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Post by myles on Jan 21, 2014 10:37:31 GMT -7
Hi Myles, Looking for advice on options to increase the clean headroom for my SRZ-65. I love the natural tube distortion but I was wanting to get a bit more headroom before that breakup kicks in. I've tried NOS JAN 5751's in V1 and V2 and didn't do much to help (currently running NOS JAN 7025's in there now). I keep the master volume pretty low so not sure if a change in power tubes would help the headroom at all (currently running Mullard re-issues in there until I can find some reasonably priced NOS tubes). Any advice or is the amp just a gain machine with early breakup regardless? Thanks in advance! Matt, The SRZ 65 is anything but a one trick pony. First, play with the master turned all the way up. This is actually my favorite tone for any amp with a master volume. You can replace V3, the phase inverter, with a 12AT7. That will provide more clean headroom. If that is not enough, try the 5751 in V1 or V2 again with the new PI. Make sure the 5751s are real ones, NOS. Modern production tubes marked 5751 are just 12AX7s that did not make the grade. You can experiment and see what you like best. Plug and play. No adjustments needed. You can also try a 12AY7 in V1. Great tone generator tube. The front end of a tweed bassman, bandmaster, super, pro and deluxe. Make sure your bias is at 36-38 or so milliamps. If less, the amp will also have a bit more crossover notch distortion than is desirable. Happy playing! |
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Post by BritInvasion on Jan 25, 2014 13:45:02 GMT -7
Hi Myles - I am getting ready to change the output tubes in my Maz18Jr head. As I'm not currently in a band , I'm putting fewer hours on it so I'm considering NOS EL-84's.
I saw some NOS Tesla's on KCA NOS's site. Do you feel these would be a good choice for the Maz 18? Thanks for your time!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2014 16:12:10 GMT -7
Hi Myles - I am getting ready to change the output tubes in my Maz18Jr head. As I'm not currently in a band , I'm putting fewer hours on it so I'm considering NOS EL-84's. I saw some NOS Tesla's on KCA NOS's site. Do you feel these would be a good choice for the Maz 18? Thanks for your time! If it was me I would save the NOS EL84s for a special occasion like making a recording. EL84s burn up so quickly. Maybe invest in some NOS preamp tubes for great tones. They sound good with NOS or new production output tubes. |
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Post by myles on Jan 25, 2014 17:31:42 GMT -7
I agree with the comment made by doc001. The JJ EL84 is still the best EL84 in production and work quite nicely in the Maz. NOS preamp tubes are a great investment as was also mentioned. They sound better, last what seems to be forever and are much more reliable.
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Post by BritInvasion on Jan 25, 2014 17:56:41 GMT -7
Thanks Myles! I do have some NOS preamp tubes as well as an NOS rectifier. Just thought I'd give NOS output a try , but I may just get the JJ's this go round. Thanks again!
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Post by myles on Jan 26, 2014 11:13:10 GMT -7
Thanks Myles! I do have some NOS preamp tubes as well as an NOS rectifier. Just thought I'd give NOS output a try , but I may just get the JJ's this go round. Thanks again! There are a lot of folks that love NOS EL84s. In the end it is all personal taste. Mike over at KCA may still have some of these. Personally, I think these sound great and smoother than the JJ. They are more articulate. At low levels the clean tones are not as grainy as the JJ so it would be a different "color" in your amp. In the end it's the old decisions, decisions I guess. On a side note, these do last a long time and the price is not too extreme for a duet. www.kcanostubes.com/content/nos-tungsram-el84-singles-pairs-quartets |
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Post by BritInvasion on Jan 26, 2014 12:42:00 GMT -7
Thanks Myles! I do have some NOS preamp tubes as well as an NOS rectifier. Just thought I'd give NOS output a try , but I may just get the JJ's this go round. Thanks again! There are a lot of folks that love NOS EL84s. In the end it is all personal taste. Mike over at KCA may still have some of these. Personally, I think these sound great and smoother than the JJ. They are more articulate. At low levels the clean tones are not as grainy as the JJ so it would be a different "color" in your amp. In the end it's the old decisions, decisions I guess. On a side note, these do last a long time and the price is not too extreme for a duet. www.kcanostubes.com/content/nos-tungsram-el84-singles-pairs-quartetsAwesome , thanks again Myles! |
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Post by myles on Feb 8, 2014 10:35:31 GMT -7
I just posted a link in the tube area on the ongoing testing of the Tung Sol KT-150 offering from New Sensor.
