JJ ECC-803/E83CC preamp tubes...

[Kommerzbassist]

So my local dealer here finally got JJs... but uhm... only ECC-803/E83CCs?
What are the differences to 12AX7s (especially the Chinese ones)?
Are there even 12AX7s made by JJ?

thanks

 

[J.LaGrassa]

Re: JJ ECC-803/E83CC preamp tubes...

The ECC83 is a 12AX7!

These descriptions are from http://eurotubes.com Website

ECC803 S - 12AX7
Factory description: Classic long plate European design with special grid plated by gold to reduce microphone interaction and noise.

My observations: This is the latest 12AX7 offering from JJ and once again it's a beautiful sounding tube. It's the longest plate 12AX7 type tube ever made. It has the same deep, tight low end that the ECC83S has but the mids in the ECC803S are even thicker and more harmonically complex than the ECC83S. The ECC803S is also a little hotter in the high end than the ECC83S. These are however not as high in gain as the JJ ECC83S. The ECC803S's are about 10% lower in gain.

This is a great tube for V1 positions or for use in all positions in vintage amps. I do not recommend them for use in the gain stages of high gain amps if you like to run your gain maxed out. All preamp tubes are microphonic it's just a matter of where the threshold is and longer plate tubes will squeal before a short plate tube will, so for real high gain amps I would stay with the ECC83S or better yet the graded high gain ECC83S's that I hand pick for high gain amps. I also do not recommend these in small combo amps where the tubes are in close proximity to the speaker.


ECC83 S - 12AX7
Factory description: Special grid plated by gold to reduce microphone interaction and noise.

My observations: The ECC83S is great tube with a tight low end, a very natural and harmonically complex mid with VERY good definition and a sweet high end that is not brittle. These tubes have very low microphonics and are great in the gain stages of high gain amps like Marshalls, Meas's and Peaveys to name a few.

The best part is that you can buy a new tube that sounds this good for one tenth the price of an NOS Telefunken.

E88CC-6DJ8
Factory description: A replacement of the highest quality for any 6DJ8 or ECC88.

My observation: An absolutely wonderful sounding tube for Hi-Fi. It has a very smooth mid and high end with incredible detail.

 

[doveman]

Re: JJ ECC-803/E83CC preamp tubes...

I bought a ECC83 ... it was much more to my liking in the V1 slot of my Boogie amp than either Russian or Chinese 12ax7s ... all Groove Tubes. It was hotter but was also tighter and more balanced. my opinion anyway. :eek13:

 

[J.LaGrassa]

Re: JJ ECC-803/E83CC preamp tubes...

I should have mentioned I use all JJ tubes in both my Fender amps, they really help keep the amp from getting harsh in the high end, My Blues Deluxe RI I use a ECC81(12AT7) in V1 and V3 and ECC83S in V2 and in my 59 Bassman RI I have ECC83S in all the preamp slots and both amps use JJ 6L6GC power tubes!
Great tubes and excellent price as well!

 

[doveman]

Re: JJ ECC-803/E83CC preamp tubes...

A 12AT7 is unusual in the V1 slot isn't it? Kind of lower powered? Is that the way it's designed or just a choice you made?

 

[Kommerzbassist]

Re: JJ ECC-803/E83CC preamp tubes...

Ah thanks for all your posts people, that cleared up much... I think I'll try them out soon...

 

[More-Gear-Than-Skill]

Re: JJ ECC-803/E83CC preamp tubes...

I feel that the JJ stuff is the finest sounding current valves being made. Great value, great sound. Sweet....stocking up.

 

[Baltar]

Re: JJ ECC-803/E83CC preamp tubes...

the jj ecc803s is my official favourite in v1 postition.
it's warmth makes my engl thunder sound less biting and agressive.
it's clarity made my epi valve jr sound better in any point of view.

but you gotta find out what's the right v1 for your amp. every tube has
different pros and cons, which might help you to get from your amp
what you want or not.
eg i use a chinese 7025 blackplate to get a more defined bass and
improved lower-mid/better overall balance in my engl jive.

so it's on you to find out if you like jj's or not. i recommend to try them out,
if it's not the holy grail for you it's anyway a great bang for the buck and
you can keep them as spares.

 

[J.LaGrassa]

Re: JJ ECC-803/E83CC preamp tubes...

A 12AT7 is unusual in the V1 slot isn't it? Kind of lower powered? Is that the way it's designed or just a choice you made?

yeah typically you dont see a 12AT7 in V1 but wth a Blues Deluxe RI that amp gets very loud and aggressive very quickly but with the 12AT7 in V1 and in V3 it helps make the volume less sensitive and adds more headroom.

I use pedals for all my dirt so thats why I need the head room otherwise 3 ECC83S would be great for getting crunch out of that amp!