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Post by Scott on Nov 1, 2010 19:10:39 GMT -7
Well, I tried numerous V2 Tubes, and I have to say they are all just various shades of good... I didn't find one that caused a huge change in tone. To me, V2 is the least important in your overall sound...I did however manage to pick a new favorite. My new and improved Preamp SectionV1 - NOS Mullard ECC83/12AX7A. (Relabeled)V2 - NOS Amperex Bugle Boy ECC83/12AX7A.And Power Section after adding in my new PI TubeV3 - ANOS RCA 12AX7A. (Balanced at 95) V4 & V5 - NOS RCA 7189 (Matched Pair) V6 - NOS GE 5AR4/GZ34.Glad I did spend the extra time to fine tune. I believe this is the best I have heard my Jr. sound yet...
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Nov 1, 2010 19:45:41 GMT -7
Love the font on that Footswitch label! Very Halloween! You have me gassing for a set of those power tubes. I've not changed the ones in my Jr since I got it, and although it doesn't get a LOT of hours, it would probably benefit from an update. Since I also have a Z-Wreck on the way, a few of those might be nice to have around the house.
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Post by Scott on Nov 1, 2010 22:15:16 GMT -7
I would think so... I love my RCA 7189's even more today, than I did yesterday! Thanks again Steve.
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Post by Scott on Nov 2, 2010 4:07:35 GMT -7
FYI - Today the 7189's come out, and the JJ stockers go back in.Now that I have V1-V3 & V6 all set, I want to get my ear wrapped around a 7189 -vs- JJ EL84 direct swap. What do you guys think... Run with the Preamp tube holders on or off? I think I kind of like them off. And what about the Power Tube Wires...
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Post by Ben on Nov 2, 2010 6:17:12 GMT -7
BBPro - very good posting as usual brotha! +1 to you!
The tube holders came off my Maz head the first time I changed the pre amp tubes. The wires of the power tubes I took off just recently when I installed a set of RI GoldLion EL84's. If it was a combo, I would say to keep both in, but as a head, especially set up like yours where it doesn't sit on a cab, thus no vibrations or very little, I wouldn't be too concerned about it.
I will also hopefully be able to bring my observations and opinions on the NOS tubes I've got coming in, however I'm still waiting for Brent @ AudioTubes to send them to me - they take up to 5 business days to put 'em in the mail. A little disappointed on that front I can tell you that.
Cheers Ben
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Post by Andy 67 on Nov 2, 2010 6:46:46 GMT -7
Looking forward to that power tube review... The most significant change in overall tone that I noticed was when I installed the NOS rectifier; the amp 'blossomed' and came to a new life. The next most significant one was the 5751 in V!, where I got rid of some harshness in the highs. Now that I have swapped the G12H for a Gold and the highs are smoother, I'm considering trying some 12AX7s in V1. Thanks for the info, as usual, BBPro, and tons of tone!!!
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Post by Corey on Nov 2, 2010 19:36:23 GMT -7
Great discussion guys.. thanks BBPro, for the time and effort. So, 7189s really like the voltage, eh...
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Post by Scott on Nov 2, 2010 23:02:42 GMT -7
Thanks for the nice comments guys... ;D So, 7189s really like the voltage, eh...No - It was actually just an issue with my 5751 PI having too low of gain. A 5751 does not have enough gain for me when used as a Phase Inverter... Having an actual 12AX7 in my PI position resulted in normal Amp operation once again, as if I had EL84 Power tubes back in. My wife had me doing some chores, and then my buddy came over last night till late. I still have to do the 7189 -vs- JJ EL84 direct swap. It will happen Wednesday around 8AM.
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Post by Scott on Nov 3, 2010 2:53:48 GMT -7
I think I just made my first ever YouTube Video on my Fijifilm FimePix 2800Z. ;D Sound quality sucks, but I want to see if the recording can tell between 7189's, and EL84 when keeping all setting the same on amp and guitar. Maz Jr with NOS RCA 7189 Power Tubes installed:El84's going back in next... Maz Jr with JJ EL84 Power Tubes installed:I think the JJ's might be a bit louder? Hard to say. I think the big advantage here, might be on the length of the tubes life. I hope the 7189's, end up being built like tanks...
