- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,518
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- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
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The Un-Official Sadowsky SA200 Thread...
- Thread starter jokerjkny
- Start date
You may be able to still find them, but they'll probably be super expensive. TAD makes a non-STR version (a lesser version). Who knows—maybe the lesser version is fine for a bass amp?
What's the difference between a STR and non STR version?
I guess the KT88 might be a better choice
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,084
- 46,056
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- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
TAD has a new STR model out now, based on the Telefunken EL34 rather than the Mullard the old EL34B-STR supposedly was. No experience with the new one, but I thought the old one was pretty swell.
The thing is I went at Koch amplification on my way back. And talk to them about the better choice of KT88 poser tubes.
They didn't see why and how it was an improvement.
Unfortunately I don't have any experience with tubes to give my point of view on the subject. I just I can find tubes if needed
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,084
- 46,056
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
The vast majority of my tube amp experience is with guitars, not bass. I just happen to be building a bass amp at the moment using the older TAD EL34B STR version though, and am already contemplating what happens if and when I need spares...
Are tubes different for guitar or bass amps?The vast majority of my tube amp experience is with guitars, not bass. I just happen to be building a bass amp at the moment using the older TAD EL34B STR version though, and am already contemplating what happens if and when I need spares...
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,084
- 46,056
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
Not necessarily, but higher powered bass amps often tend to use different varieties than many classic tube guitar amps do. So I have minimal experience with 6550 or KT88, but a great deal with 6L6 and a fair amount with EL34, for instance. My new tube amp is "only" a 100 watt job, so sticking with what I was already familiar with just made sense for a DIY build.
AFAIK: Shuguag's factory was damaged in a major fire in 2019. The had planned to move to a new factory, but then COVID hit. I don't think it's certain they will ever come back.
AFAIK the TAD EL34B-STR was just regular Shuguang EL34Bs that are graded to TAD's standards. This model has a good reputation, and many think it's the best choice for amps running high voltage. I believe the original Koch tubes were TADs with Koch silk screening.
I bought some Apex matched, Valve Art EL34Bs to replace some TADs in my Matamp. They appear identical, but they were not matched as well as the TADs. It's possible a technician went through several TADs to get a perfect match. I only bought a quad of the VAs, and the matching was at about 14%, which is not great. The amp sounds good and has not had any problems.
Per Sadowksy, the service life of the TADs was shorter than expected. AFAIK, the recommendation to use KT88 comes from Blackie Pagano (a renowned amp tech). The belief is the SA200 is running the screens too hard for EL34. KT88 has a higher screen voltage rating and a higher screen dissipation rating.
AFAIK the TAD EL34B-STR was just regular Shuguang EL34Bs that are graded to TAD's standards. This model has a good reputation, and many think it's the best choice for amps running high voltage. I believe the original Koch tubes were TADs with Koch silk screening.
I bought some Apex matched, Valve Art EL34Bs to replace some TADs in my Matamp. They appear identical, but they were not matched as well as the TADs. It's possible a technician went through several TADs to get a perfect match. I only bought a quad of the VAs, and the matching was at about 14%, which is not great. The amp sounds good and has not had any problems.
Per Sadowksy, the service life of the TADs was shorter than expected. AFAIK, the recommendation to use KT88 comes from Blackie Pagano (a renowned amp tech). The belief is the SA200 is running the screens too hard for EL34. KT88 has a higher screen voltage rating and a higher screen dissipation rating.
Should I fear I would never find any replacement tubes for my amp?
That's really something that worries me.
That's really something that worries me.
IMHO don't worry just yet. JJ is still making KT88s.
The Psvane EL34C datasheet suggests they may be a good choice. Only time will tell.
My notes say the SA200 runs the screens at 525V, which is 25V over spec. The TAD EL34B-STR max screen rating is also 500V. It's not unusual for instrument amps to run tubes over spec.
The max screen rating for the JJ KT88 is 600V.
Thanks for your answer. Even if, again, my knowledge in tube amps is inexistent.
Have a set of gold lion kt88 on mine.
Wilder and deeper low and sweet mid.
just perfect and sound right to my need
compare to the JJ, tungsol
The sa200 now has 2 Telefunken 12ax7 and a GE 6n1p
Tube roll is a fine thing
Wilder and deeper low and sweet mid.
just perfect and sound right to my need
compare to the JJ, tungsol
The sa200 now has 2 Telefunken 12ax7 and a GE 6n1p
Tube roll is a fine thing
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