nos for the first time!!!!

[normandk7]

Hi,
I think i just discover how much a difference tubes can make in an amp sound. I think i'm ready to pay a little more for tubes.
I'm looking at Jan Phillips 12ax7wa (49$) or TungSol gold ecc803s (27$) at the Tube store.
I want to try one of these tube in V1 of my mark iv.
You expert of nos tubes, what do you think would be a fine choice for a biginner like me.
Now, i have mesa stock 12ax7 and it's way to buzzy (high and low end)for me.I've tried chinese too and it's all the same. I'm sure that there is something somewhere that sounds better...
Thanks!

 

[ShamefulAddiction]

www.tubedepot.com

 

[normandk7]

These tubes are AWESOME for your V1. And I've bought tubes from this seller in the past.

It's an RFT ecc83. GREAT TUBE!!

Is there a website where i can order it directly and pay with visa. I've never buy on ebay....Maybe i'm to old for this...that's what my son told me....ahahahah!!!!

 

[normandk7]

Thanks...
35$ is a price that i can afford.
If i put it in v1, is it enough or should i order more for other spot (v2-v3 ???)
Normand.

 

[Timbre Wolf]

If I may ask, what kind of music are you playing?

That's a good question - one that is best asked before making a recommendation for a tube like the RFT, which is what I would consider an extreme character.

Normand, if less buzz is your goal, the RFT will do it. But it will not allow for transparent cleans. You may be better going with the new-production "Tung-Sol" which is not buzzy and fuzzy, in my experience. Or try an old, original Tung-Sol, which is very clear and lean.

That Philips ECG 12AX7WA is good for power chords: tight bottom, frisky highs, and sort of blurry mids.

- Thom

 

[goodwill559]

Thom, you sound like you know the subject, does using NOS power tubes make much sonic difference? Specifically EL34's and 6l6's...
I think I've read that they have better longevity than modern production, but don't recall descriptions regarding the sound of NOS power tubes.

thanks,

If I may ask, what kind of music are you playing?

That's a good question - one that is best asked before making a recommendation for a tube like the RFT, which is what I would consider an extreme character.

Normand, if less buzz is your goal, the RFT will do it. But it will not allow for transparent cleans. You may be better going with the new-production "Tung-Sol" which is not buzzy and fuzzy, in my experience. Or try an old, original Tung-Sol, which is very clear and lean.

That Philips ECG 12AX7WA is good for power chords: tight bottom, frisky highs, and sort of blurry mids.

- Thom

 

[normandk7]

Hey,
I play all kind of music but i want a tight heavy sound. Even in pop songs, i like to have a lead sound that is full and focus.
The problem with the tubes i use now is on my first string with the very high notes....it's not as sweet as i want for the ears.
I have a tung sol reissue on my combo (mark 4) and its better but i'm searching for a little bit more of that sound (a creamy sound)
Hey..my main language is French so it's a little difficult for me to explain exactly what i want...sorry
And thanks a lot for all the answer. It surely will help me

 

[Timbre Wolf]

i'm searching for a little bit more of that sound (a creamy sound)

Well, looks as if Shredd6 nailed it! The RFT ECC83 is definitely creamy, and may be just right for you. Try one in V1.

- Thom

 

[Timbre Wolf]

Thom, you sound like you know the subject, does using NOS power tubes make much sonic difference? Specifically EL34's and 6l6's...
I think I've read that they have better longevity than modern production, but don't recall descriptions regarding the sound of NOS power tubes.

Yes, new-production and/or NOS power tubes do audibly influence your overall sound. Speaker choice also does so, by the way, even more so. You can check out some power tube reviews at Watford Valves' site - just click on the reports (and add a grain of salt).

I primarily use 6L6G tubes, 'cause they sound best to me. But you can't use them in any Mesa amps. I also use 6F6G, 6G6G, 6V6G, 6V6GT, 6L6GA, 6L6GB, 5932, 5881, 6550, KT-66, EL34, 6CA7, 6BQ5, and EL83 output tubes, but mostly stick to EL84 and 6V6GT amps (other than 6L6G in my tweed Bandmaster inspired Richter 5E7+).

When I had a Mesa 2:90 power amp, I modded it for adjustable bias, and bought NOS GE 6L6GC (back in the mid-90s, when they were affordable). I do recommend the bias mod, but urge you to experiment with current-production output tubes. There are some great options for new power tubes now. Check out New Sensor's "Genalex" KT-77, for instance.

- Thom

 

[goodwill559]

Right on.

thanks, !

 

[normandk7]

I just ordered 2 RTF ECC83 for my 2 amps.
I can't wait to try it in v1...
Thanks!!!
I will give you my feedbacks when it comes in.

 

[Timbre Wolf]

I just ordered 2 RTF ECC83 for my 2 amps.
I can't wait to try it in v1...
Thanks!!!
I will give you my feedbacks when it comes in.

Please do - you'll definitely tell a difference with the RFT.

- T

 

[goodwill559]

Hey, me too!

I just ordered 2 RFT's and I'm looking forward to trying them out.

 

[GIG4FUN]

If I may ask, what kind of music are you playing?

That's a good question - one that is best asked before making a recommendation for a tube like the RFT, which is what I would consider an extreme character.

Normand, if less buzz is your goal, the RFT will do it. But it will not allow for transparent cleans. You may be better going with the new-production "Tung-Sol" which is not buzzy and fuzzy, in my experience. Or try an old, original Tung-Sol, which is very clear and lean.

