VC30 - Time for a revalve

blobb

Any suggestions?

My VC30 has not had new valves whilst I've owned it, so thought it might be about time for a refresh. Might do the speaker as well while I'm at it.

ampvalves.co.uk has a set of 3 x 12ax7 / 4 x el84 (JJ's) for about £50 which sounds reasonable (too good to be true?), I could pick up a G12H (30/8) for ~£80 from Watford valves. Total £130.

or

Watford valves do an upgrade set using their own Harma branded valves + G12H for £178

or

Watford valves do an upgrade set using their own Harma branded valves + a Harma 'Ruby' speaker for £158.

Hmmm....

midlifecrisis

that ampvalves deal for £50 sounds very cheap. if its as good as it seams i may be tempted. ive had my vc30 3years never changed the valves yet

midlifecrisis

have noticed their prices are excluding vat and delivery but still seem reasonable

blobb

Yeah £65 inclusive, Still much cheaper than others I can find.

Voxman

I have a VC30-210 and recommend a jj hand tested balanced quad set of power tubes, plus hand tested 12ax7s with a low microfonic 12ax7 for V1.

If you're retubing its worth paying a bit more for hand tested because performance, voltage consistency and musical tone is better.  

Re speakers, I'm very happy with the 2 x 10 Jenson's in mine and my 1x12 matching cab has a Celestion seventy eighty.  The combination works very well.  Views will vary, but I'm not convinced that Vintage 30's is the best way to go in the VC30. i have one in my Laney Cub 12R. Its OK and very loud, but I think if I was replacing 12" drivers in a VC30 I'd go for a greenback or creamback for a warmer feel. 

blobb

I've got G12H 30/8/55's in my Matamp cab. Really nice, but a part of me is thinking something different for the Laney.

G12 35xc sounds interesting........