really maxed out its' potential.
Bamm

[big al]

Thanks, off I go to make a purchase!