tubes: how do you know?

[lex666]

I just ordered new tubes for my marshall. I was gonna order the same C-winged sveltana tubes that were similar to my stock tubes, but the description for the jj tubes said "tight low end with smooth mids" which is what I'm, after so I ordered those instead.

http://www.tubedepot.com/jj-e34l.html

But that raised this question in my head... how do you know which tubes to order, or what they will potentially sound like? is all a shot in the dark and hopefully they will sound good? Do some brands have a reputation in regards to the way they sound, or is it all experimental? Is there any science in determining what a tube will possibly sound like in any given amp?

I'm putting the JJ's in my Marshall TSL602 combo. Hopefully they will make it more "modern" sounding...

Thanks,

 

[Mephis]

Re: tubes: how do you know?

A good tube usually just sounds tighter and more consistant to my ears. I don't really think they do as much as you're expecting.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: tubes: how do you know?

yes certain brands tend to have their own flavor

those jj's are gonna sound smoother than the stock ones