12AX7 tube swap question

[atf]

I have a Vox AC15 VR (hybrid amp with a preamp tube in the POWER section) that I upgraded with a V Type Speaker, and I think now it sounds wonderful, however I'm thinking that if I replace the stock chinese tube with a tungsol 12ax7, I might be able to get more gain out of it. is that possible or even worth it with such a design?



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[Darg1911]

Re: 12AX7 tube swap question

I don't know how much you are going to increase gain in that amp with a tube swap. I know next to nothing about that amp other than it's a hybrid and the reviews I've seen. You can always try but I believe that JJ still has the most consistently "hot" 12AX7's. Good idea to contact a place like Dougs Tubes. http://www.dougstubes.com/ He will surely know that amp and be able to advise. If you otherwise like the amp and just aren't satisfied with the amount of gain on tap or the tone of the OD, there are lots of cool pedals out there.

[Shooter.556]

Re: 12AX7 tube swap question

The Tungsol Gold Pin offers quite a bit more gain. I put one in my Blackstar HT5 and it made a world of difference in the gain structure. I could run the gain much lower and the grainy fizzy gain was gone..

[GuitarDoc]

Re: 12AX7 tube swap question

You're probably not going to notice enough difference to make it worth the time. Just get a OD or dist pedal. There are many on the market that will do the job for less than $25.

[Fresh_Start]

Re: 12AX7 tube swap question

The Tungsol Gold Pin offers quite a bit more gain. I put one in my Blackstar HT5 and it made a world of difference in the gain structure. I could run the gain much lower and the grainy fizzy gain was gone..

Respectfully, this is nonsense. I'm not saying that you don't like the sound of your Tung Sol 12AX7 better; however, it does not have significantly more gain than another tube of the same type unless there was something wrong with the old tube.

It may be worthwhile for the OP to experiment with different tubes. IME the first tube in the circuit has the biggest effect on tone/feel. By the time you're talking about a preamp tube used in a solid state poweramp, I tend to agree that a dirt box makes more sense if "more gain" is the goal.

Chip

[InbredJunk]

Re: 12AX7 tube swap question

If you do replace the tube, be careful and select a tube with the same contruction. I believe it is a double triode, but don't quote me.

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[treyhaislip]

Re: 12AX7 tube swap question

I'd say experiment with different tubes AND OD pedals!