New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

[Zombiwoof]

Just saw this new 12AX7 solid state tube replacement from AMT:

http://amtelectronicsusa.com/productpage12AX7WS.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMT-ELECTRONICS-12AX7-WS-Warm-Stone-SOLID-STATE-12AX7-TUBE/171101287572?_trksid=p11010.m2394&_trkparms=aid%3D555003%26algo%3DPW.CAT%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D221%26meid%3D2789403497511640403%26pid%3D100093%26prg%3D1114%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D121215957398%26&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:US:1120

AMT makes those pedals that replicate famous amps.
I vaguely remember that there was an attempt to make SS tube replacements back in the 70's/80's, but they didn't catch on. I wonder how these sound?. Anyone try one yet?.

Al

 

[trevorus]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

They're always going to be a bit different. The physics just aren't on the side of getting tube sound with anything but tubes, though software simulation is getting very good. Solid state devices respond differently along their operating voltages and temperatures than do tubes. You can massage things and get a good sound, but it won't be exactly the same.

 

[Zombiwoof]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

Well, even different tube brands sound different, according to their web page, these supposedly replicate the sound and other factors of a 12AX7 tube, the question is, which 12AX7 tube do they sound like?. I think they would be worth a try, if anyone gets around to trying one I'd like to hear feedback on them.

Al

They're always going to be a bit different. The physics just aren't on the side of getting tube sound with anything but tubes, though software simulation is getting very good. Solid state devices respond differently along their operating voltages and temperatures than do tubes. You can massage things and get a good sound, but it won't be exactly the same.

 

[dominus]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

I like AMT's stuff, but you can get real tubes for less than these. (Granted, these may sound better than the cheap tubes. )

 

[Gone_Shootin]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

With how well the Bogner pedals have turned out, I can't help but wonder what kind if success ol' Reinhold would have in designing his own solid state 12AX7 replacements?

 

[aleclee]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

Why bother coming up with SS preamp tubes? They're less expensive and last much much longer than power tubes.

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

They'd have longevity over tubes, for sure.

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[dominus]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

Why bother coming up with SS preamp tubes? They're less expensive and last much much longer than power tubes.

They're working on 6L6s too.

 

[kilphody]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

A little off topic perhaps, but there's nothing like seeing the heaters warming up from backstage in dark pre-set light. Knowing those tubes are going to rock the world in a few minutes..
PC

 

[Zombiwoof]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

A little off topic perhaps, but there's nothing like seeing the heaters warming up from backstage in dark pre-set light. Knowing those tubes are going to rock the world in a few minutes..
PC

Yeah, they thought of that, if you read the description on the AMT site, it says the little ring around the tube lights up when the tube is on!. I just thought this was interesting, I would think these would last a longer time than glass tubes, and not degrade in performance (that's what they say, anyway). The big question is, how do they sound compared to real tubes?. This was tried before years ago, as I said previously, and it didn't really catch on, but maybe these are better than those old SS tube replacements. If these catch on (and they add different tubes to the line, like 12AT7, power tubes, etc.), I bet you'll start to see amps coming out with them installed. Weber has been making SS rectifier replacements for some time now that replicate the sag and response of real rec tubes that have gotten good reviews, so this could be the future for amps, when all the tube companies are gone. Don't get me wrong, I have a big stash of NOS and slightly-used vintage tubes that I use in my amps, just thought this was an interesting development.

Al

 

[Adieu]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

With how well the Bogner pedals have turned out, I can't help but wonder what kind if success ol' Reinhold would have in designing his own solid state 12AX7 replacements?

Bogner pedals, afaik, are just preamp signal chains from the actual amp. With tubes. Just no power section

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

buy or a tube amp, then buy stuff so it can sound like a solid state amp.

 

[dominus]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

Bogner pedals, afaik, are just preamp signal chains from the actual amp. With tubes. Just no power section

No tubes in the Bogner pedals. They're JFETs. Same thing AMT has been using for their pedals.

I liked the AMT pedals better.

 

[dominus]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

buy or a tube amp, then buy stuff so it can sound like a solid state amp.

You need to try an ISP Theta amp.

 

[jtees4]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

I have been playing 45 years or so. The only really good tube overdrive sound is from the power tubes when the amp is turned up. If I'm playing low volume at home for instance I much prefer the distortion sounds coming out of one of my Mustang amps. I don't think pre amp tube vs: solid state is that big a deal in the real world, now in the online world I understand every screw matters! ...and I prefer brass screws by the way ;-)

 

[Zombiwoof]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

buy or a tube amp, then buy stuff so it can sound like a solid state amp.

The whole point of these new SS tube replacements is that they are supposed to replicate the sound and response of a real tube, with more longevity. Not SS sound.

Al

 

[marvar]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

The whole point of these new SS tube replacements is that they are supposed to replicate the sound and response of a real tube, with more longevity. Not SS sound.

Al

well, if preamp tubes didn't last almost forever, that would make sense- but there are tons of 40+yr old tubes out there still rockin'!

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

well, if preamp tubes didn't last almost forever, that would make sense- but there are tons of 40+yr old tubes out there still rockin'!

It doesn't take much to screw one up. For musicians who don't have roadies and tour with their gear in their trunk, having an amp that can live through a pothole hit without checking the tubes and carrying backups would be nice.

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[GuitarStv]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

well, if preamp tubes didn't last almost forever, that would make sense- but there are tons of 40+yr old tubes out there still rockin'!

Guess that's why AMT is also supposed to release solid state tube-emulation 6L6s this year then isn't it?

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: New Solid State Preamp Tube Replacements

The whole point of these new SS tube replacements is that they are supposed to replicate the sound and response of a real tube, with more longevity. Not SS sound.

Al

Yep. Same as all the other latest and greatest ss amps on the market. Just cos these things look like tubes and will fit in a tube socket it doesnt mean they sound like or feel like tubes.

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