Tubes questions

FletcherML · #1 10-27-2010, 04:15 PM

So I've got an ampeg svt CL that i pucked up in May. It has all the stock tuves in it and I'm interested in getting different tubes to improve my tone. Could anyone recommend some new preamp or power tubes that would make my baby even better than it is now?

eyeballkid · #2 10-27-2010, 04:31 PM

WINGED C'S!!!!

JimmyM · #3 10-27-2010, 04:31 PM

i'd try pre tubes first. maybe some good nos rca's or sylvanias. ampeg's using jj pre tubes in their heritage svt-cl (and winged C's for power)...they might be a good choice. if you want to go high end and expensive, telefunken or mullard in the first pre slot.

eyeballkid · #4 10-27-2010, 04:32 PM

however, alot of guys are about to chime in and ask specifically what kinda tone youre trying to get...check the write ups at thetubestore.com to get a better idea of each tubes characteristics.

FletcherML · #5 10-27-2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i'd try pre tubes first. maybe some good nos rca's or sylvanias. ampeg's using jj pre tubes in their heritage svt-cl (and winged C's for power)...they might be a good choice. if you want to go high end and expensive, telefunken or mullard in the first pre slot.

That's what I was thinking too. I'm pretty new to the tube game but from what I've gathered in my few months in the club is that my preamp tubes are going to affect my tone and tge power tubes are going to affect how much they break up and change my sound/gain right? I could be off I guess.

RickenBoogie · #6 10-27-2010, 05:45 PM

I wouldn't go changing tubes if they're already working, and aside from the preamp tubes, (which could last for decades), I wouldn't touch the power tubes unless I had the work done by a pro amp tech. Alot can go wrong, especially when you're "chasing tone" and don't know much about how to really get it. The magic may already be there, and the secret to coaxing it out may be in your hands.

FletcherML · #7 10-27-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

I wouldn't go changing tubes if they're already working, and aside from the preamp tubes, (which could last for decades), I wouldn't touch the power tubes unless I had the work done by a pro amp tech. Alot can go wrong, especially when you're "chasing tone" and don't know much about how to really get it. The magic may already be there, and the secret to coaxing it out may be in your hands.

I certainly know what you mean. I've always been very good with eq and am so Stoked on the sound I'm getting roght now. But I have a feeling my tubes arent gonna be at their peak forever seeing how i bought the amp used.
Which is why im here now, I'd like to see what other people have changed inside their amps and what results they have gotten.

KramerBassFan · #8 10-27-2010, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FletcherML

I certainly know what you mean. I've always been very good with eq and am so Stoked on the sound I'm getting roght now. But I have a feeling my tubes arent gonna be at their peak forever seeing how i bought the amp used.
Which is why im here now, I'd like to see what other people have changed inside their amps and what results they have gotten.

Tubes can last decades.

Maybe the previous owner barely ever used it?

Don't replace something that isn't broken...

jastacey · #9 10-27-2010, 09:31 PM

If it we're me, I'd fiddle with the V1 tube, this is the one that has the most influence in your sound/tone, if the power tube bias to green and have no known issues, I wouldn't fool with them, unless you want to spend a few hundred dollars

**Staccato** · #10 10-27-2010, 09:47 PM

Doug (Doug's Tubes) has steered me on those decisions! And, he keeps me supplied with backups-for the long haul.
If you'd like to contact him, tell him your amp make/model, and what you are trying to achieve from the amp.
He has excellent testing equipment, and a large inventory...