S
sound125
New member
EIs are some of the nicest sounding preamp tubes around and I think it has a lot to do with the long plate design modeled after Telefunken. But I've experienced microphonics with them.
EIs are some of the nicest sounding preamp tubes around and I think it has a lot to do with the long plate design modeled after Telefunken. But I've experienced microphonics with them.
S
sound125
New member
The only problems I've had with Sovteks are leakage with dual triodes and pentodes, but it was always in the acceptable range. Other than that, they are very durable and have made some decent sounding 12AX7s over the years. For repairs, you can't go wrong with them, plus they're inexpensive.
D
donkeystyle
New member
I've heard that a lot about them. I guess I've either gotten lucky with the ones I got, or I haven't put enough hours on them. Probably a little of both.
surfmaster
New member
i thought that there was an established trade off with the long plate design, they can sound better, but they have more microphonics by their nature of design.
famous beagle
Well-known member
Well, I bit the bullet and ordered some NOS GE tubes from the 60s. I'm looking forward to my first NOS tube experience.
Anyone wanna buy some brand new, never opened JJ EL84s (2), ECC83s (3), and EZ81 (1) for a slightly discounted rate? If so, PM me!
Anyone wanna buy some brand new, never opened JJ EL84s (2), ECC83s (3), and EZ81 (1) for a slightly discounted rate? If so, PM me!
G
Gnash5150
Lefty
I have used Tung Sols or Tube Doctors in the power section of my 5150 (currently Tung Sols). I want to try JJ next in the Power section. I have found the Tung Sol 12ax7 to be very quiet in V1 of my amp. It's kind of a tone sucker (TS). If your looking to quiet down your tone it's good. I prefer a JJ in V1 for my 5150.
S
sound125
New member
There isn't as much of a trade off when using NOS long plate tubes like Telefunken. The construction and materials they used were impeccable on both the smooth and ribbed versions of their dual triodes, which is why they didn't have a big problem with microphonics, like many of the new preamp tubes do. For combo amps, where vibration is a factor and tubes can easily be driven into microphonics, I find that the milspec tubes like GE JAN (and other JANs) are better suited for the job, because of their thicker micas and rugged internal construction.
M
mrface2112
Well-known member
i put JJ's in my '76 Champ and my Epi VJr. They sound largely fine, and they're sturdy tubes. They're all i'll buy in current production tubes.
I think the 12ax7's seem a little dark. The 6V6's have a really high plate voltage, and they act a LOT more like 6L6's than 6V6's. Nice if that's what you're looking for.....but i have a hard time calling em 6V6's b/c they're really not.
I've since sold that champ to a buddy who loved the way it sounds.
These days, I've got a '66 Champ, a '74 Vibrochamp and a '65 Princeton. They are ALL outfitted with a combination of NOS RCA, GE, Mullard, Sylvania and Telefunken tubes.
IMO, decent NOS tubes absolutely SMOKE anything new production. to my ears, it's no contest. everything is nicer sounding--high end sparkle, low end girth, sweet and present mids, the overdrive, everything.
and don't get me started on schwagteks.
and then there's the longevity issue.....NOS tubes will far outlast new production.
this is just another case of "they don't make em like they used to".
YMMV
cheers,
wade
I think the 12ax7's seem a little dark. The 6V6's have a really high plate voltage, and they act a LOT more like 6L6's than 6V6's. Nice if that's what you're looking for.....but i have a hard time calling em 6V6's b/c they're really not.
I've since sold that champ to a buddy who loved the way it sounds.
These days, I've got a '66 Champ, a '74 Vibrochamp and a '65 Princeton. They are ALL outfitted with a combination of NOS RCA, GE, Mullard, Sylvania and Telefunken tubes.
IMO, decent NOS tubes absolutely SMOKE anything new production. to my ears, it's no contest. everything is nicer sounding--high end sparkle, low end girth, sweet and present mids, the overdrive, everything.
and don't get me started on schwagteks.
and then there's the longevity issue.....NOS tubes will far outlast new production.
this is just another case of "they don't make em like they used to".
YMMV
cheers,
wade
DrewPeterson7
Sage of the Order
The conventional wisdom in the modern metal world for dialing in a Rectifier is swap V1 for a tung-sol and throw a Tube Screamer out front, with just the slightest amound of drive and the level at about unity. I go back and forth on the Tube Screamer (it's certainly nice for rhythm, but I like the opener response for leads), but the tung-sol either made an immediate impact to the way the amp played, or I'm a total sucker for placebo effect. I'll take it, either way.
