| Author | Message | ||
     Adam (adam79) Username: adam79 Registered: 10-2010 |
I'm looking to replace the tubes in my HD130 Reverb. Are there certain brands of EL34s that fit well with this amp? Also, how does biasing the amp effect the sound (i.e. does a higher/lower bias give you more/less headroom or quicker break-up)? Any recommendations for the Phase Inverter tube in the preamp? Thanks, -Adam | ||
| Mike Kaus (mm210) Username: mm210 Registered: 05-2006 |
Which tube is better is like which girl is prettier-it depends on what you expect. I personally like JJ's in the E34L variety and also the REAL svetlana's(Winged C) and pretty much stick with them. HAd NOTHING but trouble with ANYTHING that says Groove Tubes. Bias MM's a little on the cool side-below the .5V at point "Y" crap. Personally, I like them around 22-23 Ma PER TUBE but hey, what the hell do I know. Other than mine seem to last. Anyway, I WOULD suggest that you get the BEST 12ax7 PI tube that yo can get. THIS is one place that MM's are sensitive and need a good one to keep from going chernobyl. Maybe a NOS sylvania or some kind of Jan thing that will be robust. They last forever so it's not like you are going to burn them up every 6 mo's. IMHO, do NOT put ANYTHING that says SOVTEK in the PI. Ok guys, flame away at my suggestions! | ||
| Adam (adam79) Username: adam79 Registered: 10-2010 |
I've read that 12at7s work well in the PI spot. I haven't had a chance to try this out yet (don't own any 12at7s). Just today I got a great deal ($20) on a Mullard 12ax7a (made in the Blackburn UK plant). I haven't had a chance to put it in the amp, but I'm looking forward to it; I forget what I have in there now. I also have a Peavey VTM-120 that needs to be re-tubed, so depending on the sound I get, it could end up in either amp. Thanks for the help, -Adam | ||
| Brian M. Watson (mrroundel) Username: mrroundel Registered: 06-2007 |
I just found that my 210 HD 130 has a GE-made Fender 12AX7 in it. I'm reading that this is a good tube. I'm wondering if I should put that one in the amp that I'm getting recap'd instead of the new JJ, providing it reads strong, of course. Presently, there's a GE in the 212 that tests a bit weak. Comments? | ||
| Christophe (vignau) Username: vignau Registered: 06-2011 |
You should also know that JJ has recently released 6CA7 tubes, I have no feedback for them so far on MM amps. | ||
| Brian M. Watson (mrroundel) Username: mrroundel Registered: 06-2007 |
Thanks, Christophe. Yes, it was a difficult decision between the two (E34L vs. 6CA7). Perhaps I'll buy the 6CA7's for my 210? Again, when my wallet recovers from the professional repair on my 212 HD 130 and the rest of my bills. | ||
| Mike Kaus (mm210) Username: mm210 Registered: 05-2006 |
If you do buy some 6CA7's, please let us know. I've been wanting to try them but with the slow repair stuff going on, nobody's been in the mood to buy ANYTHING. I've been using the JJ EL's for years and like them but a true 6CA7 would be nice! I have a boatload of my Sylvania 6CA7's laying around so I'll never need any for MINE but other people will. Mike. |