Which power tubes for my Dual Rec?

[dave74]

How were they?

The 420 coke-bottle (shugaung) are the classic stock 90s rectifier tubes. I'd say they are fuller in the mids and sweeter in the highs than many 6L6. Chewier lows.
430 are Sovtecs that were stock in the late 90s early 2000s. They are a bit more brash up top and wider sounding overall, maybe just from having a bit less mids.

The Chinese mesa preamps are great for all positions but especially the cathode followers. I prefer the Tung-Sol or EH for the V1.

[El Dunco]

I've had only good luck so far with the other stuff I've ordered from Nesstone.
Before the tube "crisis" I grabbed some sets of NOS 90s era Mesa-branded 6L6 and 12ax7 for cheap. (420, 430, and foil-getter preamps)

How were they?

[dave74]

Hmm! It’s cheap enough to be worth a try.

I've had only good luck so far with the other stuff I've ordered from Nesstone.
Before the tube "crisis" I grabbed some sets of NOS 90s era Mesa-branded 6L6 and 12ax7 for cheap. (420, 430, and foil-getter preamps)

[El Dunco]

Never used these myself but it is a cheaper option.

https://nesstone.com/product/nesstone-6l6gc-nt/

Hmm! It’s cheap enough to be worth a try.

[dave74]

Never used these myself but it is a cheaper option.

https://nesstone.com/product/nesstone-6l6gc-nt/

[El Dunco]

I experimented a lot when I was younger and I typically find Rectos sound best wth stock Mesa tubes in them, which in this case is Chinese. I’ve also used Sovtek, but I think the Chinese ones sound better.

I’ve never used JJ 6L6. If Mesa has started using them that’s a relatively recent thing.

I think this pretty much settles it. It shouldn’t be any more complicated than that.

[some_dude]

I experimented a lot when I was younger and I typically find Rectos sound best wth stock Mesa tubes in them, which in this case is Chinese. I’ve also used Sovtek, but I think the Chinese ones sound better.

I’ve never used JJ 6L6. If Mesa has started using them that’s a relatively recent thing.

[El Dunco]

I don't think JJ 6L6's are fat and loose, though. I'd say it's the contrary. They're bright, tight, and kind of insipid. Not a fan.

Insipid? Meaning sterile?

[NegativeEase]

That’s all I’m after. The E34Ls are so good in the JVM and I’ve tried 6CA7s and KT77s, I’ve found what I’m after for that. The next part of my question now is what kind of 6L6s? We all know the bias is a little cold. JJs claim theirs are rated to work well with it, the reviews are split right down the middle.

Unless it's an emergency change (where i just trust the published rating from GT etc etc) -I usually measure my stuff and adjust bias every change.

[El Dunco]

Sorry, I only answered my opinion for a dual rec -but for a JVM? I prefer 34Ls because they are smoother and warmer and that keeps the fizz and aggression of my greenbacks and V30s in line.

That’s all I’m after. The E34Ls are so good in the JVM and I’ve tried 6CA7s and KT77s, I’ve found what I’m after for that. The next part of my question now is what kind of 6L6s? We all know the bias is a little cold. JJs claim theirs are rated to work well with it, the reviews are split right down the middle.

[devastone]

I like 6CA7s in Marshall style amps, but for a Dual Rec I'd probably stick with 6L6s.

[NegativeEase]

Sorry, I only answered my opinion for a dual rec -but for a JVM? I prefer 34Ls because they are smoother and warmer and that keeps the fizz and aggression of my greenbacks and V30s in line.

[El Dunco]

I’m not even looking to drastically alter the sound. I like the sound, or I wouldn’t have bought it. If I want a different sound, I use a different amp. I just want to bring out the best in it the way E34Ls bring out the best of my JVM.

Few things, Mesa’s cold fixed bias switch, a quartet of 6L6s ranges from reasonable ($100-$200 per quartet) to ludicrous (as much as another used recto!) not to mention JJs claiming they’re rated perfectly for rectos vs people complaining they don’t sound right vs other people saying different brands of the same tube sound nowhere near different enough to matter and now I have a headache…

[Demanic]

I don't think JJ 6L6's are fat and loose, though. I'd say it's the contrary. They're bright, tight, and kind of insipid. Not a fan.

How can "bright and tight" be "insipid"?

Sent from my SM-A115A using Tapatalk

[NegativeEase]

I don't think JJ 6L6's are fat and loose, though. I'd say it's the contrary. They're bright, tight, and kind of insipid. Not a fan.

They definitely have the potential to offend the ears long before an EL34 when breaking up

Also, the fizz control takes more strategy.

But the cleans and the tight are aight!