Matched Pairs vs Matched Quad

[Jedro]

The Mark 5 manual specifies, sort of, for matched pairs of power tubes. If I'm retubing, is there a difference between two matched pair and a matched quad?

Going with JJ E34L...

Also, anyone totally retube their amp and use some different combinations, power or preamp tube-wise?

Thanks
Jed

 

[eudaimonia02912]

It's probably best to have the two inner tubes and the two outer tubes matched, but as long as the tubes are within Mesa's acceptable range, it won't really matter. I tend to buy matched quads, but that's not really necessary. Right now I'm running SED EL34s in the outer sockets and TAD EL34B-STRS in the inner sockets. It sounds great. I have a mix of different brand pre-amp tubes.

 

[Jedro]

Yep. According to Eurotubes, a matched quad is the same thing.

I ordered a quad of E34Ls, a gold pin ECC83s and 6 regular ECC83s.

Looking forward to getting them in the amp and seeing what they can do.
Then it's time to speaker shop!

 

[screamingdaisy]

Your amp came stock with JJ ECC83s...

 

[Jedro]

Doh!

Ah well, I've another amp for those. But I remember breaking one in my MK5. Can't remember why I was removing the preamp tubes.

 

[screamingdaisy]

Either way, it's always good to have spares.