I think its time for some new tubes

[StratTom]

I was playing through my 5150 II the other night and I'm thinking its time to change the tubes. I bought this amp used back in the spring and to my knowledge it still has the original tubes in it (so they are over a year old). Just wondering what type of tubes to get for it. Any suggestions? Also, anyone with this amp....is it easy to change the tubes yourself or should I have someone else do this? BTW, I'm talking about power tubes, I don't think the preamp tubes will need replacing for awhile.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[Travis]

Re: I think its time for some new tubes

I threw in a set of SED 6L6GC's in my 5150 a while back. Check out www.thetubestore.com. They give full reviews on every single tube. And changing the tubes is extremely easy.

 

[StratTom]

Re: I think its time for some new tubes

I threw in a set of SED 6L6GC's in my 5150 a while back. Check out www.thetubestore.com. They give full reviews on every single tube. And changing the tubes is extremely easy.

Thanks Travis! I was checking out the tubestores site yesterday and most likely will be ordering from there since I bought my Hotplate from them and really like their service. According to the reviews it says the SED's have more of a vintage sound. Is there much of a difference between the stock and these? Either way, the SED's sound like a nice pick and I may have to give those a shot.

 

[StratTom]

Re: I think its time for some new tubes

bump

 

[Curly]

Re: I think its time for some new tubes

I'd suggest checking Eurotubes' site.

I think Bob actually plays one, but in any case, he's quite familiar with PVs.

some interesting reading there on the 5150 as well

 

[Shnook]

Re: I think its time for some new tubes

I'd suggest some JJ's from Bob at Eurotubes as well. I just recently put some JJ's in my 5150 Combo, and SWEET! Nuff said.

 

[StratTom]

Re: I think its time for some new tubes

Is there a significant difference in tone with either of these tubes? I'm shorta new to the whole tube amp thing, this being my first amp and first time changing the tubes, so that explains all my questions.

 

[Curly]

Re: I think its time for some new tubes

Is there a significant difference in tone with either of these tubes?

though they have a good rep, I haven't used the SEDs. I have a pair of the JJs I got for my Bassman, but actually, I run NOS Sylvanias in it. I don't think you could go wrong with either choice really.

tubes are a little like strings - it comes down to personal taste

most, if not all, of the current production tubes are modeled after classic tubes from the past, whether it's RCA, GE, Mullard, etc, etc ..

now, if you want to make a very informed decision, there is plenty of info at Guitar Amplifier Blueprinting and
watford Valves

remember that your preamp tubes can affect both your tone and response, with the first position tube of the channel you're using having the largest effect.

 

[GuitarGuy503]

Re: I think its time for some new tubes

Its probably about time for a tube Change in my Mesa as well. They are the originals from when I bought the head used, however, I have only played through it a total of 8 or 10 times since I bought it. I know how spendy tubes are so I play my Line 6 mostly so I can make the tubes in my Mesa last long as possible till I can buy new tubes. :dance:

 

[Jfar]

Re: I think its time for some new tubes

5150's are fix bias and bias very cold. Bob @ Eurotubes would
suggest having a tech put in a non fix bias mod. this way you
can run your amp a little hotter ( More plate votage ) and get
better sweeter tone. Possibly tighter crunch. But you need
to change you preamp tubes as well as the phase inverter tube.

I recently put in the New Sensor EL34 Mullards ( Great Tubes )
and I like em' way better than the JJ's EL34LS I had in my VHT.

IMO JJ'S ECC83S are one of the best preamp tubes in the market
today. Bob can provide some of the highest gain JJ ECC83S if
you are looking for that as well. as for 6L6's go to eurotubes, Tube store,
tube depot, Lord Valve. you get better pricing . Don't go to groove tubes,
you are only paying to have their Logo on the tubes. plus their too dam
pricey. Groove tubes are no different than any other supplier tubes.
they all burn & match tubes and get their tubes from the same
Distributor or Manufacturer.

 

[StratTom]

Re: I think its time for some new tubes

5150's are fix bias and bias very cold. Bob @ Eurotubes would
suggest having a tech put in a non fix bias mod. this way you
can run your amp a little hotter ( More plate votage ) and get
better sweeter tone. Possibly tighter crunch. But you need
to change you preamp tubes as well as the phase inverter tube.

Sounds like alot of work, how much would that cost? I was just thinking of changing the power tubes for now. Maybe swap out the pre's in a few months.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: I think its time for some new tubes

5150II's are biased a little warmer than 5150's, and already have an adjustable bias IIRC.

For all Peavey's, I suggest EH12AX7's for the Pre, and EH6L6-GC for the power, both by Electro Harmonix.

In all truth, if I had a 5150, I'd take it to a tech to get it biased up to 30-35MV, and that wouldn't cost more than 50-60 bucks.

 

[StratTom]

Re: I think its time for some new tubes

Cool. Thanks for all the help guys!