Which tubes?

[jonslow]

Hey, guys. I own a Peavey Valveking 1x12 and it's long overdue for some new tubes. It needs three new 12AX7s and 2 6L6s, and I'm not sure which brand I want to get for it. I know a lot of people use a lot of different kinds, so I thought I'd see if anyone had any personal preferences that they'd like to share. I want something with a pretty good amount of gain as I play mostly metal and hard rock. I'm not really looking to spend much more than $100 on the set. Also, if anyone had any insight as to the ease of switching out for EL34s, that would be great, too, but I know it probably requires some alterations. Anyway, thanks!

-Justin

 

[metlking]

Re: Which tubes?

I like the Tung-Sol reissue 12AX7 quite a bit, also Sovtek 12AX7LPS and the GT-12AX7-C. I have a pair of TAD 6l6's that sound really good in my Peavey VTM60. I'd email Doug at www.dougstubes.com and ask him, he has a knack for matching the right tubes to the amp for the sound the player desires. Super nice guy too and fast with e-mail responses....I've had at least four orders with him and they all turned out flawless!

 

[metlking]

Re: Which tubes?

............and welcome to the board, my fellow Ohioan!

 

[rivera213]

Re: Which tubes?

A friend of mine owns a Peavey 5150 (Which takes the same tubes as the Valveking) & he SWEARS by JJ/Tesla Pre-Amp tubes & Svetlana Power-amp tubes.

They last a long time apparently and are great in Peavey amps.

* I don't own 1 myself, but he knows his stuff when it comes to Peavey's & tubes to go in them etc.

 

[jonslow]

Re: Which tubes?

............and welcome to the board, my fellow Ohioan!

Thanks, metlking. I used to belong to the forum a couple years ago, but I forgot my password after a year or so of being away, so I had to create a new username. Where are you from in Ohio?

And I e-mailed Doug and am waiting for a response. Thanks for the replies, guys. Hopefully I'll settle on something soon.

-Justin

 

[Buckeyedog]

Re: Which tubes?

Agree with Metlking as I really like and recommend the Tung Sol for V1. Chinese are good for the other slots. They are cheap and sound great and have nice gain. As for power tubes, I'd go with Winged C 6L6's. Great power tubes. You can't really pop
EL34's in there though.

 

[vladmarr]

Re: Which tubes?

i hear good things about the winged C tubes

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Which tubes?

I'm rather fond of JJ tubes. I get them from mojomusical.com

 

[casblah]

Re: Which tubes?

The Tung-Sol pre's, as mentioned, are pretty good tubes. Not sure what to tell you about the 6L6's, tho.

 

[Ascension]

Re: Which tubes?

Another Dougs Tubes customer here. Doug is allway ready to help with rcomedations his prices are fair and he stands behind his product. You can always hit him on his cell if you just want to talk tubes.
On the pre amp tubes I would stay away from the JJ's as to me they are the absolute WORST sounding Ecc83/ 12AX7's out there just dead, dull, toneless and lifeless. The Tung Sols should work well as the new Mullard Reissues ( NOT the GT 12AX7M's as they are unreliable) in the first couple of slots and the Chinese Shunghangs should work well in a 5150 for the rest. I have a new Mullard in the V1 on my Fender Super-Sonic with Shunghangs in the rest and JJ 6L6's and that combo rocks! Had a Tung Sol in V-1 with in the rest Shunghangs and JJ EL345L's in my old Marshall TSL I just sold and again that combo rocked.

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Which tubes?

I put JJ tubes in the one I had a while back and it improved it 100% over the stock tubes. Tightened the amp up overall, got rid of the buzzy distortion, gave the clean channel a more organic tone. I would suggest giving them a try.

 

[jonslow]

Re: Which tubes?

Alright. Thanks for all the great input, guys. I need some thoughts about this combo, though-

Tungsol 12AX7s, Svetlana hard blue 6l6s

Anyone have experience with this combination?