*heavy Metal Tubes*

[cellardweller]

WHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

That was my best 80's metal scream. I hate the term "Heavy Metal".

Anyway, I have an Ampeg VT-120 which needs new tubes, it has Sovtek 5881wkt's in it now. What would be a good replacement. I have no complaints about the old tubes in their prime, but is there something which would get slightly filthier?


Mmmmmmm, filthy...

 

[M.Brane]

If you want a true metal tone you'll want tubes that are cleaner so you can drive the amp harder for more "edge". Tubes that distort sooner will have a smoother tone than those that stay clean up to the limit.

My JCM800 w/6550's sounds much more aggresive than my MKIII Simulclass with EL34's & 6L6's through the same speakers. In fact, different speakers can radically alter the tone of an amp. More so than different tubes.

6L6's & KT66's are interchangeable with 5881's though you'll probably need a bias adjustment to run 'em. It's a good idea to do that anyway when changing output tubes. They would probably give you a slightly harder tone than the 5881's. Depending on the way the amp is wired, you may also be able to run EL34's (more distortion, smoother, less mids) or 6550's (cleaner at low volume, more edge when distorted) in there with some minor mods/adjustments. Any good amp tech could tell you what your options are.

IMHO it's best to leave amps stock. If you want a different sound get a different amp.

 

[cellardweller]

Why so, leaving them stock? I am totally ignernt on the subjekt. Is it because they are internally designed specifically for this tube?

 

[M.Brane]

Why so, leaving them stock? I am totally ignernt on the subjekt. Is it because they are internally designed specifically for this tube?

Exactly! Just like you wouldn't use a middleweight sportbike to go touring, or a 1 ton dually 4x4 pickup to commute to work. Of course you always could, but there's something about getting the right tool for the job.