JJ ECC803S works wonders in Rectoverb

[cyber104]

Hi All:

Just wanted to report that a JJ ECC803S in V1 of a Series 2 Rectoverb greatly enhances the clean channel. Throw a bit of EQ in front of it using a Boss GE7 and you can get some very good clean Fender "chime" out of it.

I was about ready to shelf this amp because the clean tone with the stock Mesa 12AX7 was so "ho hum".

Now, with this new tube, it is absolutely my favorite amp.

Just wanted to pass on some info in hopes that it might help others.

Chris

 

[ken361]

the 803 are pretty decent tubes, try a tungsol in the v1 yet?

 

[cyber104]

No - I haven't tried the Tungsol tube because - frankly - if I type Tungsol 12AX7 in Google I get so many hits that I'm not sure EXACTLY which one everyone is talking about? Am I looking for the 'reissue' , NOS, what?

If someone gave me a link to the tube everyone is talking about I'd like to give it a try.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[ken361]

http://www.dougstubes.com/preamp-tubes/12ax7-ecc83-7025/tung-sol-12ax7-re-issue.html

I always use these as a v1 then EI v2, this might have a little more gain but its pretty smooth

 

[cyber104]

Just wanted to follow up and report that the Tung Sol 12AX7 reissue sounds great in the Rectoverb as well.

I tried both the ECC803S and then the Tung Sol 12AX7 and both make the Rectoverb clean channel sing.

It's really as good as my Fender Super Reverb and Blackstar HT Stage 60 (well almost

But a HUGE improvement over a stock Mesa 12AX7

Chris

 

[70 Cam Guy]

http://www.dougstubes.com/preamp-tubes/12ax7-ecc83-7025/tung-sol-12ax7-re-issue.html

I always use these as a v1 then EI v2, this might have a little more gain but its pretty smooth

Great link!

Question for you guys, which version did you end up using? The standard one? I've seen the high gain version included in some retube kits too

Did the Ei make a noticeable difference? or did you do both at the same time?

 

[cyber104]

I only replaced V1 and I used the exact tube posted in the link.

For the JJ ECC803S - I used the gold pin version.

Both tubes sound great and frankly - I can't tell the difference between them.

However, the difference between the stock Mesa 12AX7 and either the JJ or the TungSol is stunning.

Hope this helps,
Chris

 

[ken361]

http://www.dougstubes.com/preamp-tubes/12ax7-ecc83-7025/tung-sol-12ax7-re-issue.html

I always use these as a v1 then EI v2, this might have a little more gain but its pretty smooth

Great link!

Question for you guys, which version did you end up using? The standard one? I've seen the high gain version included in some retube kits too

Did the Ei make a noticeable difference? or did you do both at the same time?

EI was smoother over the stock, standard Tungsol since the amp has plenty of gain