I am tube-ally challenged

[BFC]

Hi Everyone,

I just found this place... been reading all morning and frankly, I'm a bit overwhelmed by the amount of knowledge here. I'm sure tube options have been beaten to death, but my head is about to explode from trying to filter through all the information on this forum.

I've owned my Mark IV for about 10 years, but honestly, I have next to no knowledge of how the things works. Obviously, I've read the manual (multiple times), but the operation of the preamp tubes is still a mystery to me.

I recently purchased 5 Tungsol 12AX7 tubes as replacements (possibly my first mistake?) and installed them... long story short, it didn't sound good and after swapping tubes back and forth I decided to put the Mesa tubes (yes, they are originals ) back in until I get this figured out.

Based on what I've read so far... I need a special "balanced(?)" tube for the V5 position?... but the rest are pretty much fair game? Is that correct? The one thing I can say for sure is that tone suffered with a Tungsol in the V1 position and I'm not sure why.

So basically I'm looking for some guidance. I'm looking for good distortion / crunch tone as that is what I play the majority of the time but I do enjoy a wide array of music and appreciate the versatility of the Mark IV. Should I start over and buy a package from eurotubes, Dougs, or...? Or can I work with the Tungsols?

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[rvschulz]

you are opening a can of worms for taste. but, i agree that a complete set of tungsol is probably not the way to go ... many others have had good dealings with other tube dealers -

i have dealt with Doug and think his set is a good to great starting point depending on the amp. I have 3 of his suggested tubes in v1, v3 and v4 of my Mark III - v2 is a JAN and v5 is a Sovtek LPS - i didn't get this one from him ... i like my tones.

tube search may open up to as much of an issue as dialing in the Mark IV !!!

 

[trem]

Rvschulz is right in that tube choice is a matter of taste. I disagree that you buying the Tung Sols is a mistake. In fact, you're doing the right thing ie. now you know you don't like them . New production tubes are relatively cheaper than old production tubes, so you can experiment a lot. You can put different tube brands on different positions, taking into account the role of each position.

As a rule of thumb, put the tube you like the best in V1, as this affects the tone the most. V1 also have to be the quietest. The rest is your ears to judge. Good luck.

Oh BTW, some old production tubes can be had for quiet cheap. I got my RCAs, Tungsrams and RFTs for less than 20 bucks. Don't close your options on these. They generally last longer, and you may also like the sound.

 

[BFC]

Thanks for your responses... I apologize if my post came off as "What tubes should I buy?" because I know that is a loaded question and ultimately depends on personal taste. I was more concerned that perhaps I made an error on my end because the performance of the Tung Sols in my amp is so poor.

But it's looking like I simply gambled on the Tung Sols and lost... so I'll just have to try something else.

 

[ja22y]

Actually 'tube tasting' is the fun part of chasing the 'grailtone'.
A certain tube will work in a certain slot and of a certain amp. There is no formula or the right/wrong way.
In the end what you'd need to do is to try a bunch. Just buy a tube and put it in a slot and hear it for yourself.
For new production, no matter what the label is, you have China and Russia, not sure where the JJ is made. Eventually you'll recorgnize the general characteristic of those.
Those Tungsols can work in the PI or tone stack so it's not a waste.
And remember that this is the fun part. :lol:

 

[mesaboogie6L6]

JJ's are made in Prague in the Czech Republic.

 

[MrMarkIII]

No, you don't need a special tube for the phase inverter (V5). That's just cork-sniffing nonsense.
Tube switching-around, or "tube rolling", is fun and easy. Insert tube of choice - if it sounds good, leave it in. Next!

 

[Gtr_Pkr]

I re-tubed my Triple Rectifier with EH Gold Pin 12AX7's and it sounds GREAT!! I did, unfortunately, have two of them go dead on me. Even in my Marshall's, I have had great success with Electro Harmonix tubes. I think few would disagree that the old school Mullard tubes also produce excellent tone. They can be pricy, but they are well worth the money. Good luck with your hunt!

 

[myqqy]

I've had good results from using jj tubes- but agree with the others that tube tasting can be a fun thing. I just got a great buy on some ruby 6l6's, and i'm going to try them with my 50 cal+ combo- it's a relatively inexpensive way to experiment with tone options..

 

[MusicManJP6]

I know this is about preamp tubes, but try some SED =C= 6L6s. They made a huge improvement in my tone. As for preamp tubes, i'm just now getting into NOS tubes. The RCA I started with in V1 sounds MUCH better than my stock mesa. The mesa sounded sterile in comparison! I'm a believer now. Haha.