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BEST TUBES ?

pedulla-2007

pedulla-2007

Sep 2, 2008
1,827
1,038
texas
#1
Gentlemen in your experienced opinion, what would be the best replacement tubes for a DEMETER VTBP-201 preamp. My sound is just too microphonic and sterile. Apologies if this topic has been covered before. Have you guys ever used "MULLARD" tubes? THANX!!!!!!!!
 
#6
I know that is the popular opinion... but for me, I know the top of the graded tubes made in the 40s, 50s, 60s got bought up and used. I can't help but feel that the 'currently available' NOS stuff has continuously become lower and lower in standards.

My money goes to properly tested and graded new production... I'll leave all the >$100 12AX7's to the rest of you. I like my <$20 Tung Sol reissues :)
 
#7
ashtray9 said:
I have not heard a "great" new production tube yet. IMO, buy a NOS (Mullard, Telefunken, etc.) otherwise don't bother.
Click to expand...
Note that new "Mullards" aren't Mullards, either.

Lots of old stuff that aren't "Mullard" are, too -- just to keep it confusing. ;)

Late Mullard (under whatever label -- learn your production codes) or the identical Dutch Amperex tubes have cured more amp problems, particularly idle noise, than I would have thought possible. There's a reason why they were the OEM preamp tube of choice back then.
 
#8
I build low wattage guitar and harp amps.
It's really a "Crap-Shoot" on the NOS stuff.
A lot of the ones I've tried were very microphonic..Wasted a lot of $$$ on experimenting.
The Tung Sol's have been very consistant in quality, and are graded in output..
I haven't had a "bad" one yet.
 
#9
I do love Telefunkens, but boy oh boy when you get a good one they can really hit that V1 slot nice and hard. I like the way they seem to open up the tonal spectrum across the board. Hi-Fi geeks love them too.
 
#18
After some testing my favorites were:
- Tung Sol 12 AX7
- Groove Tube 12AX7M (difficult to find currently)
- Groove Tube 12AX7C
- Sovtek LPS 12ax7 (for emphasis on mids and slapping)

(see my notes under another post).

Most of listning test are written or done by guitar players and do not always apply to bass.
My experience with NOS tubes is limited but I have often been disapointed by NOS tubes. They also come at a high price tag.
 
#20
pedulla-2007 said:
Gentlemen in your experienced opinion, what would be the best replacement tubes for a DEMETER VTBP-201 preamp. My sound is just too microphonic and sterile. Apologies if this topic has been covered before. Have you guys ever used "MULLARD" tubes? THANX!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

What tube is in it now? My Demeter HBP-1 came with an EH something-or-another and I replaced it with a NOS Brimar (UK). Some improvement, or change at the least, but not enough to justify the cost.

Riis
 

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