New power tubes or speaker? Peavey Ultra

[TJSlice]

Hey all, I have a Peavey Ultra 112 combo, that seems to have this really goofy icepicky brightness. I have changed the v1 and v4 stock tube pres out, and I like the way it sounds. But I cannot dial out the icepick, whether plugged straight in or with all my other pedals, wireless, etc. I found a tear in the speaker a week ago and repaired it, no change, so I don't think it's the issue.


I'm wanting to say it's most likely the power tubes, it seems like all the other Peavey's I have owned had developed a nasty icepick/lack of balls sound when the power tubes were starting to go. Any other opinions RT?

I'm also looking at maybe replacing the speaker, any suggestions? I know people don't have love for most Sheffield's, but this combo has the 1230 which a lot of people actually seem to like. I don't have the money for multiple speaker swaps, so what's yall's opinion on the 1230 Sheffield and possible upgrades? I had Eminence Man'O'Wars and Governors in my last cab, really dug the MOW's cause they felt really punchy and articulate without imparting too much of their own character, and I feel if I did replace the speaker with something with some more midrange like the Governor, I probably won't like it too much, as the Ultra's active EQ dumps mids in with miniscule adjustments...

 

[Mudder]

I run Rubys in my ultra head, and it's anything but icepick bright. I run it to a 2x12 with 1 private jack and 1 v30. I have run it to a 1x12 with Emi Wizard and it sounds the same.

 

[TJSlice]

I run Rubys in my ultra head, and it's anything but icepick bright. I run it to a 2x12 with 1 private jack and 1 v30. I have run it to a 1x12 with Emi Wizard and it sounds the same.

That's I was thinking, at least as a starting point. Funny you mention Ruby's, as those are pretty much the only power tubes that to me gelled well in the Peavey's I've owned. Once I slap in some 6L6GCMSTR's, I think I'll re-evaluate the whole speaker thing.

 

[roadifier]

I like TAD power tubes in my ultra, and V30's sound really good with it too.