Power Tubes for an 800?

[Kamanda~SD]

It's that time again...time to rotate my 2210 out and my 2204 back in, and she needs new tubes!

I am currently deciding between the following:

-JJ EL34 II
-EH EL34

I currently have Svetlena's in there, and have previously had JJ EL34L and Winged C's. Unfortunately, I can't continue to afford Winged C's for my amps, and that's what's currently running in my 2210. I like the Svetlena's but they haven't really blown me away so looking to try something different.

As you all know...I mainly play superstrats (with Duncan JB's and sitortions for the most part), through an OD into the front of the amp, and play metal very akin to 80's bands like maiden, priest, motorhead, etc. Love tones like Lynch and Akira Takasaki etc. So big bottom end isn't huge for me, but I need good strong mids, and clear yet not brittle sounding highs.

JJ's have served me well in the past, but I have heard lots of great things about the EH's as well, so what's everyone's opinion? Thanks!

 

[cliffenstein]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

Marshalls love JJs.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

JJ KT77
TAD/Shugang EL34B (don't let the prices fool you)
Tung-Sol EL34B

 

[esandes]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

Mullard for the love of Marshall.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

I've been using EH EL-34s in my 2555 since Fall 2001. I've even A/B'd them against NOS Mullards and was rather surprised by how small the difference actually was. That being said, I greatly prefer 6550s in a 2203/2204 though that requires a small mod to the bias circuit.

 

[esandes]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

power tubes play a huge role in the tone. i much prefer the EL-34 "in your face" mid range richness. the bigger tubes have too much headroom for me. big tubes are great for metal or high headroom cleans (fender) though.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

I'd be inclined to try the new JJ EL-34II.

Described as a fuller sounding EL-34, without the aggressive big bottle sound.
That sounds like the right direction to go for a JCM800.

Next time I retube a Marshall, I'll probably choose those.

 

[Securb]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

Mullard for the love of Marshall.

I love my Mullards. Very full sounding the amp has a brutal attack.

 

[El Supremo]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

My 2104 came with the original Philips EL34's still installed. I've got some New Sensor Svetlana's in there now, which sound good, but lack the low mid thickness of the Philips.
Think I'll try some of the Mullard RI's hoping they'll have some of that.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

Generally i like JJs, but it would be well worth your time to at the very least least put an EH in v1. TBH, you cant go wrong with a whole row of EH's in there, you might like the gnarlier midrange sound over the big bottom/high headroom tone that JJ's give you.

 

[metlking]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

TAD/Shugang EL34B (don't let the prices fool you)

This! Fantastic sounding tubes. I try others but keep going back to the Chinese Shugs, and they're the usually the cheapest!

 

[esandes]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

I had the first 5150 and it had 6L6s and was 120W. It was second fiddle to my 20thanniversary marshall jcm800 2204 (50W). I played in a loud band and the marshall was louder and ballsier than the 5150.

How could Eddie sell off his brown tone for a 6L6 high gain pig of an amp. His old tone is the essence of EL-34 marshall **** you tone.

 

[esandes]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

Check the review at reputable tube shops like Doug's tubes or tube depot. They are spot on.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

This! Fantastic sounding tubes. I try others but keep going back to the Chinese Shugs, and they're the usually the cheapest!

I'm likely going back there once my Mullards give up the ghost.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

Thanks everyone! I plugged my 2204 alongside my 2210 for the first time in awhile (I usually swap them out every few months) and was surprised how much 'spongier' the 2204 felt, in a good way. The Svetlena's I do like but I'm looking for just a bit more of a push which the EH's claim to do. Think I'm going to try out the EH's. The current ones do still sound good though, so it will be fun to swap them in and out a bit.

esandes - I always order from the Tube Store (they arn't very far from me) and their reviews are a big time help!

 

[El Supremo]

Re: Power Tubes for an 800?

Think I'm going to try out the EH's. The current ones do still sound good though, so it will be fun to swap them in and out a bit.

esandes - I always order from the Tube Store (they arn't very far from me) and their reviews are a big time help!

That's the best time to start trying new stuff, as you'll have a better point of reference. Any new tube will sound better than one that's about to crap out.
Make shure to write down your current bias setting. Good luck!