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Post by Ben on Nov 3, 2010 4:55:04 GMT -7
Looking forward to listening to the clips at home later this afternoon At least I have there some quality studio monitors - at work here...well...even SRV would sound like cats cryin' (but it does say surround sound on my monitor!!). I'm just hitchin' to get my NOS tubes so I can bring somethin' to the discussion! My preamp should be NOS RCA 5751 Blackplate in V1 & V2 and a balanced Heath (a 12ax7 Mullard, longplate w/halo getter) in V3 for the PI. For now I'll keep my GoldLion RI EL-84s. Rectifier is next up - hopefully my local treasure find locally here will have a NOS one for me! Again - keep up the great posting. Ohh and finally - your next project may be to dig out your basement, looks like you can barely fit in there ;D ! Cheers Ben
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Post by Scott on Nov 3, 2010 4:58:46 GMT -7
So true... First I need to get good, then a contract, then some $$, then a studio...
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Post by Ben on Nov 3, 2010 5:07:34 GMT -7
Bah.
The ferry wheel only goes 'round once brotha. There's always more time to make some $$. I say this eventhough I try to pay cash 8 times out of 10. Plastic ain't really my thing - just doesn't seem fair to the wife.
You've got yourself a really cool set up let me tell ya - no need for a fancy 15k studio imho! There's a cab and a good handfull of stomps I wouldn't mind taking off your hands!
Ben
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Post by Scott on Nov 3, 2010 5:15:03 GMT -7
Thanks Ben, and we don't use Plastic in my house much either. Oh, and by the way... I want it officially noted that I am now running my Jr. in 'Full-Blown Rebel Mode'. Both my Preamp Tube Covers, and Power Tube Stabilizers have been removed!!
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Post by Ben on Nov 3, 2010 5:34:05 GMT -7
LOL!
I haven't put any of the tube covers or retainers on either - don't quite see the need until it gets moved around to a gig!
Nothin' like a bit of sh*& disturbing eh ;D
Keeps everyone on their toes.
Ben
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Post by Scott on Nov 5, 2010 8:51:22 GMT -7
OK, I hate to ask this question, but now am wondering... Two times now, when I have the 7189's in, and am running with the Master wide open, I have smelled what I would call that 'warm electronics smell'. I did just put new tubes in, so it could just be tube break in smell? If such a thing exists...1) I have to be directly over the amp, and actually smelling for it. It's not like the smell fills the room or anything. 2) When I put JJ EL84's in, I can't seem to recreate the smell. Could a 7189, being able to brunt higher voltages, also have thicker components that cause additional stress on the Jr. internally?
I guess I'm wondering if it's more work for the Jr, to raise a 7189 to the Jr's normal operating voltage, than raising a JJ EL84 to the same?I could just be paranoid too... It's never a strong smell, I assure you, the only alarming part to me is that the EL84's don't seem to do it. I am now running with a fresh matched set of JJ's again, and have my 7189's back in safe keeping. ;D (It's good to have lots of tubes!)I still think the JJ EL84's are a wee bit louder.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Nov 5, 2010 16:19:09 GMT -7
OK, I hate to ask this question, but now am wondering... Two times now, when I have the 7189's in, and am running with the Master wide open, I have smelled what I would call that 'warm electronics smell'. I did just put new tubes in, so it could just be tube break in smell? If such a thing exists...1) I have to be directly over the amp, and actually smelling for it. It's not like the smell fills the room or anything. 2) When I put JJ EL84's in, I can't seem to recreate the smell. Could a 7189, being able to brunt higher voltages, also have thicker components that cause additional stress on the Jr. internally?
I guess I'm wondering if it's more work for the Jr, to raise a 7189 to the Jr's normal operating voltage, than raising a JJ EL84 to the same?I could just be paranoid too... It's never a strong smell, I assure you, the only alarming part to me is that the EL84's don't seem to do it. I am now running with a fresh matched set of JJ's again, and have my 7189's back in safe keeping. ;D (It's good to have lots of tubes!)I still think the JJ EL84's are a wee bit louder. Everything I see on the net shows the 7189 as a direct replacement for a 6BQ5 or EL84.
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Post by Scott on Nov 5, 2010 17:45:15 GMT -7
Thanks... It's probably just my imagination then...
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Post by benttop (Steve) on Nov 5, 2010 17:59:41 GMT -7
Sometimes new tubes have a period where the paint on the markings outgasses from the heat. That's most likely what you're experiencing.
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Post by Scott on Nov 5, 2010 18:37:11 GMT -7
I bet...
Thanks again.
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