Question on preamp tubes

[hthomas]

This is probably a stupid question, but I just don't know.

is it better to have all of the same type of preamp tubes in a amp or does it not matter? for example - EH 12AX7, JJECC81, JJECC83

 

[JakeAC5253]

They're all made in china anyway.

 

[just42dave]

Its all personal preference..Your v1 or tube slot closest to your input jack should always be a pick of the litter so ta speak as it sets your gainstages

 

[daveg62]

I think the OP is asking more about tube types than brands or manufacturer. Different tube types have different gain factors. All depends on what you are trying to get your amp to sound like. For the most part, you have to experiment. I'd stick with what the amp manufacturer recommends to be safe and not harm your amp also.
Read this, it will explain the tube types and gain factors.
http://thetubestore.com/gainfactor.html

 

[bigangryguitar]

typically you would want to stick to whatever type of tube that is in the amp unless there is something about the sound you don't like, i.e. too much gain or not enough gain. Depending on the circuit preamp tubes can have a huge difference in tonal qualities between different brands, hell even in the same brand and tube type the qc isn't what it used to be and they can vary. Do some searching and don't believe the JJ snake oil spewed out by a certain online retailer that only sells JJ's. Good tubes but they are not the second coming of Christ as some would have you believe. Experiment and let your ears be the judge.

_Shane

 

[Buckeyedog]

Doesn't matter. That is most of the fun with tube amps is swapping around to see which you like best! Like just42dave stated above, the one closest to your input jack is V1 and that will really make some differences in your tone/gain. Pick up a few and swap around. Chinese, Tung Sol and the one's you have as well. Heck if you want to lower gain levels a bit, you can experiment with a 12at7 in the PI slot which is closest to your power tubes. Or a 5751 will go there or even V1. So swap around and have fun.

 

[Anonymous]

there's a TON of info available on this... over ahttp://forum.grailtone.com/viewforum.p ... e74be38b42 alone.

search some posts by timbrewolf.

granted, a lot of it is mesa content, but you can pare down what you need to know for your own uses.

 

[daveg62]

there's a TON of info available on this... over ahttp://forum.grailtone.com/viewforum.p ... e74be38b42 alone.

search some posts by timbrewolf.

granted, a lot of it is mesa content, but you can pare down what you need to know for your own uses.

+1 his posts are very informative regarding preamp tubes. He turned me on to my favorite v1- raytheon and I haven't found a nicer tube yet for my boogie.

 

[Anonymous]

same here, on the RFT 12ax7. but, strangely enough, for my amp, v3 is where i like it best and think it makes the most difference.

that one 8 page thread about retubing a triaxis was honestly, one of the best informative threads about tubes i've ever read.

and luckily, i saved it!
http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.ph ... ilit=12bz7

here's a spot you can get some contemporary tubes for a good pop!
http://www.amplifiedparts.com/products/ ... -12AX7-SET 100$ is a pretty good deal on the selection, though i haven't bought their tubes before, but have heard good things, and have dealt with them for others.

it honestly depends on how far down the pre-amp tube rabbit hole you want to go...i've been doing it for the past 2 years now...and it only gets more addictive for me!

that tubestore link for the gain factor is hugely helpful too...(a lil' trick is if you click the actual tube bottles on the right, it'll show you what tubes are also compatible with the tube type you click).