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Post by zpilot on Feb 9, 2014 7:47:00 GMT -7
What is your opinion of the difference in sound between a 6550 and a KT88, both single ended and push-pull. This would be for clean and mildly overdriven guitar work. My only experience with a 6550 is in SVT bass amps and some Sunn bass amps. None with the KT88.
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Post by myles on Feb 9, 2014 11:43:25 GMT -7
What is your opinion of the difference in sound between a 6550 and a KT88, both single ended and push-pull. This would be for clean and mildly overdriven guitar work. My only experience with a 6550 is in SVT bass amps and some Sunn bass amps. None with the KT88. 6550s are fine when not pushed into distortion. When they do distort it is harsh, raspy and sounds pretty bad. KT88s sound lovely when pushed into distortion. That is what the Marshall Major was all about and why it sounded spectacular. The 75 watt Park was another great example. The only reason Marshall put 6550s into USA bound amps in the early years was for warranty reasons. The EL34s did not travel as well. |
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Post by "Z" Steve on Mar 24, 2014 7:18:52 GMT -7
Myles, my son bought a Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Combo off of Craigs List. I don't know anything about Mesa's but I do know enough about used amps that you should get them re-tubed and re-biased so you know where your starting point is. What do you know about this particular amp and what 6L6 would compliment the power section? (NOS tested or new tested)
Thanks, Steve |
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Post by myles on Apr 8, 2014 11:39:10 GMT -7
Myles, my son bought a Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Combo off of Craigs List. I don't know anything about Mesa's but I do know enough about used amps that you should get them re-tubed and re-biased so you know where your starting point is. What do you know about this particular amp and what 6L6 would compliment the power section? (NOS tested or new tested)
Thanks, Steve Sorry for the delay. Never saw a notification on this post. On Mesa amps the tubes in the power section are not very critical. Just make sure they meet spec as the amps are fixed bias. You can use Mesa branded tubes, they are all fine. In my own Mesa amps I use 5881 Sovteks as they are cheap, last forever in these cold running amps and the tone in Mesa amps comes from the front end rather than the power side. I like Mesa Blue / White ratings but green and grey are fine too. I have some Mesa rating info at the link below but any good tube vendor can supply mid rated (spec) tubes. www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/Rating.html |
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Post by "Z" Steve on Apr 8, 2014 12:59:20 GMT -7
Thanks Myles!
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Post by maralon on Apr 24, 2014 5:43:27 GMT -7
Hi Myles,
I recently acquired a used Maz 18 1x12 Combo from 2010. I like to replace the power tubes at least but also have the impression the preowner messed around with the preamp tubes (there is a non-stock JJ ECC81 at V2 which should be an ECC83).
Currently the amp is equipped as follows:
V1: JJ ECC83S
V2: JJ ECC81
V3: JJ ECC81
V4: Sovtek 12AX7 WB
V5: Sovtek 12AX7 LPS
V6/7: JJ EL84
V8: Sovtek 5AR4
Could you give a recommendation, which tubes to change?
What is your general tube recommendation for this amp (for 70's Rock and Blues using a standard Strat and pedals)
I know this all is a matter of taste, but as a beginner with tube amplifiers I like a solid tube set-up to start with (or should I just follow the Dr. Z tube recommendation - btw the Sino 12AX7 for V2 is hard to get in Germany).
EH EL84 or JJ EL84 for power tubes?
I already read a lot of your post but didn't find a general standard tube set-up (without using NOS tubes) yet.
