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Base theme by DesignModo & ported to Powered by Vanilla by Chris Ireland, modified by the "theFB" team.
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I retubed my laney cub 12r with JJ tubes but I paid extra for premium grade hand tested tubes for better quality, stability and low microphonics. My cub has never sounded better.
I have a 30 year old Marshall JCM 800 2204. I previously had it valved with JJ's all round (3xECC83 and 2xEL34's). I found the JJ ECC83's (12AX7's) not only sounded harsh but also lacked clarity. I replaced them with Tungsol 12AX7's. The difference is huge. It's the biggest improvement I've noticed in revalving any amp in nearly 30 years of playing to the point that I'd be reluctant to go down the NOS route again, which I've done numerous times in the past.
On the other hand the JJ EL34's are pretty good. That said they've since been replaced with Svetlana Winged C's which are rather good also.
I thoroughly recommend Karltone as a supplier.
It's not that he thinks they'll be better or anything, but he wants reliability - so he's wondering if v1 is the most significant and therefore if the solid state valves are okay in later positions.
I might recommend he not bother for cost anyway - ss valve replacements are not cheap and preamp valves usually last.
I have to admit I don't think anything sounds as good as decent old-production (not necessarily hyped brands like Mullard, although they are good) valves in the classic Marshall circuit.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
So if he could only have one expensive old valve, where should it go? I'm assuming v1, I've been told that's the biggest one for voicing in most amps.
I think he will leave the solid state things after chatting to him yesterday. It's a shame, I was sort of hoping he could be my guinea pig for them.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Okay, I'll pass it on. Just eBay for untested mullards? And other old brands? If I find some I might get them, even though I don't have a valve amp as I will have one next year anyway.
Cheers mate!
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
For farm food I'll let him know
I put one of JJ ECC803s in my AC15, it was marginally the better sounding of 3-4 current production valves I tried (very little difference).
I'm going to look for a NOS bargain now for my Ampmaker N5X - with only one preamp valve I should notice some difference I reckon.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Going from memory anyway, I don't have the schematic to hand right now.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
You didnt thing you fooled us with that "my friend" business...