That Philips ECG 12AX7WA is good for power chords: tight bottom, frisky highs, and sort of blurry mids.

- Thom

What are "transparent cleans"?

thank you

 

[Timbre Wolf]

What are "transparent cleans"?

thank you

The opposite of murky/blurry/congested/indistinct/unclear, etc. You can distinguish every aspect of the note, and not just arrive at its presence by conjecture or context. Like looking through a fine Zeiss lens, rather than the bottom of a cheap water glass. You'd know it if you heard it.

- T

 

[GIG4FUN]

What are "transparent cleans"?

thank you

The opposite of murky/blurry/congested/indistinct/unclear, etc. You can distinguish every aspect of the note, and not just arrive at its presence by conjecture or context. Like looking through a fine Zeiss lens, rather than the bottom of a cheap water glass. You'd know it if you heard it.

- T

ok.... I think that is something good in my view. It is interesting to understand a sound given words. A respected member here PM'd me a tube choice he liked and I was considering it. It does involve the RFT tubes. I have spent $1103 dollars on tubes in two months. I was being prudent before buying three of the RFT's

Thank you.

 

[dodger916]

I have spent $1103 dollars on tubes in two months. I was being prudent before buying three of the RFT's

Thank you.

Ouch! Is this an academic endeavor or do you find your tone lacking? Are you sure it's not your amp(s) and not the tubes?

 

[GIG4FUN]

I have spent $1103 dollars on tubes in two months. I was being prudent before buying three of the RFT's

Thank you.

Ouch! Is this an academic endeavor or do you find your tone lacking? Are you sure it's not your amp(s) and not the tubes?

Thank you for stepping in to help me. That's one of the great things about this board.

First off, I'm 50 so money is easy to come by now. I have been playing guitar since 1964. I can redeam tone from garbage. I have more gear than some music stores, which means I have a very large quantity of tube amps of various manufacture. Some days I like to be alone with them and give them the best I can. Albeit expensive, a carefully chosen peramp tube and carefully chosen speaker can bring a smile to my face. I enjoy bringing up the corners of my mouth.


I used to call up Bob at Eurotubes and buy kits for the amps. In the last few months I have been reading on the Internet and talking with members here about tubes. I have always been happy with my sound, I just have been learning how to spend a bit more money, so now I am exercising my knowledge. I like to spend money on things I love.

In my view there's a finite number of NOS tubes out there. If I find something I will buy it and consider myself lucky to have it out of the way. I don't want to be scrambling for them when the market is dried up. They cost enough already. I also collect cars my friend. This music stuff is small beans compared.
I wanted and found NOS Sylvania 6L6 415's found them bought eight.
I wanted NOS pre-amp section that Shredd6 worked through discovering the "Classic Rock Sound" for me. I bought three full sets of those tubes (fifteen).
I wanted to try a NOS Telefunken. I found one that was old and strong, bought it.
I thought, let's see what these Tung-Sols are all about. There seems to be a lot of talk here lately about the re-issue, I bought five.
I use Sylvania 12ax7a in V1 on my 2C+. I found an old, very strong (108/110) one, and though I have two spares I bought it, so now I have three

The above comes to $1103. I have a high number of tube amps. I have a long life ehead of me I suppose. At this point in time some of my stuff are just monuments of unlived life.

 

[goodwill559]

Reading that post put a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing that, gig4fun.

I really like the part about car collecting v. tube collecting, which is why I am no car collector!!

You do have a long life ahead of you and there's no better way than to spend it than by loving every minute of it.

:mrgreen:

edit: P.S. I notice also that you're a "Donating Member." Niice!

 

[dodger916]

I have spent $1103 dollars on tubes in two months. I was being prudent before buying three of the RFT's

Thank you.

Ouch! Is this an academic endeavor or do you find your tone lacking? Are you sure it's not your amp(s) and not the tubes?

Thank you for stepping in to help me. That's one of the great things about this board.

First off, I'm 50 so money is easy to come by now. I have been playing guitar since 1964. I can redeam tone from garbage. I have more gear than some music stores, which means I have a very large quantity of tube amps of various manufacture. Some days I like to be alone with them and give them the best I can. Albeit expensive, a carefully chosen peramp tube and carefully chosen speaker can bring a smile to my face. I enjoy bringing up the corners of my mouth.


I used to call up Bob at Eurotubes and buy kits for the amps. In the last few months I have been reading on the Internet and talking with members here about tubes. I have always been happy with my sound, I just have been learning how to spend a bit more money, so now I am exercising my knowledge. I like to spend money on things I love.

In my view there's a finite number of NOS tubes out there. If I find something I will buy it and consider myself lucky to have it out of the way. I don't want to be scrambling for them when the market is dried up. They cost enough already. I also collect cars my friend. This music stuff is small beans compared.
I wanted and found NOS Sylvania 6L6 415's found them bought eight.
I wanted NOS pre-amp section that Shredd6 worked through discovering the "Classic Rock Sound" for me. I bought three full sets of those tubes (fifteen).
I wanted to try a NOS Telefunken. I found one that was old and strong, bought it.
I thought, let's see what these Tung-Sols are all about. There seems to be a lot of talk here lately about the re-issue, I bought five.
I use Sylvania 12ax7a in V1 on my 2C+. I found an old, very strong (108/110) one, and though I have two spares I bought it, so now I have three

The above comes to $1103. I have a high number of tube amps. I have a long life ehead of me I suppose. At this point in time some of my stuff are just monuments of unlived life.

You and I are in the same boat!

Hey: How do you like the 415s??