New tubes for Mesa Quad Preamp...

[Animal]

I think it's time I re-tubed my Quad. I think it's still got the original tubes from the early 90's. They're the standard Mesa 12AX7s. The amp is also noisey on channel 1 lead but not channel 2 lead. I'm guessing new and different tubes could also breathe a lil' more mojo into it.

With 8 tube positions it's a daunting task deciding on what the hell I'm going to put in it. I hear that Chinese tubes work very well in high-gain Mesa amps. I'm considering 8th or 9th generation Shuguangs after reading all the positive reviews on here about them. I can't seem to locate any on Ebay though.

JJ ECC83S is also another option. People seem have good luck with these in high-gain amps.

I've skimmed through the boogie board and the Tung-Sol reissues also look popular. Kinda pricey.

Layout of the tube positions can be seen in this diagram:
http://www.tubefreak.com/s-quad5.gif

So I'm not sure whether to buy a straight set of the same kind of tube or mix-and-match.

Any ideas/suggestions?

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: New tubes for Mesa Quad Preamp...

Try and find someone selling those Shuguang 9th Generation 12AX7's in white boxes...in bulk. That way they're about $5 each X 8.

 

[Animal]

Re: New tubes for Mesa Quad Preamp...

Try and find someone selling those Shuguang 9th Generation 12AX7's in white boxes...in bulk. That way they're about $5 each X 8.

There's no way I'd find a dealer in Australia selling them for that cheap. I'm more than willing to get some from the US. Buying bulk tubes from overseas seems to work out a lot cheaper even after the shipping costs.

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: New tubes for Mesa Quad Preamp...

Yup, the Shuguang 9ths are pretty popular for that. I really like Electro-Harmonix the most (Mesa Russian 2s and EH branded). The JJs sound great, but they are darker and seem to be a bit too dark for Mesa circuits, and I have tried them in the F-30, Dual Rec, and Mark IV.

 

[ParameterMan]

Re: New tubes for Mesa Quad Preamp...

You must read the classic thread on the Boogie Board where some guy shares three pages worth of his tube recommendations for the Triaxis. Very good stuff and can be applied to the Quad.

I personally think that chinese tubes all have an aggressive shattering glass character. The 9th gen tubes are better. If that's the (metal) tone you're looking for, awesome. Otherwise, my Quad likes NOS Mullard, RCA, GE, and tastiest of all, the Tesla E83CC. Check out TubeFreak's description of them(at the bottom of the page). Keep in mind all the tubes I tried could be described as darker than the chinese. I call it more refined treble distortion quality.

 

[Animal]

Re: New tubes for Mesa Quad Preamp...

You must read the classic thread on the Boogie Board where some guy shares three pages worth of his tube recommendations for the Triaxis. Very good stuff and can be applied to the Quad.

I'm guessing this the thread you're talking about:
http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?t=749&highlight=traxis+retube

...wow, that's a very informative thread.