Do i need new EL-84s? also which brand type best

[pauloc79]

Hi everyone,

I have an express 5:25 head- i think the output valves have had it- when i crank the amp it does not sound nice, it starts to sound thin and the distortion is weird- kind of flat and fizzy. Do i need new EL-84s....

-The question is do i buy mesa valves or a different brand... any suggestions? As mesa say their valves are matched/tested etc.....

-Do I have to use EL-84s- I play mainly modern metal, can I use 6L6s tubes instead?

-Should I change the preamp valves while im at it?

Thanks,

Paul

 

[212Mavguy]

Hi Paul,

For what it costs compared to the overall cost of your amp you would be foolish not to get a new set of power tubes. Preamp tubes tend to last much longer in circuit than power tubes, but there is more tonal effect from preamp tubes than the ones in the power section. JJ el84's sound very good for the money, and you can get them through vendors who are aware of the proper mesa bias specs for the power tubes they would sell you. Lots of posts/threads on tube vendors who work well with Mesa owners.

Personally, I use no Mesa branded tubes in my Mesa amp, prefer to use vintage old stock for the sonic qualities they possess. Presently am running a quad of Panno 6p14p-ev (Russian military el84 equivalent, their beefiest one in sound and build, rated 5000 hours and can handle 400 plate volts which is same as the 7189, an uprated el84. Got mine through eBay. You might enjoy a vintage tube in your preamp's V1 slot as well. GE longplate 12ax7's are plentiful, great sounding, and inexpensive. Might need to get a few to get a great one. When you start rolling preamp tubes, change only one at a time, and listen to it. Your ears will tell you what you need to know, trust them above anything else.

 

[Griz]

I just installed four of the new Mullard Re-Issues [EL84] in my LSS. Very happy is an understatement. They're very cost effective at $60 for four. I agree, that NOS is the way towards great improvement in sound quality, but these re-issues make great improvements without the hassle and trials required with NOS.

 

[fishyfishfish]

For me the best "New Production" would be the JJEL84, not as harsh as the Sovtek. If you have the bucks and the patience NOS is the way to go though.

 

[pauloc79]

thanks for the help guys, regarding the the v1 v2 etc positions in the amp, i'm assuming that each position serves a different purpose- so that would make testing NOS tubes for the prospective positions a lengthy task! Is it really worth the hassle- the reason I switched to a valve amp was so I would stop fettling and start playing more, as when i used digital amps i was forever messing with the fx- I'm a born fettler and can't resist messing with things- I can see a long and expensive road ahead with tube experimentation!

 

[212Mavguy]

Yes it is worth the time spent. It is helpful to read the manual to learn what the tube position assignments are. Lots of posts about vintage as well as modern production tubes to roll in what positions are in this part of the forum. Check out posts by Timbre Wolf, Shredd6, Stokes, and others here. Best of luck. Go slow and change only one thing at a time.