Good Tubes? Good Tones?

FireBros.

FireBros.

New member
Its time for me to change some tubes again. I was wondering if y'all have some suggestions for good 12ax7's or equivalent. I would especially like to know if you've compared them, tonewise. I've heard the JJ's are kind of dark compared to others, but I'd like to know which ones are bright also.

Also, your thoughts on EL84's & 6L6's (I run both in my Blue Angel)

I've always used Mesa Brand Tubes before, if that helps, for comparison.
 
Re: Good Tubes? Good Tones?

as far as EL 84s, a lot of folks (like me) think JJs make the best current one
 
Re: Good Tubes? Good Tones?

I hear Mesa tubes are fairly low quality, that's why I'm about to change the tubes in mine :).
 
Re: Good Tubes? Good Tones?

FireBros. said:
Its time for me to change some tubes again. I was wondering if y'all have some suggestions for good 12ax7's or equivalent. I would especially like to know if you've compared them, tonewise. I've heard the JJ's are kind of dark compared to others, but I'd like to know which ones are bright also.

Also, your thoughts on EL84's & 6L6's (I run both in my Blue Angel)

I've always used Mesa Brand Tubes before, if that helps, for comparison.
Click to expand...

wanna buy and learn info about tubes ? try these sites out:

http://watfordvalves.com/mainindex.htm
http://univalve.net/forums/
http://www.kcanostubes.com/
http://vintageamps.com/PlexiPalaceUBBcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=13
http://www.dougstubes.com/
http://www.eurotubes.com
http://www.tubemonger.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=T

plus many more
 
Re: Good Tubes? Good Tones?

FireBros. said:
Also, your thoughts on EL84's & 6L6's (I run both in my Blue Angel)
Click to expand...


I'm pretty sure the Mesa Blue Angel runs on EL84's and 6V6's ... if you're running 6L6's, is that good for the amp?
 
Re: Good Tubes? Good Tones?

The new Groove Tubes 12ax7M (Mullard reissues) were recommended to me by some folks here on this forum. They sound really good in my Marshall 2204. I previously had JJ/Tesla's in the preamp section, and they do have a kindof darker sound to them. I've also tried Electro-Harmonix pre-tubes with good results; but they are definately very gain-y.
 
Re: Good Tubes? Good Tones?

TheProphet said:
I'm pretty sure the Mesa Blue Angel runs on EL84's and 6V6's ... if you're running 6L6's, is that good for the amp?
Click to expand...

The tech at Mesa Boogie told me it was OK. I like the 6L6's better (tighter and less fuzzy) than the 6V6's, but I almost always use the EL84's.
 
Re: Good Tubes? Good Tones?

My favorite 6L6s lately have been the Groove Tubes 6l6GE's. Stupid expensive, but great sounding, long-lasting, and predictable.
 
Re: Good Tubes? Good Tones?

Mesa tubes are rebadged tubes of other brands.

Russian mesa tubes are Sovteks.
Chinese mesa tubes are GC's i think?
 
Re: Good Tubes? Good Tones?

12AX7 : GT-M, never heard them, but only great comments so far.
Chinese 12AX7 9th gen : if you're on a tight budget.

EL84 : JJs are great, Ei too.
 
Re: Good Tubes? Good Tones?

JJ power tubes....no question. Good Stuff. I'd try pre amp tubes of Ei, EH, Sovtek LPS, Chinese 9th Gen. Doug at dougstubes.com has a "tone kit" of pre amp tubes of one of each of these. Especially for V1........you can use any of the others in the other slots with pretty good results. In my opinion, I wouldn't spend the $$ on the Mullard reissue. I did and they were more fuzzy and had this "haze" to them. I just didn't like them in my Budda or Peavey Classic.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top