Thanks a lot in advance
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Post by myles on Apr 24, 2014 8:39:50 GMT -7
Hi Myles, I recently acquired a used Maz 18 1x12 Combo from 2010. I like to replace the power tubes at least but also have the impression the preowner messed around with the preamp tubes (there is a non-stock JJ ECC81 at V2 which should be an ECC83). Currently the amp is equipped as follows: V1: JJ ECC83S V2: JJ ECC81 V3: JJ ECC81 V4: Sovtek 12AX7 WB V5: Sovtek 12AX7 LPS V6/7: JJ EL84 V8: Sovtek 5AR4 Could you give a recommendation, which tubes to change? What is your general tube recommendation for this amp (for 70's Rock and Blues using a standard Strat and pedals) I know this all is a matter of taste, but as a beginner with tube amplifiers I like a solid tube set-up to start with (or should I just follow the Dr. Z tube recommendation - btw the Sino 12AX7 for V2 is hard to get in Germany). EH EL84 or JJ EL84 for power tubes? I already read a lot of your post but didn't find a general standard tube set-up (without using NOS tubes) yet. Thanks a lot in advance .... Tubes are really a matter of personal taste and preference but .... if it were my amp .... V1 and V2 should both be 12AX7. In your amp you indicated a 12AT7 (ECC81) which is a horrid tone generator. In V3, the reverb driver, it is proper. V1 and V2 are both critical gain/tone stages, V1 being most critical. I do not like short plate tubes in that position. I'd use some sort of medium or long plate 12AX7 / ECC83 in both V1 and V2. GE, RCA, Sylvania, Tungsram, Amperex etc. The other tubes are fine and JJs are the best current production EL84 tubes at the moment. Happy Playing. You have a terrific amp. |
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Post by myles on Apr 24, 2014 8:40:30 GMT -7
Tubes are really a matter of personal taste and preference but .... if it were my amp ....
V1 and V2 should both be 12AX7. In your amp you indicated a 12AT7 (ECC81) which is a horrid tone generator. In V3, the reverb driver, it is proper. V1 and V2 are both critical gain/tone stages, V1 being most critical. I do not like short plate tubes in that position. I'd use some sort of medium or long plate 12AX7 / ECC83 in both V1 and V2. GE, RCA, Sylvania, Tungsram, Amperex etc.
The other tubes are fine and JJs are the best current production EL84 tubes at the moment.
Happy Playing. You have a terrific amp.
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Post by kustom250 on Apr 24, 2014 9:11:30 GMT -7
Hi Myles -
Any experience with a 6K6 in a Zverb?
I know it's the preferred tube in the Fender units, and the Zverb is based on the Fender.
But, well you know. I don't want to mess anything up.
thanks!
d
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Post by maralon on Apr 24, 2014 9:14:03 GMT -7
Hello Myles, Thanks for your recommendation on V1 and V2 tubes. I see that long plate 12AX7 acc. your recommendation are NOS (GE, RCA etc.) that are 89,- EUR or more (@ . What would be a good 12AX7 / ECC83 from current production? Could the JJ ECC803 S be a suitable long plate for V1 and V2? |
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Post by myles on Apr 24, 2014 14:35:48 GMT -7
The JJ 803S is a pretty nice tube, better than what you have in there now. The 12AX7LP/LPS is also a decent offering. You can pay more for the same tube with the "Mullard" name from the same maker so don't fall for that unless you get them on sale. A great guy in the states is Mike at KCA. - www.kcanostubes.com/content/sovtek-12ax7-lpsSince you mentioned the price in EU funds you may be in Europe. If that is the case the place for you to go is: www.watfordvalves.com/ |
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Post by hymns on Apr 24, 2014 16:00:41 GMT -7
Myles I'm getting an amp that will be able to take EL-34's. I have never had an amp that takes them. Could you give me some guidance on these tubes. I see Mike at KCA has some pre winged C tubes before they made them change the tubes. I would certainly appreciate your suggestions. Thanks
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Post by myles on Apr 25, 2014 14:57:35 GMT -7
It is all a matter of personal taste for the most part but Mike is a super resource. Of the current EL34 production tubes I personally like the Ruby EL34BSTR and their high voltage version of that same tube in amps with over 500 B+ Volts.
The =C= are almost history so if Mike has any of those grab a set or two.
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Post by zpilot on May 1, 2014 2:38:10 GMT -7
Hi Myles - Any experience with a 6K6 in a Zverb? I know it's the preferred tube in the Fender units, and the Zverb is based on the Fender. But, well you know. I don't want to mess anything up. thanks! d The vintage Fender reverbs used 6K6's. But the reissues used 6V6's. The reasons for the change was there are no current production 6K6's and the cost and availability of NOS tubes was prohibitive. 6V6's run with a higher plate voltage so when Fender designed the re-issue they used a power transformer to accommodate that. I would think that 'Dr Z' also uses that tube and a higher voltage for the same reason so if it were me I wouldn't try the 6K6. |
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Post by myles on May 1, 2014 8:57:17 GMT -7
The first versions used a 6K6 but Fender went to the 6V6 in later models and then in the reissues. I agree with zpilot above and would not use a 6K6.
