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Post by cpcs15 on Jan 29, 2017 19:27:11 GMT -7
Hey guys, I'm looking to replace the tubes in my Mazerati head. It feels like it's lost a little of its magic, just feels a little dull lately. Doesn't seem as sparkly as it was. Don't get me wrong, it still sounds GREAT, but I haven't replaced the preamp tubes nor the rectifier since I bought it over a year ago, it's seen a lot of playing time, so I feel it could use the TLC. What preamp and rectifier would you guys suggest looking into? It still has a 12ax7, a 5751 (or maybe it's a 12at7..I'll have to check) and a 5ar4. I'd like to pick up an extra 12ax7 to switch out with the 5751 just to play with...possibly the same with the rectifier. Any input is appreciated! Thanks!
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Post by bryan0418 on Jan 30, 2017 7:28:58 GMT -7
I think the 4 EL84 output tubes may be the cause of the issue here. The preamp tube and phase inverter will last a long time however the output tubes will wear and cause the amp to sound dull. I would suggest to try a new set of 4 output tubes. I have had good luck with Mullard's and TAD's with my V2 Mazerati. The cool thing about the Mazerati that no one mentions is that you don't need to have a matched quad of EL 84's. It is a split load cathode bias setup so you can mix and match 2 pairs of output tubes. Kind of a cool feature if you can't get a matched quad of tubes, just buy 2 sets of matched tubes. Just install the matched pairs next to each other.
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Post by cpcs15 on Jan 30, 2017 19:17:46 GMT -7
I think the 4 EL84 output tubes may be the cause of the issue here. The preamp tube and phase inverter will last a long time however the output tubes will wear and cause the amp to sound dull. I would suggest to try a new set of 4 output tubes. I have had good luck with Mullard's and TAD's with my V2 Mazerati. The cool thing about the Mazerati that no one mentions is that you don't need to have a matched quad of EL 84's. It is a split load cathode bias setup so you can mix and match 2 pairs of output tubes. Kind of a cool feature if you can't get a matched quad of tubes, just buy 2 sets of matched tubes. Just install the matched pairs next to each other. I'll give it a shot! My first instinct was on the preamp because I've always been told (and heard) they have more impression on the sound than power tubes most of the time. However, I thought about it after you mentioned it and the power tubes themselves have been in there for at least a year or very close to it. Perhaps it's times for new tubes all around?
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Post by bryan0418 on Jan 30, 2017 20:12:55 GMT -7
It wouldn't hurt to replace all the tubes however it may be a waste of money at this point. The output tubes I would say should be replaced first. That may fix the issue you are hearing with the dull sound. Once you are happy that the issue is resolved, then you can experiment with different pre amp tubes. The stock Mazerati came with a 5751 in the V2 phase inverter position. You can either leave that or put in a 12AX7 if you want to drive the power tubes a little harder. Just make sure the V2 phase inverter tube has balanced triodes. Your tube dealer will know what that means. As for V1, the first pre amp tube, the Mazerati is very sensitive to tube changes similar to the Carmen Ghia. You could have a lot of fun swapping different tubes for V1 to hear the differences. The best sounding production tube I think is the Tung Sol 12AX7. You could go crazy and buy a old Mullard, Telefunken, RCA or Amprex tube and see if you like that as well. The Mazerati is a great amp and you can do a lot with it. Lastly, if you are running a 5AR4 rectifier, you don't need to replace it. You could go NOS but I doubt you would see or feel much difference. Maybe buy one as a spare but it most likely doesn't need to be swapped. Have fun.
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