Tube time

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Hey guys, noticing my amp is starting to sound a little dull and some sorta volume issues at time. Thinking it was a good time to change the tubes out.

I have:

Crate VFX5212 - V50
Tone Tubby Speakers
Preamp tubes: (4) 12AX7A
Power tubes: (2) EL34 Groove tubes

I want to change all the tubes at once. Basically playing classic and modern rock CCR, Beattles, Stones, ACDC, Zep.

What would you guys recommend, as I am not too familiar on what is good and not good in the tube world?

Thanks
 
Re: Tube time

I've had good luck w/ E34L's from eurotubes (link above...) They're a little crunchier/tighter than standard EL34's; with a little-bit-later breakup. For pre-tubes, I like the new Tung-Sol 12ax7's; Tesla ECC83's, and the Groove Tube 12AX7M, or 12AX7C. Most of the pre-tubes are pretty high-gain, w/ the x-ception of the Tesla ECC83. I think any of the above will suit your purpose, for the styles that you're into. Hope this helps.
 
Re: Tube time

casblah said:
I've had good luck w/ E34L's from eurotubes (link above...) They're a little crunchier/tighter than standard EL34's; with a little-bit-later breakup. For pre-tubes, I like the new Tung-Sol 12ax7's; Tesla ECC83's, and the Groove Tube 12AX7M, or 12AX7C. Most of the pre-tubes are pretty high-gain, w/ the x-ception of the Tesla ECC83. I think any of the above will suit your purpose, for the styles that you're into. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Correction, I think the Tesla ECC83 is hi-gain also...
 
Re: Tube time

I just replaced my Tung-Sol 12ax7's with JJ ECC83S 's high gain from eurotubes, and I can honestly say that the JJ's are the only preamp tubes that stand out to me. lots of people raving on the new Tung-sols but they sounded no different than my old groove tubes
 
Re: Tube time

Thanks guys, I will look into those. I also came across this website and seems to have some good descriptions also:

http://www.thetubestore.com/index.html


The other thing I was curious about, is there an advantage to going with different 2 or more different preamp tubes in different positions?
 
Re: Tube time

Sovtek makes very nice tubes. I personally dont like anything made by JJ.
 
Re: Tube time

What I'm thinkin after doing some readin is

Preamp:
Tung-sol 12AX7

Power:
SED Wing C EL34
or
Sovtek 6CA7/6CA7-EH

Anyone have any experience with these?
 
Re: Tube time

Is there any advantage to mixing preamps. Placing a 5751 in the mix with 3 - 12AX7's . Probably place it in the V4, so that the power tubes are pushed a little harder and you get more tube tone?
 
Re: Tube time

I really like the Tung-Sol 12ax7's....I haven't found anything I like JJ 12ax7's in yet, though I do like their KT-77's in some situations. =C= SED El34's seem to make alot of people happy. I'll be trying them out when it's time to re-tube my Splawn. I buy from www.dougstubes.com I've had 3-4 orders with no issues. He's a great guy, responds to my questions with in 24 hrs and knows what he's talking about. He has a knack for picking the right tube to match the amp for the sound you desire.....

A 5751 is going to be much lower in gain, if thats what you're going for it may work out well for you. Feel free to mix preamp tubes as desired for different levels of gain. I get the best sounds in my opinion with a "high gain graded" 12ax7 in V-1 and mix 12ax7's from different manufactures in the other positions. NOS in V-1 would be great too if cost is not a factor. Use a match/balanced 12ax7 in the phase inverter (V-4), anywhere else it's a waste of extra money........
 
Re: Tube time

Slider said:
Is there any advantage to mixing preamps. Placing a 5751 in the mix with 3 - 12AX7's . Probably place it in the V4, so that the power tubes are pushed a little harder and you get more tube tone?
Click to expand...

metlking has it right on this - the 5751 has lower gain than a 12AX7 and is somewhat more linear (less distortion). For some amps, it works well in the phase inverter position (V4 in your amp?) to add more clean headroom and/or shift toward more preamp tube distortion and less from the power tubes.

BIG + 1 on Doug's Tubes. He really seems to know which tubes will sound the best in a given amp. IME Eurotubes always recommends JJ's - not that JJ's are a bad choice for new tubes.

Also, no one has mentioned the 9th generation Chinese Shuguang 12AX7's. They don't tend to be as hot as the Tung Sols but have a nice, gradual breakup. Cheap too, so get one and try it in the first preamp slot!

Chip
 
Re: Tube time

The Tungsol are my favorite in my Mesa. Compared to the EH 12AX7A (lots of toppy presence), and the JJ ECC83 (mid-heavy, and lacking definition...some people call it warmth!), the Tungsols sound great from bottom to top. Big/defined bass, smooth mids, and crisp, but not ice-pick highs.
 
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Re: Tube time

I spoke with someone today and they recommend (but not too familiar with this amp):

Preamp:
Tung Sol Reissue 12AX7
For more crunch, he recommend use 1 or 2 NOS RFT 12AX7 V1 and/or V2.

Power
Groove Tubes EL34Ms
Alternates would be SED EL34s

My friend is basically looking for a classic/modern rock sound with lots of crunch and low end.

I think this is in the ball park now
 
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