Mesa 400+ with Winged "C"s..?

lefty_400 · #1 04-23-2010, 07:08 PM

Currently I have a mix of 10 EH 6L6s in my 400+ along with a pair of original Mesa 6L6 (not my choice, bought it used loaded like this). Other projects have always put the 400+ overhaul on the back-burner, but I think the time has come.

Anybody running Winged "C"s in their 400+? I am curious how the tone/performance of the "C"s compare to a 400+ loaded with JJs, since the JJs seem to be the most popular retube option.

The difference in price is fairly significant (12 "C"s = $360, 12 JJ = $215 @ thetubestore). I don't have any direct experience with "C" 6L6s, but I really like their EL34s and 6550s. I don't mind paying the extra $150 as retubes for the 400+ will be far and few between for my needs, but at the same time I don't want to piss away money needlessly if their is no discernible improvement in tone and/or reliability.

Thoughts?

Lefty

bassboysam · #2 04-23-2010, 08:53 PM

I always seem to have reliability issues with the "C" tubes not sure why. Never any problems with the JJs and to my ears in a band mix there is no way you could tell the difference, if there is any. I have Electro Harmonix 6L6's in the 400+ and they sound nice and smooth.

johnk_10 · #3 04-23-2010, 09:06 PM

i've also had better luck with JJ 6L6's than winged C's, so if it were me, i'd get the JJ's.
IME, EH 6L6'S (sovtek) are very reliable too.

coreyfyfe · #4 04-24-2010, 04:42 AM

Not a 400+, but I've had both winged C and JJ 6L6GCs in my B15 and would definitely say they're comparable. I've never had a reliability issue with winged C tubes, and only had one fail after about 2 years of solid use. If it were me, and that was the price difference, I'd definitely go with the JJs.

Foz · #5 04-24-2010, 08:28 AM

I am using C's in my 400+, and I like em, but I bet I'd be just as happy with JJ's and a $150 in my pocket.

bassmodder · #6 04-24-2010, 08:36 AM

I have 6 winged C tubes in my Fender Studio Bass (200W). Pushes almost 500V to the plates and I have never had a problem with them.

Almost 6 months on them and I gig this amp almost every week for several hours.

The match between them is still about +- 1ma!!! I doubt NOS tubes would hold a match any better. I am thrilled but the prices of them just went up at the tube depot.