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Post by John on Nov 10, 2006 8:27:02 GMT -7
I have what apparently is a sucky Svetlana ef86 in my 66. I purchased the amp used about 1 year ago and have never changed the ef86. I thought the amp was a little dark, and wanted to try a new ef86.
Myles said to put ANY other ef86 in there but my Svetlana.
So I broke down and called KCA tubes and purchased a NOS Dario Miniwatt. It's what the Doc seems to like. I'm excited about making my Route 66 brighter and clearer. It should be here next week.
Have others changed their ef86 with success? Or at least noticable differences?
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Post by LeftyLang on Nov 10, 2006 11:34:42 GMT -7
I have the Dario Miniwatt in mine and the amp is clear & definitely not dark
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Post by jwr on Nov 10, 2006 11:57:29 GMT -7
I believe the Dario ships in the Z amps straight from the Doc. I've also tried the Mullard and GEC EF86's in my Z-28 and my 65amps London. The Mullard is a little brighter than all 3 to my ear and the GEC is sort of a culmination of all the positive attributes in the Dario and Mullard. All 3 are awsome tubes depending on your tastes, and in the Z amps I think they all have something to offer. Everybody should have at least 1 of each! gtrman3, be prepared to be blown away, your not going to recognize your own amp.
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Post by Bill on Nov 10, 2006 12:04:43 GMT -7
My Stingray came with a Dario. It went recently, and I replaced it with a Mullard from KCA. They had a few on sale for $50.00 a while back, so I got one "just in case". Ended up putting it to work less than 2 months later. Both are excellent sounding EF86's.
Myles speaks the truth about Svetlana, at least IMHO. One of the most brittle sounding tubes I've ever heard.
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Post by John on Nov 10, 2006 12:10:11 GMT -7
My 66 is an old one, from 1999. It has the wrong logo on it. (Route vs Interstate)
I remember Myles saying ef86's last a LONG time. So I didn't think it needed to be changed. So mine came (used) with the Svet. It's possible that's what the Doc shipped it with all those years ago.
I can't wait to compare the old Svet against the Dario.
I found myself using my 335 more than my Les Paul. The 335 has a scooped sound. Lots of high end, and very little midrange. The LP has LOTS more midrange and not as much high end. As a result, I found the 335 sounded better. I'm hoping the new ef86 will allow the highs to come through so I can get back to my LP.
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Post by bananimal on Nov 10, 2006 13:03:08 GMT -7
gtrman3, I got my 66 new about 6 months and it had the Svetlana EF86. I too replaced it with a Dario Miniwatt and was floored when I heard the difference. It seemed as if the amp shook off a coat of dust or something. Fuller and much smoother sounding. The Dario went microphonic (or some such) on me after the last gig and is now unuseable. I bought the NOS tube primarily for its purpoted longevity rather than its tone. So this whole endeavor has been a bit surprising and a bit discouraging. I am going to try the Electro Harmonix EF86 next. It's $17. It got the Mike Zaite endorsement here: drzamplifiers.proboards41.com/index.cgi?board=tubes&action=display&thread=1160583062&page=1#1161212355Dan
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Post by John on Nov 10, 2006 17:50:30 GMT -7
It's here, it's here!!!!!!!!!
It's Friday night, and I've told the wife she needs to 'go somewhere' tomorrow morning so I can crank up the Route 66 with the new Dario Miniwatt.
I don't normally play when she's in the house. It comes from a messed up childhood with conservative "Glenn Miller" era parents who thought rock and roll was a joke or a fad, so I had to play without an amp for years. It was so bad that I can't even play in front of my wife. I can play in front of hundreds/thousands of people, but I can't play in front of my parents or wife. Therapy anyone?
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