QuickRod+ ANOS Power Tubes= Niiiiiice

[M@tt C]

I picked up a 2017 QR used back in November, and not knowing the history of the amp I decided to pick up some new power tunes. ASFAIK the power tubes were original (Valve Arts with a Splawn sticker on the base), so after 6 years of unknown use I figured it was some good preventative maintenance.

A gentleman on TGP had a matched quad of ANOS Tesla EL34s (not JJ) for sale at a price only a bit more than brand new current tubes so I grabbed them. They arrived a few weeks ago but I hadn't gotten around to putting them into the Splawn- I diverted a pair temporarily into my Straub and liked them but I decided to swap 'em all into the QuickRod this weekend.

I had already been playing with preamp tube combinations and landed on the stock Chinese in V1, Beijing foil getters in V2 and V3, and a Sovtek LPS in the PI slot and was pretty happy, so I was curious what the power tube swap would bring.

Wow- what a difference!

The amp became smoother, warmer, with more depth, but still aggressive with the Splawn bite. It really brought it more into a vintage vibe, but in a really good way. I noticed the amp was a little more compressed, which I liked. Standard voltage was like having the B+ option on, B+ on was more like half power mode, half power mode was REALLY chewy.

Played at rehearsal yesterday and it was killer with my EVH Wolfgang Special thru my 2x12 with a Scumback M75/ BM75 mix. Our geahead bassist even commented on how good it sounded

Needless to say they are staying and I have a matched pair on the way for the Straub!

 

[311splawndude]

Sweet man.

I've heard good things about those tubes. Your preamp selection seems pretty popular as well. I've been (stuck) running JJs for the most part (5751 in PI) but I feel for I play (downtuned metal stuff) those JJs work well (darker/smoother).

Curious as to what your plate voltage is and what Bias you landed on? I also run at half power - was wondering what your plan was there (to save on tubes or chewiness). I have a Splawn 212 cab (Smallblocks) but would love to play through your cab

Enjoy!

 

[M@tt C]

Sweet man.

I've heard good things about those tubes. Your preamp selection seems pretty popular as well. I've been (stuck) running JJs for the most part (5751 in PI) but I feel for I play (downtuned metal stuff) those JJs work well (darker/smoother).

Curious as to what your plate voltage is and what Bias you landed on? I also run at half power - was wondering what your plan was there (to save on tubes or chewiness). I have a Splawn 212 cab (Smallblocks) but would love to play through your cab

Enjoy!

Plate voltage at full power was 485v, I biased at 34ma. Tried it from 30 up to about 38 and landed right in the middle.

I plan on running it a full power with B+ engaged. 50 watts was cool but I liked full power just a bit more.

 

[napalmdeath]

I like the Tungsol EL34B. They punch pretty hard, nice detail.

 

[M@tt C]

I like the Tungsol EL34B. They punch pretty hard, nice detail.

What's funny is to me is the stock tubes were just TOO detailed, if that makes sense. Maybe crisp is a better adjective. I wanted a bit smoother on the top end and warmer, and the Teslas were perfect.

I was really surprised how much the QR responded to power tubes.

I did swap in a pair of JJ EL34s in 50 watt mode without rebasing just to see what was up and they def had more clarity/ detail but they lost the warmth and compression I liked.