Recommend me a preamp tube for SWR

supremo · #1 01-14-2012, 06:35 AM

Hi, it's time to replace the default preamp tube in my SWR Black Beauty combo.
Which 12AX7A tube do you recommend?
I like warm sounds as my band plays classic 70's rock music

4-string · #2 01-14-2012, 06:37 AM

I have had good results with JJ tubes.

I don't think a pre amp tube would drastically change that amp.

tekdiver500ft · #3 01-14-2012, 06:40 AM

If you want a new tube, then JJ/Tesla are the best tubes made today. If you want vintage, then I'd suggest RCA. Nothing breaks up like an RCA. Do not get an "NOS" tube, as they are almost all fakes anymore.

FrenchBassQC · #4 01-14-2012, 06:45 AM

Ruby are not bad either, that's what Eden uses in their amps.

RedLeg · #5 01-14-2012, 06:55 AM

JJ ECC803S

AdamR · #6 01-14-2012, 06:59 AM

I rollled a few tubes through my old SM500 and heard zero difference. I ended up with a Tungsol but mainly because by the 3rd tube I gave up.

supremo · #7 01-14-2012, 07:01 AM

[quote=RedLeg;12035184]JJ ECC80
thanks for your recommentation but look at this!
JJ ECC803S / 12AX7
They say "Because this tube has a long plate structure it is susceptible to excessive microphonics and is therefore not recommended for use in combo amps or high gain stages"

RedLeg · #8 01-14-2012, 07:02 AM

thats mainly for the guitar guys. i use them in my shuttle and like what they do.

supremo · #9 01-14-2012, 07:05 AM

guitar amps?
so i can use it normally for my bass amp!
maybe i have to try JJ.
What about Sovtek?

Runlikegregg · #10 01-14-2012, 07:05 AM

I've gone through 3 or so preamp tube in my Eden and I haven't been able to tell the difference.

lomo · #11 01-14-2012, 07:07 AM

I'm currently using old Raytheon and Amperex pre tubes in my Walkabout. Superb tones. Got them both on eBay. Pricey compared to new tubes (which I also bought for comparison) but sound thicker and nicer to my ear, at least in my Walkabout. In my M9 there was no real difference that I could discern....how these preamp tubes influence tone is somewhat amp dependent, so it's a crap shoot. If you can afford a few different tubes I highly recommend using a single bass, leaving your eq flat and sampling several tubes.

tekdiver500ft · #12 01-14-2012, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supremo

What about Sovtek?

SovTek are junk, IME.

**pacojas** · #13 01-14-2012, 07:26 AM

if you haven't heard,...

the SHUGUANG 12AX7-C9 (china) has the highest gain in this kind of tube and are hard to find. i got the lastest equivolent, the 12AX7-B (china). i replaced a 12AX7-EHX (russia) and was amazed by the difference!

the best way to describe the sound comparison,....

12AX7-EHX = lobster tails

12AX7-B = lobster tails dipped in refined butter!!!!

unfortunately, i sold my SWR before i was informed about the Shuguang. my current rig includes the Demeter HBP-1 and the tube swap made a HUGE difference! as others have mentioned there may be no significant change for you, so.... YMMV.