I have a 60w 2x12 Peavey 6505 combo.
I absolutely love the amp but I'm looking for any tips to warm up the sound a little. With the standard valves the amp is very bright and I prefer warmer chunky tones.
I've read that changing the V1 valve can make quite a difference. I'm certainly not looking to change the whole set of valves.
In case it's important everything is stock and basically brand new. I run the amp with a 2x12 extension cab from the extension output on the rear.
I'm fairly new to valves having used solid state amps exclusively for over 20 years so please go easy on me!
Any advice will be genuinely appreciated.
Comments
what guitar(s) ? pickups ? fx ? amp / tone settings / speakers ?
Valves are only one potential influence - have you got a eq pedal to hand ? chunkier / could be low mids ?
if you've a target tone in mind ?
I have a lot of customers who prefer a warmer sound to the front end of their amps and are now going for JJ ECC83 gold pins, at first I thought this was just a typical JJ ECC83 with a bit of gold plating and better quality control, but I have to say they do do sound a lot warmer than the standard ones (I know IC is not a fan, but they are worth a try).
So that would be my first recommendation, or a Tung-Sol or even a Gold Lion, which the Hi-Fi boys love as they provide a very rich balanced sound.
At the end of the day, it is one valve so not the end of the world if you are not a happy bunny.
The Sovtek 12AX7WB (not WA) is the other best choice for a dark-sounding preamp valve, if anything slightly thicker-sounding than the JJ.
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