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Post by jordanbunte on Oct 29, 2008 20:51:05 GMT -7
To be honest, I'm just now getting into learning the in's and out's of tubes. I just got a Z28 and in a book that I have (Dave Hunter's Amp book) it says that the Z28 was designed around a currently produced Electro-Harmonix 6V6. On Dr. Z's website it says that all of them come new with Groove Tube 6V6's.
What did I miss? When did they switch from EH to GT? Is there something wrong with the EH tubes now?
Also, Dave's book mentions that NOS / ANOS tubes are the best to pick up if you can find them; however, I'm finding two problems with that: 1. they are getting very expensive and 2. most all of them are "out of stock" where I'm looking (KCA, Tube Depot, etc.).
While I'd like to have the "best" tubes available....I'm perfectly fine with some new production tubes that are more affordable. Does anyone have any suggestions for me (brands, where to get them, etc.)??
Also, if you know anything regarding the biasing I'd love to hear it. I know the amp is a fixed bias, but what does that mean other than getting a matched pair of tubes? I read something on Groove Tubes website that says if you keep the "number" (not sure which one) the same that you don't have to have the amp rebiased.
Any other thoughts or comments are welcome. Thanks!
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Post by arniez on Oct 30, 2008 4:02:30 GMT -7
First, the Groove Tubes are relabeled EH and if you get them in the same rating as the tubes in your amp, probably #6, you won't have to rebias. A lot of people are really liking the Tung Sol reissues, these would probably require a rebias. NOS tubes will definitely last longer than new production but only You could decide if they sound better. I tried a set of NOS GE 6v6's and didn't think they sounded better to me. I have a couple sets of RCA Grey Plates that i'm hoping will be magic but as of yet I have not tried them. There is biasing information for the 28 on the Z website. If you have never done this before you might just wnat to pay a tecj. ArnieZ
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Post by flem on Oct 30, 2008 5:46:54 GMT -7
I can't afford to go the NOS market, I've been using GT#6(stock replacements) and JJ6V6S for a while and like the sound of both.
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Post by 414driver on Oct 30, 2008 9:18:43 GMT -7
AMG....are you saying you interchange the JJ's with the GT#6 without re-biasing??
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Post by jordanbunte on Oct 30, 2008 11:18:58 GMT -7
AMG....are you saying you interchange the JJ's with the GT#6 without re-biasing?? Speaking of rebiasing....how much are you guys paying for that job? While I am a DIY guy...I'm not 100% sure I could do it without electricuting myself, so I'm fine paying someone else. More on that....when you guys buy NOS tubes, are you buying a lot of them so you don't have to rebias every single time?
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Post by bustertheboy on Nov 1, 2008 1:22:17 GMT -7
Hi Jordan you really need to rebias unless you start with an amp that has been biased for a particular number on GT's such as #5 or 6 and you stay with that- even then it doesn't always work. I had a pair of #5 GT's in the 28 when I got it and they were way out in terms of expected performance and how I could actually get them to bias. If you are into DIY it's not hard, but get a good book or a mate who is a tech to talk to. I use a Weber bias right socket with my own multi meter. Brett
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Post by Phil (aka Phil) on Nov 3, 2008 13:47:26 GMT -7
jordan,
I posted a response over in the "tubes" section.
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Post by fishman on Nov 3, 2008 19:38:04 GMT -7
I have tried NOS and am currently using JJ's-Gt. I could not hear much difference between them and the NOS. However when I tricked out the Rectifier with a NOS mullard, bingo.. the amp woke up. So the way I see it do the rect tube first and proceed from there. It may be the only tube change you need , it made an immediate difference that Icould hear easily. Worked so well I got more for my other amps as well. YMMV of course
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