preamp tubes: mesa vs EHX

[woody777]

Anybody compare these two tubes? Just curious what the tonal differences are.

 

[diaz]

Electro Harmonics you mean?

-D

 

[domct203]

Which Mesa tubes are you referring to?

The current offering of Mesa 12AX7 Russian-2 is an Electro Harmonix 12AX7.

The Mesa 12AX7 Russian-1 is a Sovtek, and is somewhat harsh sounding and blah with the harmonic content when compared to the EH.

Dom

 

[woody777]

Which Mesa tubes are you referring to?

The current offering of Mesa 12AX7 Russian-2 is an Electro Harmonix 12AX7.

The Mesa 12AX7 Russian-1 is a Sovtek, and is somewhat harsh sounding and blah with the harmonic content when compared to the EH.

Dom

Are the Mesa 12AX7 tubes really just relabled Electro Harmonix tubes?

 

[domct203]

Are the Mesa 12AX7 tubes really just relabled Electro Harmonix tubes?

Yes.

Mesa does not make tubes (same as Groove Tubes). They screen tubes from different vendors to meet their criteria.

Dom

 

[woody777]

so Mesa 12AX7 = Electro Harmonix 12AX7

What about Mesa 6L6 STR-440 and 5U4G Rectifier?

 

[diaz]

so Mesa 12AX7 = Electro Harmonix 12AX7

What about Mesa 6L6 STR-440 and 5U4G Rectifier?

12ax7 russian-1 = sovtek
12ax7 russian-2 = EH

I think 6L6 is sovtek as well.

I've have best sounds with EH 12ax7's and SED 6L6 wing-C tipped.

-D

 

[Rocky]

Groove tubes has started making a couple tubes in the last few years.

 

[domct203]

STR-440 = Chinese (by Ruby I believe)
STR-430 = Sovtek

As far as the 5U4GB I think they are all Sovteks, but could be mistaken.

The SED =C= SV6L6GC sound absolutly fantastic in my Roadster.

I've heard good things about the TAD's lately, but have not tried them myself (yet).

Dom