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Mesa 400+ tubes

OK... got a twelve-tette of matched Winged "C"s from The Tube Store... and I love em.

PUNCHY!

I am running new production 12AX7 Tung Sols in the preamp and these work great - have also tried a JJ ECC81/12AT7 and an old green label GE 6201 [mil spec low noise 12AT7] and several 12AU7's in the V1 and frankly can't decide which I like best.

The hotter 12AX7 in the V1 makes it easier to add a bit of grit/grind but the softer choices make the EQ more forgiving/articulate as described in other threads. Frankly the amp works fine for me regardless of choice but since I don't often use more than a touch of grit in my tone I think I'll end up using the green inked GE 6021 because it is capable of being so smooth and clean and add grit as needed by pushing with the graphic EQ sliders [these run through a 12AX7 and are foot switchable]. I'll update if I change my mind or learn more.

Thanks for all the helpful advice - and hat tip to twinfalls for the winged "C" recc - an excellent choice for this amp.
 
I have a Boogie D180, one of the first ones made. When I replace any tubes, I simple call Mesa Boogie and order replacements; matched set of six power tubes with proper bias. I know this is the coward's way to do it, but it's given me 30+ years of troublefree operation.
the biggest problem with that is that mesa tubes are quite literally some of the worst available, no matter how much you pay for the mesa logo.