Soldano SLO-100 PI tube selection

[drewiv]

I recently rec'd my SLO-100. Unfortunately, the PI tube got smashed during shipment. After some very minor amp surgery to allow the tube to sit firmly in the socket (by bending the aluminum ring back to round), everything is well.

The broken tube was a Sovtek and I didn't have any of those in my tube inventory. So, I replaced it with an EH Gold. The amp sounds awesome! I didn't get a chance to play it with the equipped Sovtek, so I have no comparison. Should I get a Sovtek and replace the EH Gold? Leave the Gold in there? Get a different tube all together?

 

[Rev]

Doug's Tubes will recommend you a good selection of pre's for your SLO.

 

[glip22]

I recently rec'd my SLO-100. Unfortunately, the PI tube got smashed during shipment. After some very minor amp surgery to allow the tube to sit firmly in the socket (by bending the aluminum ring back to round), everything is well.

The broken tube was a Sovtek and I didn't have any of those in my tube inventory. So, I replaced it with an EH Gold. The amp sounds awesome! I didn't get a chance to play it with the equipped Sovtek, so I have no comparison. Should I get a Sovtek and replace the EH Gold? Leave the Gold in there? Get a different tube all together?

It's not for every amp but I really dig the new Gold Lion 12ax7 for a PI tube.They test great and you don't need it matched. Its actually better to have a light mismatch for even order harmonics. Alan Philips took me to school on that subject.

 

[Buckeyedog]

I"ve really liked the Sovtek LPS in my PI slots.

 

[drewiv]

Doug's Tubes will recommend you a good selection of pre's for your SLO.

The amp was just at Soldano for a complete re-tube. I'd prefer to leave the rest alone, but that info will come in handy in the future.

 

[drewiv]

I"ve really liked the Sovtek LPS in my PI slots.

Yeah, that's what was in there. I think I'll definitely try one in there, once I get them.

 

[drewiv]

It's not for every amp but I really dig the new Gold Lion 12ax7 for a PI tube.They test great and you don't need it matched. Its actually better to have a light mismatch for even order harmonics. Alan Philips took me to school on that subject.

I'll add it to the shopping cart. They aren't that expensive and I can always throw it in one of my MTS modules.

 

[LP Freak]

I've got one right here I can drop off. It's even got Cameron DNA on it for that extra mojo. I'll swap you for a CCV.

 

[drewiv]

I've got one right here I can drop off. It's even got Cameron DNA on it for that extra mojo. I'll swap you for a CCV.

Umm, maybe not the CCV. But I'll swap a preamp tube of your choice for it.

 

[glip22]

It's not for every amp but I really dig the new Gold Lion 12ax7 for a PI tube.They test great and you don't need it matched. Its actually better to have a light mismatch for even order harmonics. Alan Philips took me to school on that subject.

I'll add it to the shopping cart. They aren't that expensive and I can always throw it in one of my MTS modules.

They are about 35-40 bucks. I have five of them and they all test higher than most new production. I have tested allot of new tubes that have low transconductance values. these were all 1500-1650 which is very good. This tube has a unique midrange and is nicely balanced in tone. The midrange will either like the SLO's mid voice or not. If it does you will be hard pressed to find a better PI.

 

[SLOgriff]

I found Sovtek LP is best choice for the PI. Soldano has been using that in SLO for years now.

 

[drewiv]

I found Sovtek LP is best choice for the PI. Soldano has been using that in SLO for years now.

Thanks, I'm leaning toward just going back to stock. Who am I to question Mike?

 

[Anonymous]

mullard cv4024

 

[glip22]

I found Sovtek LP is best choice for the PI. Soldano has been using that in SLO for years now.

Thanks, I'm leaning toward just going back to stock. Who am I to question Mike?

Builders pick tubes that are cost effective for their amps. The LPS is cheap. NOS or even the Gold Lion is not cheap. Doesn't matter if it will sound better. Mike or not.