Full sets for IV and C+

[Paw]

I'm going to buy a few full sets of tubes for my Mark IV and IIc+ (simul-class) for me to experiment with.

First question: Can I switch the sets between both amps, or do they work with different voltages?

Second question: How can I know if a tube is "safe" in regards to voltages in my amps?

I'm going to buy one or two sets from eurotubes (maybe one for each amp). I've heard great stuff about SED Winged C's, and I want to try these too. I know I can buy them as a quad, but I'd like to buy some good preamp tubes with them as well. I need some recommendations here, because of the importance of good preamp tubes. I really don't know how to "mix" preamp tubes. The best would be if you could present me with a "fixed mix" of 5 preamp tubes which will complement the Winged C's.

The sound I'm going for is somewhere in the ballpark of DT/Metallica. Tight and chunky low end, crunchy mids, smooth top end, harmonically rich and transparent..if possible

 

[Spewnz]

just tell the people what your putting it in and they'll be able to help....plus i know the tube junkies among us will chime in.

 

[Elpelotero]

Beware with the C+. It draws lots of current and can burn through lesser tubes (even if they're expensive)

 

[Paw]

Beware with the C+. It draws lots of current and can burn through lesser tubes (even if they're expensive)

Maybe I should mention that the c+ has the 100 tranny. Don't know if it's of any relevancy though.

So basicly what you're saying is that I can't use the tubes from my IV in the IIc+? Does this apply to both the power and preamp tubes? Can I use the tubes from my IIc+ in my IV? Would you recommend me to have separated sets for the two amps to prevent damage?

Thanks

 

[dodger916]

Beware with the C+. It draws lots of current and can burn through lesser tubes (even if they're expensive)

Maybe I should mention that the c+ has the 100 tranny. Don't know if it's of any relevancy though.

So basicly what you're saying is that I can't use the tubes from my IV in the IIc+? Does this apply to both the power and preamp tubes? Can I use the tubes from my IIc+ in my IV? Would you recommend me to have separated sets for the two amps to prevent damage?

Thanks

12AX7s preamp tubes are fine to swap between the two.
Power tubes are not necessarily a slam-dunk and require more diligence. You (or the tube supplier) need to know the tubes' idle current draw at the plate voltage and bias comparable to your amp. Here's more info, hope it helps: http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=16487

 

[Elpelotero]

What you put into the C+ will work for the IV. But if you buy a set for the IV, it may not be optimal for the C+.

Are you looking to buy Mesa brand, or another brand?

 

[Paw]

What you put into the C+ will work for the IV. But if you buy a set for the IV, it may not be optimal for the C+.

Are you looking to buy Mesa brand, or another brand?

Just what I though

I'm going to buy one or two sets from eurotubes (maybe one for each amp). I've heard great stuff about SED Winged C's, and I want to try these too. I know I can buy them as a quad, but I'd like to buy some good preamp tubes with them as well. I need some recommendations here, because of the importance of good preamp tubes. I really don't know how to "mix" preamp tubes. The best would be if you could present me with a "fixed mix" of 5 preamp tubes which will complement the Winged C's.

I've also heard great stuff about STR 420's, though they're out of production.

 

[Paw]

Beware with the C+. It draws lots of current and can burn through lesser tubes (even if they're expensive)

Maybe I should mention that the c+ has the 100 tranny. Don't know if it's of any relevancy though.

So basicly what you're saying is that I can't use the tubes from my IV in the IIc+? Does this apply to both the power and preamp tubes? Can I use the tubes from my IIc+ in my IV? Would you recommend me to have separated sets for the two amps to prevent damage?

Thanks

12AX7s preamp tubes are fine to swap between the two.
Power tubes are not necessarily a slam-dunk and require more diligence. You (or the tube supplier) need to know the tubes' idle current draw at the plate voltage and bias comparable to your amp. Here's more info, hope it helps: http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=16487

I just downloaded the manuals for the Mark IV and IIc from Mesas website. I found some info in the IIc manual that may be relevant:

"2. Negative bias voltage has been permanently set during amplifier burn-in and should never need
adjustment. Correct bias voltages varies according to amplifier model: Measured at pin 5 of each 6L6, the
correct bias for Standard Sixty watt models should be -47, Hundred Watt = -52 (or -47 for Hundred
Export) Simul-Class: -56 and -46 (-46 and -37 for Export Simul-Class) Series 300: -56.)"

Now, my amp is a IIc+ simul-class (upgraded one), and it has the 100 transformer. Is this information something I could give to a retailer to get "the right" power tubes? Simul-class says -56 and -46, but I don't know what it means.