Mesa Mark IIC+ preamp tubes

[Deleted member 8761]

One of the preamp tubes in my Mark IIC+ went microphonic. It was in the V1 position. I replaced it with an old Mesa 12AX7 Russian 2 that I had lying around. Still sounds good, but I'm thinking about trying out some others and also keep a few more as back up (I do have some JJ's too). As you may know, Mesa used Tungsram in the past for this model. A lot of people recommend them, but they are pricey and out of production (a few NOS ones on ebay). I want to try something from current production. What is a good modern alternative for the Tungsram or do you have other suggestions to look into (for 80's metal)?

Thanks.

 

[psychodave]

I don't care for Tungsrams in 2C+'s. I do love the C8's though. Ei's are also nice. I'm

 

[Deleted member 8761]

I don't care for Tungsrams in 2C+'s. I do love the C8's though. Ei's are also nice. I'm

Thanks, Dave. What brand are the C8's or what particular tube are you referring to?

 

[psychodave]

Just the regular Chinese 8th generations. Someone was selling some here last month.

I like them because they have nice gain and are balanced sounding. I find the Tungsrams to be loose in the bottom end. Forum member Parntz brought his 2C+ over and it had stock Tungsrams (which all tested as new) and it sounded good, but loose and cloudy. When we put in all C8's the amp was incredible. Clear, focused and tight...yet still had that familiar Boogie feel. Ei's sound great too, but they have a lot of gain. For reference, my Maxi-Matcher tube tester calls 92 and above new. I have some Ei's that are like 118-120. The C8's are all around 95-105.

 

[Racerxrated]

The Chinese 12ax7a or b's. They are also out of production. I have a bunch, they'll say China on the side and can have different labels...I can check my stash for names if you'd like. I know Mesa, GT among many others sold them as rebranded 12ax7s. Marshalls love them too.

 

[fretout]

There's a few different Mesa-branded Russian 12AX7s. There's the ones labeled "Russian" in white, and there's two different "Russian 2s", one with white labeling and one with black labeling. I personally prefer the Mesa-branded Chinese 12AX7s and the black label Russian 2s...

Mix of White/Black Russian 2s...


Chinese...

 

[Deleted member 8761]

Thanks all. Opened up a drawer and I believe that I have some C8 tubes. No brand stamps on them. It looks the same as some photo's on the internet of C8's. I understand now why these are recommended. I also put in a new Chinese tube from TAD (their selected 12AX7A-C). That's a close call, just notch little brighter. Is that a C9?

Does anyone know what the current Mesa tubes are, Chinese or Russian?

 

[psychodave]

Thanks all. Opened up a drawer and I believe that I have some C8 tubes. No brand stamps on them. It looks the same as some photo's on the internet of C8's. I understand now why these are recommended. I also put in a new Chinese tube from TAD (their selected 12AX7A-C). That's a close call, just notch little brighter. Is that a C9?

Does anyone know what the current Mesa tubes are, Chinese or Russian?

Sounds about right.

 

[acalaf]

current Mesa tubes are jj.

 

[DAMIAN The MAN]

current Mesa tubes are jj.

Are you 100% sure? All of them or just the 12ax7 ?

 

[Racerxrated]

Thanks all. Opened up a drawer and I believe that I have some C8 tubes. No brand stamps on them. It looks the same as some photo's on the internet of C8's. I understand now why these are recommended. I also put in a new Chinese tube from TAD (their selected 12AX7A-C). That's a close call, just notch little brighter. Is that a C9?

Does anyone know what the current Mesa tubes are, Chinese or Russian?

Sounds about right.

One tell tale on the higher gain C8s is the very shiny almost chrome square getter. Pretty sure its the only 12ax7 with that.

 

[psychodave]

Thanks all. Opened up a drawer and I believe that I have some C8 tubes. No brand stamps on them. It looks the same as some photo's on the internet of C8's. I understand now why these are recommended. I also put in a new Chinese tube from TAD (their selected 12AX7A-C). That's a close call, just notch little brighter. Is that a C9?

Does anyone know what the current Mesa tubes are, Chinese or Russian?

Sounds about right.

One tell tale on the higher gain C8s is the very shiny almost chrome square getter. Pretty sure its the only 12ax7 with that.

Actually I've seen power tubes from that factory with those same getters.

 

[steve_k]

Tungsrams all the way.

 

[acalaf]

current Mesa tubes are jj.

Are you 100% sure? All of them or just the 12ax7 ?

just the 12ax7s. 6l6 are ruby (chinese). not sure about el34 because I don't use them.