Tubes for V Series

Fiber-Optics

New member
Okay a few weeks ago I bought a VFX5112 I love the amp but I feel it lacks a tight bottom end, the amp came with 2 EL34 for the poweramp 4 12AX7A for the preamp. I'm not unhappy with the amp I just want it to have that nice almost chuggy palm mutes when you have it cranked, you guys know the feeling when you feel the palm mutes in your chest a practice or something? Can you guys please recommend some Tubes that will help get that?
 
Re: Tubes for V Series

JJ EL-34L's (the "L" is important) and 9th generation Chinese 12AX7's.
 
Re: Tubes for V Series

I was thinking to just switch to JJs but I was also thinking if it were possible to change the type of tubes. Then I read on he eurotubes.com that you have to use the same time? Also, if I change the tubes on my amp do I have do bias or something because I don't know if this amp has auto bias or whatever it is called. Would I have to take it to a tech to have it biased? I don't know how to do it. :smack:
 
Re: Tubes for V Series

get an enclosed 2X12 or a 4X12 with Celestion Vintage 30's or G12T-75's - those will enhance the lows and depth of the GFX5112's single 12" speaker.
 
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Re: Tubes for V Series

I was thinking of buying an avatar cab in the distant future, but I don't need one right now. The amp comes with a Celestion speaker not sure which model. So, the JJs would tighten up my bottom end and give em more punch? How much would that run, including a techs service if I need them to bias it?
 
Re: Tubes for V Series

I have the same amp, it NEEDS to be biased, and use Svetlana tubes in it, it made a big difference for me. Also, when you run an extention cabinet you only have the option of running it at 8ohm, using a 4x12 would damage the amp. If you switch to 8 ohms and use another 1x12 speaker that'll work great. BUT, I used to do that and I found the amp actually sounds better without it, so I just sold my 1x12 extension cabinet. Last but not least, a celestion vintage 30 really brings out the british in that amp, sounds great. People don't realize what a cool amp this is, it seems to have more gain than a marshall and at the same time gets much sweeter clean and at low to mid gain. It's a tasty amp. Snobs won't touch it though because of the name. Which is fine, cause it keeps the price reasonable.
 
Re: Tubes for V Series

Xeromus said:
Snobs won't touch it though because of the name.

Actually, quite a few "snobs" are becoming interested in those amps since the Rev has been playing through them.
 
Re: Tubes for V Series

mrid said:
Actually, quite a few "snobs" are becoming interested in those amps since the Rev has been playing through them.

I don't mean snob in a derogatory manner, well yeah I do :laugh2: but only for those high and mighty types who will only touch a fender or marshall.

They are a nice little secret in the amp world. I think for a tube amp they offer the best value out there.
 
Re: Tubes for V Series

Is the bias on my amp a job I can perform or is it something I am going to have to get a tech to do for me?
 
Re: Tubes for V Series

Fiber-Optics said:
Is the bias on my amp a job I can perform or is it something I am going to have to get a tech to do for me?

you need a tech. Even if the bias adjustment were easily accessible, without experience you can destroy your amp, or worse, get severely injured or even die. Opening the chassis on an amp can be risky business if you don't know what you're doing. The bias adjustment is inside the chassis on this one. The guy I talked to at St. Louis music told me they did it that way so inexperienced users wouldn't fiddle with it. I personally won't even attempt it myself.
 
Re: Tubes for V Series

Ah okay, I won't attempt it...I don't want to die because I just bought this amp :laugh2: Thanks for all the info! :newangel:
 
Re: Tubes for V Series

I've had a Crate Vinatge CLub (2x12) for years and love it. They make good amps, but folks kind of shy away from the name. The new V-series looks phenomenal. As afr as tubes go, call the guys at Groove Tubes and let them suggest some options. They've always been helpful to me.

Good luck,
Jeff
 
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