Dual Rectifier Decision - Need Advise

[adam79]

Hi. There are two different 2-channel rectifiers I'm looking to purchase. The first one have the 6L6 STR-420s (serial # 012980). The other has EL34 STR-447s (serial # 11506). I've never had the chance to play a 2 channel DR. Both these amps are for sale on the internet, so I don't have the chance to play them first.. I do have the option of returning the amp, no questions asked, so atleast I have that going for me. I was playing a 3 channel DR the other day at a music store for 3 hours! The time flew by, as I was enjoying the amp. This 3 channel had STR-440s. The only thing that I disliked about the amp is that the low end could have been more tight (I was playing it through a Mesa 4x12 cab). When I do get one of these amps, I'll be playing it through my Marshall 1960a cab w/ Celestion G12-65s.
I've heard alot of great things about the STR-420 tubes. I haven't found any info on the STR-447s.
Any suggestions? My thought was that I should go with the DR that has the STR-420s. This way, if I decide to try out some EL34s in the amp, and end up liking it better, I could make some money back by selling the 420s, or put them in my Peavey VTM-120, which also runs w/ 6L6s.

Thanks for your time. I'm interested to hear what you seasoned Mesa Boogie players have to say about this decision I have to make.

-Adam

 

[Elpelotero]

I like 420's in my rectos, personally. Very sweet tone on them, but low lifespan.

 

[fluff191]

Well you can always put whatever tubes you want in it, so really as long as you are getting a 2 Channel Recto you are going to be totally happy anyways.

Try the TAD 6L6's. Or the JJ's. They sound very good.

 

[kmanick]

don' t let the tubes dictate which one to get , you can swap tubes on either one of therm. I'd go for the lower serial # as
long as they are both comparable condition wise.

 

[adam79]

don' t let the tubes dictate which one to get , you can swap tubes on either one of therm. I'd go for the lower serial # as
long as they are both comparable condition wise.

I think your right. Also, if those STR-420s have a low lifespan, I'm assuming they'll be pretty tapped out on a 2-channel with serial # in the 12,000s. I just found another 2-channel in the 1000s serial # wise, w/ STR-430s in it. I'm gonna go try it out tomorrow. The 2 amps I mentioned at the beginning of the post are probably late 90s.. this amp is probably a '92-'93. I can't wait to go try it out.

Thanks to all for the advise,
-Adam