Mesa Quad +Tubes

[dmt]

Is the Quad preamp only supposed to take E83CC tubes or will I be able to mix and match 12AX7/12AT7/12AU7 tubes in there? I have quite a little stash of old preamp tubes from the 50/60's and I want to put em to good use.[/i]

 

[Anonymous]

An ECC83 is the European version of the North American 12AX7, so that's a direct replacement. The 12AU7 is lower in gain, but can also be directly replaced. As for the 12AT7, it differs a little in impedance, but 98% of the time can also be directly replaced (I use 2 12AT7s in my TR). Basically, you should be safe with any combination of 12AX7, 12AT7, 12AU7, 12AY7 or the European equivalent. More than likely, the 12AX7s / ECC83s will sound best, but it doesn't hurt to try other combinations.