mino
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by mino on Mar 4, 2019 12:33:10 GMT -7
Soon will be time to change my output tubes which currently are JJs on my Z28 through a 1x12 G12 V30. I'm not sure whether to replace with the same type or try something different such as Brimar or RCA. I play blues/rock and classic rock with a strat and looking for a fat sound that also has tight base that the JJs have, but need fat mids and clean singing highs. Chord definition has to be good when overdriven, and of-course lots of headroom. This is a tall order and aware that maybe none of these tubes have all these characteristics, but after summing up your opinions would help me decide.
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Post by "Z" Steve on Mar 4, 2019 14:15:51 GMT -7
FWIW, I do not have my Z28 anymore, but what I have used in it with very good results were the Tungsol reissues and NOS JAN Phillips - they both worked fine. I never used JJ's so I can't compare.
Welcome to the forum!
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Mar 4, 2019 15:02:55 GMT -7
I’ve had my Z28 for about 8 years or so, and just did a full retube and bias. I went with the retube set from The Tube Store- the Doc’s recommended set. I’ve learned after 3 Z amps that Doc’s ear for his designs is usually best. www.thetubestore.com/z28-dr-z-package
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Mar 4, 2019 15:12:16 GMT -7
I'm with Daddyelmis - the Doc has a great ear for what sounds best. It really is amazing how many people experiment with other tubes but return to Doc's recommended tubes.
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Post by bigben55 on Mar 4, 2019 15:51:40 GMT -7
Moving from JJs to most anything else will significantly change the tone of the amp. Significantly, like, mireso than any other amp I've owned. I've had 2 Z28s. I rolkedvtubes with the first one. JJs to Tung Sol Reissues. Great tone, but different, and they only lasted 6-7 months per set. I went whole hog and put NOS RCA blackplates in it, it was a little sweeter sounding. Not DRASTICALLY better than the Tung Sol ris, but I knew they'd wsy outlast them.
For my current Z28, I emailed Dr Z. He said he designed the amp with those JJs in mind. I plan to stick with those. The double mics versions dont rattle like the old ones did.
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mino
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by mino on Mar 5, 2019 15:29:57 GMT -7
Thanks chaps for your input. Just found this artical form my local supplier - www.watfordvalves.com/cgi-bin/documents/testreport_45.pdfSo JJs come out top. Also the fact that the Dr has designed JJs for the amp is good reason enough for me to stick with them. So I’ve purchased a Weber Bias Rite and waiting for Cryo JJs and a 5AR4. But still on the look out for comments from those brave enough to try out these expensive and rare RCA and Brimars.
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Post by "Z" Steve on Mar 5, 2019 16:13:46 GMT -7
It may be better to spend the extra $$ on a NOS EF86 and what ever 12AX7 you want, along with a NOS rectifier. Preamp tubes appear to outlast the power tubes, and a NOS rectifier can last for a decade or 2 - unless of course you have the extra $$ Z28 is a great amp.
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Post by bigben55 on Mar 5, 2019 17:31:02 GMT -7
I emailed Z about tubes for the Z28. Heres what Don told the last ones shipped with:
JJ 6V6S x2 Shuguang 5AR4 Tung Sol reissue 12AX7 NOS Winged C EF86
I bought that exact set. 6 months in, the rectifier developed a rattle I couldn't get rid of, so I replaced it with a RI Gold Lion GZ34. I have a few Winged C EF86s, but right now I'm running a Westinghouse 6267. Its NOS and US made, a rebrand for sure, but sounds good.
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