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Post by hdahs143 on Aug 24, 2005 21:19:39 GMT -7
In my MAZ, I've gone to 5751's in V1 & V5. This swap really smoothed out the high end, and is just so WARM! I went through a couple of 5751's and consulted Myles and the good DR before finding one that didnt hum in V1. They suggested GE 5 Stars, & RCA Command Series. Currently V1 is a GE 5 Star triple mica, and V5 is a JAN GE 5751. V2 is a GT 12AX7M reissue. I also replaced the rectifier tube(highly recommended), with a NOS JAN Phillips/Sylvania 5AR4 mislabled as a 5V4GA. I got this from KCA NOS tubes, who are a great resource, and a pleasure to deal with. This tube is half the price of a Mullard, and really opened the amp up. It breathes better. I may try a Mullard down the road, but for now this is a major improvement over the Sovtek!
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Post by bluzsteel on Aug 24, 2005 23:39:51 GMT -7
been wanting to do the 5751 thing
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Post by Gregg White (aka stratbrat) on Sept 15, 2005 11:25:32 GMT -7
I emailed KCA for some suggestions. I ordered what they suggested and also the JAN Phil/Sylv 5AR4 noted above. (forget what the 2 tubes that KCA recommended, if interested, I can list them later)
Got them in a day. And such a great change! Not that the MAZ 38 needs any change. But I was looking for a little more "balls" and a little less volume when cranked. Their recommendations and what I got were perfect.
And dang if they aren't located just down the road from me! Looks like I'll be trying some other tube combinations!
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dsj52
Junior Member
Posts: 64
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Post by dsj52 on Oct 30, 2005 15:31:31 GMT -7
I finally did the NOS thing with my Z38 2*12. I ordered the amp new and specified the celestion blue bell upgrade. It was great for the early George Harrison sound, but a little thin and bright, to my ears, for other material. This is my 'British' amp; I have another 6L6 boutique amp that I use for my other favorite tone--think Buffalo Springfield, Johnny Rivers and others.
I spent some time researching options, primarily via Tone Quest and forums like this. First I changed speakers--using Weber Alnicos: 1 Blue Dog, and 1 Silver Bell. Although they produced warm, smooth tone without a hint of harshness, I wondered if I could make more improvement.
I found two great sources of information regarding tubes--KCA NOS and vacuumtube valley. I requested recommendations that would make the Z38 the best it was capable of being given its design (I did not specify a 'tonal signature' that I was after. I subsequently asked Dr Z to review the recommendations to make sure the proposed changes would not damage the amp.
I made an entire tube change, a composite of the two recommendations, as follows: V1, V2 ECC83s, Philips; V3 12AT7, Mullard; V4,V5 12AX7 Tungsram (V4 balanced Tungsram); V6--V7, EL84s GE, V8 5AR4, JAN Philips.
All of the tubes arrived promptly and all worked. Overall, the amp has a more substantial, solid tone without any undue brightness and is smooth across the tonal spectrum.
The overall tonal quality has improved since making the switch--definitely. Making the switch was fun and educational--it make you realize just how good the product is right out of the box.
Both of the sources I used for the tubes were very professional, delivered as promised, and have a wealth of information available for the consumer.
Would I do it again, yes. My advice, however, is to have a specific 'tonal signature' that you want to attain by using NOS tubes. This will help align your investment with the results you attain.
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Post by billyguitar on Oct 30, 2005 15:42:09 GMT -7
Charlie K. at Vacuum Tube Valley is really a nice guy and writes a great magazine. I bought some tubes from him and it was a good experience.
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Post by raja on Nov 6, 2005 22:40:46 GMT -7
I received my Svetlana 12AX7's this weekend that the Dr. suggested. I plugged them in V1 and V2 and they have totally improved the tones of my Maz Sr. 2x12 w/reverb. The notes are so much warmer with incredible definition and no more of that harsh response. I'm using a GT 12AT7 for my PI, this was suggested by BW awhile back in-response to an email I sent him asking what settings he used. Man, that guy is so down to earth, like so many members of this forum. So much great info and so many willing to share. It's too bad we can't have a "Z" convention somewhere and all get together and Jam our A$$'$ off. Thanks Roger
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Post by stoneystomp on Nov 7, 2005 12:38:14 GMT -7
I received my Svetlana 12AX7's this weekend that the Dr. suggested. I plugged them in V1 and V2 and they have totally improved the tones of my Maz Sr. 2x12 w/reverb. The notes are so much warmer with incredible definition and no more of that harsh response. I'm using a GT 12AT7 for my PI, this was suggested by BW awhile back in-response to an email I sent him asking what settings he used. Man, that guy is so down to earth, like so many members of this forum. So much great info and so many willing to share. It's too bad we can't have a "Z" convention somewhere and all get together and Jam our A$$'$ off. Thanks Roger The Svetlana's that you ordered..were they the "Winged C" ones or the branded Svetlanas?
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Post by raja on Nov 7, 2005 13:08:54 GMT -7
They are the "branded" not the "Winged C". I got them from Same Day Music, $14.99 ea/ with free shipping that arrived in 3 days.
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Post by stoneystomp on Nov 7, 2005 13:42:36 GMT -7
They are the "branded" not the "Winged C". I got them from Same Day Music, $14.99 ea/ with free shipping that arrived in 3 days. Thanks for the info
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Post by Tycobrahe on Dec 1, 2005 19:49:24 GMT -7
Just like Raja, I put Svetlana 12AX7's in P1 and P2. What a difference! I liked my tone before, but this there is a nice improvement in warmth and definition. I am addicted to these forums for the great input and advice offered. Can't wait to see the Stingray and other new amps!
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