5881 (Mesa-425) Tubes sound great in a V

[mule#1]

I tried out a set of 425 tubes I used to run in my MK IV and they sounded great. I was inspired by listening to a live gig I made with them back then. Soldano uses these 5881 tubes which are a Russian military grade 6L6. They tapper the highs a little bit so they are not so harsh. I like the Mesa 440's but this is just a nice twist! The gain seems a little richer or at least different enough to notice.

Just thought I'd share!

 

[miqueas92]

Will they hold up under the plate voltage is my question.

 

[mule#1]

Worked in my MK IV and they are boogie tubes. I'm not sure I'm rolling with that permanently as I want to try EL-34's. I also like the stock 6L6 as well. To me the 5881 distortion seems richer but it does tapper high end.

 

[bandit2013]

Not sure about the Mesa 5881 in terms of wattage, Most of the 5881 brands are 25W capacity. There are a few that fall into the 30W category. I had a pair of 5881 Sovetek and a pair of EL34 Sovetek in my MKIII. That sounded perfect. Then I sold it.....


I currently have a matched quad of Tung Sol 7581 in mine right now. (I was after SED winged =C='s but when I ordered them Doug suggested the relabled Ruby GT-R2's. I compromised with the 7581's and got the recifier tube (DOW, loss of 39 bucks). So far I have not had any issues. Based on time of use compared to the stock Mesa tubes they have lasted much longer. Tone is about the same as the 6L6.