Choosing new valves/biasing without death

imalrightjack

It does, @DJH83004 Thank you. 

imalrightjack

Hoping one of you wise men (I know it's not yet Xmas but I'm imagining @ecc83 @ICBM and @DJH83004) might help me conclude my purchase here.

There are a bunch of kits for this amp available in the USA, using a variety of valves (brands), but Hot Roxx just said all JJ. Is there much mileage in different brands? It's the pre-amp valves that very most. 

Last question: the V1 is often talked about making most difference, as is the phase inverter. It seems it's recommended that these are both balanced valves. Is that right?

Thanks. Appreciate your patience and advice!

ICBM

Don't pay extra for balanced preamp valves - they're totally unnecessary since the circuit is inherently unbalanced. (Or 'cryogenic' ones for that matter.)

Yes, different valve brands sound different. I'm personally not a fan of JJ preamp valves, but many people do like them. Their power valves are some of the more reliable though.

DJH83004

To be honest IARJ there are probably better people out there than me who can now advise about the tonal qualities of the various preamp valves, I tend to fit JJs because of their robustness when there is no preference, but a lot of customers ask for TADs or EH for example. 

ecc83

I always found the TAD 7025 HG quiet and reliable but of course, things change.

Dave.

imalrightjack

Thanks, all. Biased the EL84s no issue. Then broke a 6V6 Still, learned that the biasing is easy, so overall happy enough!