Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

[Xeromus]

I don't mean types. I know tube types do, but I mean brands. If one brand of EL34 really all that different sounding than any others?

A well respected amp tech and builder up this way, John Nau (Nau Engineering) has the mindset that a tube is a tube. And matched sets aren't even necessary because they are close enough to each other when manufactured anyway.

I'm sure he's right on some accounts. I know tubes are marketed just like any other product. But seriously, are you really going to hear a major difference in your amp with difference brands of tubes or the way the amp responds?

 

[aleclee]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

Yes, they do--preamp tubes more than power tubes though you can definitely hear the difference between an EH EL34 and a Svetlana.

I swap tubes to fine-tune the sound of my amps.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

Yes. Have a nice day!

 

[XSSIVE]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

Yes. Have a nice day!

what he said lol...

my ultra plus came alive with the new JJ's in it compaired to the stock tubes. everything seems to be a bit more clear now and has a bit more grunt to it also.

-Mike

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

Everything sounds completely different with different tubes. Brands make huge differences in where your sound lies. The same tubes put in a different amp may can sound completely different too. Some sound great in one and bad in another. Fun stuff to dork around with

 

[Xeromus]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

I ask because both my amps have the stock tubes and haven't needed a replacement yet. My combo sounds great with the groove tubes pre and power amp tubes, but my legacy came with sovtek pre tubes and EH power tubes, and could probably benefit from better sounding tubes. It's overall a little mushy sounding and not all that inspiring.

 

[Stringmachine]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

I would recomend trying different brands. You might get what you are after, but it could just as easiely go the other way.

 

[Old Ghost]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

I don't mean types. I know tube types do, but I mean brands. If one brand of EL34 really all that different sounding than any others?

Yes. Big difference.

 

[Old Ghost]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

A well respected amp tech and builder up this way, John Nau (Nau Engineering) has the mindset that a tube is a tube. And matched sets aren't even necessary because they are close enough to each other when manufactured anyway.

I'm sorry to tell you this but that's pretty much B.S.

I'm sure he's right on some accounts. I know tubes are marketed just like any other product. But seriously, are you really going to hear a major difference in your amp with difference brands of tubes or the way the amp responds?

Yes, there are considerable amounts of differences in tone, response, breakup, etc.

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

Different tubes do make a difference we all can hear....

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

Swapping the tubes in my Blues Jr. for a set of JJ's made a huge difference. It gave it a bit more agressive tone. I wish I had the money to try out a few other brands. I'm curious how some of the higher priced tubes would sound.

 

[Xeromus]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

I had a feeling a lot of that was BS. The guy is well respected and such but I have no dealings with him yet.

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

I had a feeling a lot of that was BS. The guy is well respected and such but I have no dealings with him yet.

Guys like that only say what you want to hear so they can sell you "their" tubes...I hate people that are shallow like that... :newangel:

I'd respect a guy like that enough to buy my tubes elsewhere! :laugh2:

 

[aleclee]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

The guy is well respected

Not by me anymore.

 

[Xeromus]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

Not by me anymore.

Yeah it's possible the guy is a complete idiot. I think the next time I need my amp serviced I'll drive down to Ithaca to Voodoo amps.

 

[aleclee]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

Guys like that only say what you want to hear so they can sell you "their" tubes...I hate people that are shallow like that... :newangel:

Maybe Nau's been taking lessons from this guy:

 

[Nite_Maresz_25]

Re: Do different tubes really make much of a difference at all?

Maybe Nau's been taking lessons from this guy:

i've seen that guy before..........:laugh2:

yes, like said before, different brands will sound different(thats commen sence to me). take pickups for comparo.. a duncan paf(59 or seth) will sound different than say, a dimarzio paf, pro classic or virtual.

and xeromus, you have a pm.