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Post by bigben55 on Jan 25, 2014 13:13:00 GMT -7
When I bought my Z28, it had the stock EH 5751 in the V2 socket. I upgraded it to a JAN NOS GE 5751 which I know I liked better since in ran one in a 1965 BF Tremolux years ago. I have never experimented with putting a 12AX7 in there instead. What are the expected results? More crunch/less headroom? Crunchier at lower volumes? I have a new JJ ECC83S laying around unused. Also, is there a "better" 12AX7 to put in there?
Also, last time I retubed, I got Tung Sol RI's. I like them. They sound great and are both available and affordable. And no rattle in my combo. Only downside is they only seem to last me a year under my normal playing conditions, which I can live with. I had those biased to 65%. I've read you can safely bias up to 70%. Is that 5% very noticeable? Louder? Crunchier?
I ask now, since I ordered a new set and a new EF86, the new Tung Sol gold pin EF806S. Figured I'd give it a shot. As soon as they arrive, the Z28 goes to the tech.
One last question. I'm still running the original Sovtek 5AR4. Is there anything better that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?
Thanks, Ben
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Post by Christopher on Jan 27, 2014 6:19:23 GMT -7
Here's some earlier threads that address the tube questions you have. I believe you can put a GZ34 rectifier in your '28. I'm running a 5AR4 currently. I currently have a NOS GE5751 PI and NOS EF86, with a pair of NOS GE6V6s. To my ear the 5AR4 keeps the low end firmer longer than the GZ38. My amp doesn't have a tube chart inside (2001) but it sounds great for me and is a reliable tool in the stable. Thread on 5751 /12AX7 discussion of effect of the V2 tube swap.
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Post by bluzman on Jan 28, 2014 2:13:43 GMT -7
5AR4 new production tubes can be good or bad. I've have decent Sovtek Rectifiers and some that failed after a couple of hours. If it ain't broke don't fix it. In the meantime keep your eyes and ears open for NOS Rectifiers at a decent price.
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Post by bigben55 on Jan 30, 2014 13:50:26 GMT -7
So got my amp back from the tech, sounds awesome!!! Happy day. And I experimented a little. I much prefer the 5751. Didn't think I'd be able to tell as much. Either my ears are getting better(doubtful) or its a easily noticeable difference.
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