6CA7's for a Mesa Boogie Stiletto Deuce Stage I?

[McLeanAB]

Hey all!

Still loving my Stiletto for all the reasons it shines as is... HOWEVER, on a whim, I ran the preamp section of my Stiletto Deuce Stage I into my Mesa Fifty/Fifty 6l6 loaded power amp and it was GLORIOUS. The spike, the fizz all gone... thick, saturated, HUGE sounding... not Rec like, not Mark like, but GLORIOUS nonetheless... MUCH better than the el343's.

Has anyone swapped out the el34's for 6ca7's (which seem to be the closest tonal equivalent to 6l6 as the Stage I doesn't have a bias switch for different power tubes)? Would love to know what it did for you!

Thanks!

- Adam

 

[70 Mach 1]

Im no tech but iirc the 6C are the US equivalent to the EL34

Theyre not the same family as 6L6 and the wattages are different

They shouldn't sound anything alike

 

[McLeanAB]

Im no tech but iirc the 6C are the US equivalent to the EL34

Theyre not the same family as 6L6 and the wattages are different

They shouldn't sound anything alike

I'm looking for the closest equivalent to a 6l6 that will work in an 'only' el34 amp.

 

[PDC]

FWIW - after tons of tube rolling, I will say that the JJ E34-L variant - or the allegedly proprietary Groove Tube E34LS do produce more lows and low-mids while simultaneously rolling off some of the high-end 'bite' associated with typical EL34s. If you can find a set of either for a decent price, I'd start there, as they should drop into the bias range of the El34 based Stiletto.

 

[McLeanAB]

I went with the JJ 6va7's from Eurotubes... just threw down a sample (might post it later) and it's not a huge difference (almost disappointed, really). A bit more girth in the low mids and a little more rounded on top which compliments the Mullard 12ax7's I have in there. I'm guessing in the room with a cab will be a bit more noticeable. We'll see... just starting the exploration...

 

[glpg80]

I’m running 6CA7s in the clip i just shared of Abaddon. No changes needed - just bias them up and go. They have a lower mid emphasis compared to EL34 without the flatness character of 6L6.

 

[McLeanAB]

I'm hearing it a bit, but I've only just thrown them in and have to experiment a little more, but yes, heard that low mid bump and smoother highs a little... more soon! Where's that clip Mr. GLPG80?

EDIT: Nevermind, just found it!

 

[McLeanAB]

Threw in the 6ca7's and decided to yank all the Mullard 12ax7's I had in there (except for V3) and put in Trace Elliott 12ax7's.

Spongy Mode, Tube Rectification, Channel 2 Tight Gain.

She still has aggression (and a touch more gain I think because of the power tubes) but the shrill/ice-picky highs are nice and smoothed out, the low mids are just a hair punchier and more present, and all around a touch more balanced...

No bass, just wanted to keep it simple so you could hear the tone...

Enjoy!

 

[glpg80]

I much prefer 6CA7 over 6550. 6550 tend to have a lifelessness to them while sounding big and hollow. 6CA7’s have a big bottom end and tapered highs great for metal and cleans. EL34 are balanced for low volume but the upper mid dominance gets in the way for downtuning IMO.

 

[PDC]

Really, really great playing in that clip. And that clip proves how under-rated and overlooked the Mesa Stiletto is!! Great tones!

 

[McLeanAB]

Really, really great playing in that clip. And that clip proves how under-rated and overlooked the Mesa Stiletto is!! Great tones!

Thanks for the kind words!!

Yeah, I traded some gear for this beast on a whim... I had fun with the Rec Pre and the Rectoverb 50 (both great) but kept coming back my my Mark V:35 (and later the Triaxis too). But the Stiletto is really holding my attention... something very unique about it in the Mesa line up. I know the Triple Crown and the Royal Atlantic are all cut from that same cloth, but I'm having so much fun with the Stiletto...

 

[Jimty]

They’re great amps - love my Stage I. I have other amps that get a lot more love in forum world, but I reckon I may have the most playing time on my Stiletto. Don’t know what it is about it, but I really like playing it

 

[Nigel]

Killer clips!

But yes if you want 6L6 bottom & top, that low mid grind with the harmonic swirl of EL34's you want the JJ KT77 in the right grade unless you have an adjustable bias mod done to your Mesa.

Bob can hook you up at Eurotubes. I'm actually stunned he didn't suggest those in lieu of the 6CA7's.

Great playing in the clip, it sounds like the first single off a new Dio record, totally legit.

 

[McLeanAB]

^^^^^^^

Thanks all!!! I'm having so much fun with this amp... gonna finish up a new tune with it that really pushes it... nice big fat full mix with drums, bass, keys, several guitar tracks, etc... it sounds SO good... give me a day or two...

 

[McLeanAB]

Great playing in the clip, it sounds like the first single off a new Dio record, totally legit.

I will TOTALLY take that... I shoot for Randy, and usually get a Lynch comparison (note choice, not technique... I'll never catch up to those guys), but I'll take Dio/Campbell too!!!

 

[Nigel]

I will TOTALLY take that... I shoot for Randy, and usually get a Lynch comparison (note choice, not technique... I'll never catch up to those guys), but I'll take Dio/Campbell too!!!

Start a band, go forth and slay in the King's name, gather your men for the enemy is at the gate!

 

[McLeanAB]

"I must not fear... fear is the mind killer..."

 

[napalmdeath]

What tubes are in the preamp? You noted a Mullard, what else?

The KT77's are a good recommendation, but I'd stick to JJ in the preamp, except for V1, I'd try a Mullard or Gold Lion CV4004.

The KT77s will give you a big, warm low end. I had a Deuce II and ironically put JJ 6CA7's in it and found them dull.

Another recommendation I'd make is Tungsol EL34B's. They have a 6L6 hint to them until cranked. They have a big low end too. One of the best current production EL34's you can buy, IMO.

 

[glpg80]

What tubes are in the preamp? You noted a Mullard, what else?

The KT77's are a good recommendation, but I'd stick to JJ in the preamp, except for V1, I'd try a Mullard or Gold Lion CV4004.

The KT77s will give you a big, warm low end. I had a Deuce II and ironically put JJ 6CA7's in it and found them dull.

Another recommendation I'd make is Tungsol EL34B's. They have a 6L6 hint to them until cranked. They have a big low end too. One of the best current production EL34's you can buy, IMO.

The Tungsol’s are next on my list of power tubes to try.

KT77’s sound a bit hifi and hiwatt like to me? I like the bigger 6L6 character of 6CA7’s.

 

[McLeanAB]

I put in a set of Trace Elliott 12ax7's except for V3, where the Mullard is... all TE it was a bit sharp. That Mullard smoothed it right out.

And I'm loving the 6ac7's... added just enough low mids to thicken it up and smoothed the top end just enough to have everything nice and balanced...