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MarkBass LMT800 tube?

bdplaid

bdplaid

Supporting Member
Aug 31, 2007
9,451
18,584
florida
#1
Does the 6205 tube in an LMT800 ever need replacing? Sounds like a dumb question, but I've heard of some amp tubes that are soldered to the PCB that never get replaced.

I asked MarkBass over a week ago, and they haven't responded. Not good.

EDIT:
See Markbass's reply below. It's good.
 
#2
Preamp tubes last years and years. Depending on you much you play, they can last 10, 15 years or more. Zero issue.

The bigger issue with this head to me is that if you are really looking for a 'tubey sounding' hybrid like the Mesa heads, this amp isn't it. Nice unit, and some seem to hear the impact of the tube, while others (like me) find it so subtle as to be 'not a big deal' (although I guess if you really dig in on a gig, it will give you a touch more open low end, according to some).

This isn't like, for example, the Walkabout, or even the Genz Shuttle Max tube channel (which is subtle regarding what most would consider a 'tube tone', but still sounds quite different from the SS channel).
 
#3
Ok, I got an answer from Markbass, I resent the request this AM. fast response and a good one!:

Let me start by thanking you for choosing Markbass and for contacting us.



1. The Little Mark Tube 800 features a single 6205 miniature tube, his life is about 5000 hours of continuous work, then it would be possible that it needs to be replaced (by qualified technician, Markbass authorized better). You can find easily this type of tube, otherwise you can ask us for it.

2. the amp still run on the solid state pre if the tube side goes down, but better replace the tube to have both the preamp options


Feel free to contact me again for any further question.

Best Regards.​



Riccardo Damiani​
 
#4
@ Kjung:

thanks for the response. I wasn't sure if I should pack a tube along with me in my gear bag. That the LMT800 will function off the SS is a big plus and a relief. Like having a backup preamp.

I know what you mean about the tube sound. I defnitely hear the difference in my LMT800 in the mix, but it's no M6 Carbine. Then again, the LMT800 weighs about 1/4 as much, is 1/4 the size, has more power, and is cheaper. But if the Mesa sound is what you want, then it's worth it, right?

All music gear is a compromise anyway.

thanks mucho.

h
 
#5
I had a similar concern (very briefly) with the MoMark tube pre-amp module - it's all molded plastic and I realized in about 2 seconds nobody could get it out without destroying the unit.
Of course, after flipping the SS and Tube p-a modules back and forth (the only advantage of the MoMark) I've pretty much decided to stick with the SS module. Markbass says that I'd notice the tube sound more at "breakup" gain/volume, but by that point I've have switched over to the Mesa V-12 anyway - which does the tube thing very well.
 
#6
Thanks for the input guys ,I am having a problem with the volume "flaring" whilst playing.The volume level drops and then kicks in again by itself. This happened 10 months ago and it seemed to correct itself. I then thought it may be the venue having fluctuations in power but it happened again tonight at rehearsal. I was wondering if it was a valve/tube issue? I asked the dealer where I bought it and they say they haven't ever had this complaint before. Any suggestions?
 
#7
bdplaid said:
I know what you mean about the tube sound. I defnitely hear the difference in my LMT800 in the mix, but it's no M6 Carbine. Then again, the LMT800 weighs about 1/4 as much, is 1/4 the size, has more power, and is cheaper. But if the Mesa sound is what you want, then it's worth it, right?

All music gear is a compromise anyway.
Click to expand...

After the LMII, the LMT800 is my favorite Markbass head.
 
#10
bdplaid said:
Ok, I got an answer from Markbass, I resent the request this AM. fast response and a good one!:

Let me start by thanking you for choosing Markbass and for contacting us.



1. The Little Mark Tube 800 features a single 6205 miniature tube, his life is about 5000 hours of continuous work, then it would be possible that it needs to be replaced (by qualified technician, Markbass authorized better). You can find easily this type of tube, otherwise you can ask us for it.

2. the amp still run on the solid state pre if the tube side goes down, but better replace the tube to have both the preamp options


Feel free to contact me again for any further question.

Best Regards.​



Riccardo Damiani​
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting this. I love my LMT800. Now i know if I ever pop the tube i can just switch to all solid!
 
#11
I own a Tube 800 and love it. I run it with my Schroeder 21012 cab. While the tube tone is subtle, I find it makes everything a little smoother, round and creamy, not as harsh as the SS side. No, it will not give you tons of distortion but it does seem to to round off the corners and fatten up the tone abit. Good Day!
 
#12
My LMT800 has been rock solid through HEAVY use for over a decade. The mini tube finally gave out today - sounds and behavior very similar to a guitar amp tube failure, and no problems with the blend knob completely turned to the solid-state side. So the head far outlasted the tube in my case.

Unfortunately, replacement parts for the mini tube (I believe it's a Philips ECG 6205 sub-miniature tube) seem to be non-existent based on my searching so far... so the only option is to send it in to a repair center for post-warranty repair?

Currently waiting for a response from MB on where a replacement tube can be obtained, as I'm more than capable of the soldering work required to swap it out.
 

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