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Post by kustom250 on May 1, 2014 9:39:17 GMT -7
The first versions used a 6K6 but Fender went to the 6V6 in later models and then in the reissues. I agree with zpilot above and would not use a 6K6. Thanks to both of you. I know the Fender RIs can take the 6k6 as a drop in replacement. I've done it. But not really a big deal more just a "I wonder" thing with the Zverb. It sounds great as it is. |
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Post by zpilot on May 5, 2014 11:16:26 GMT -7
Hey Myles. What is your opinion of Groove Tubes Substi-tube adapters? They have been around for awhile but I've not had a chance to try them. I just acquired a pair in a trade for a box of assorted items. I understand that they change the required voltages but how about the output transformer mismatches?
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Post by myles on May 5, 2014 15:36:16 GMT -7
Hey Myles. What is your opinion of Groove Tubes Substi-tube adapters? They have been around for awhile but I've not had a chance to try them. I just acquired a pair in a trade for a box of assorted items. I understand that they change the required voltages but how about the output transformer mismatches? They work pretty nicely. A lot of folks liked them. How they sound is personal taste. THD also makes "Yellow Jackets" that are the same sort of deal. They are plug and play and turn a fixed bias amp into a cathode biased amp (if the EL84 type). There is really no issue on transformer mismatch as they are safe and the tone of the amp is already changed much more than a transformer mismatch. Bottom line ... try em' you might like them since you already have them  |
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Post by dougee on Jun 22, 2014 9:23:49 GMT -7
Hi Myles, Could you please tell me how to Date Groove Tubes Soul-O 30, Soul-O 45, Soul-O 50 Amp Heads?? I need to sell these and need to know the Date they were built!!
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Post by Matt on Jul 14, 2014 17:48:25 GMT -7
Hi Myles, I wanted to get your opinion on Yellow Jackets NOS Tube Converter. I have a couple EL34 amps (SRZ and KT45) so these converters seem interesting in theory. Do you mind giving your thoughts and impressions? Thanks! tonereport.com/news/yellow-jackets-announce-nos-tube-converterDAILY NEWS Yellow Jackets Announce NOS Tube Converter By TR Staff @tonereportjuly 09, 2014 Tempe, AZ (July 8, 2014) -- The new Yellow Jackets NOS (New Old Stock) Tube Converter is a limited edition converter made for use in most amplifiers under 100 watts and using 6L6, EL34, 7027, or 6V6 output tubes. The converter lowers the overall power in your amplifier and gives your amp a unique vintage tone. This NOS Yellow Jacket is designed with an NOS 6AQ5 seven-pin miniature beam power tube, which is included with the converter. The 6AQ5 was used in many vintage practice guitar amps in the 1950s as well as many film projectors in the past. This tube is popular with DIY amp builders who often convert old film projectors into guitar amps. While electronically equivalent to the 6V6 with a slightly lower power rating, the 6AQ5 has its own unique vintage tone that sets it apart from its eight-pin big brother. As with all Yellow Jackets the 6AQ5 Yellow Jacket converter will operate in a Class-A self-adjusting cathode-bias circuit. All Yellow Jackets Tube Converters are handmade in the USA. Yellow Jackets are well respected, known for their high quality and ability to change the tone of your amplifier without the need of a technician. They are the converters that musicians love. For more information: Yellow Jackets - See more at: tonereport.com/news/yellow-jackets-announce-nos-tube-converter#sthash.G1oIKHcN.dpuf |
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Post by hymns on Jul 20, 2014 13:48:02 GMT -7
Hey Myles. I've got an amp coming in that can take KT-88's and was wondering which of the new ones are worth trying. It also takes 6L6's, EL-34's and KT-66's. I have never tried to many 88's and have never bought any. I would appreciate your help. Thanks
hymns
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Post by hymns on Jul 26, 2014 10:46:18 GMT -7
No one at home ay.
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