Re-tube JP2C, which ones?
- Thread starter nwolfe88
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It would be nice to get my hands on some STR415. Not that much aware of the 6550A (STR418).
I am also running the 443s. I still have the stock 12AX7 (JJecc83) in my JP2C. Never had an issue with them. I am considering tube rolling in some other brands, a few NOS tubes like RFT12AX7, CV492, JAN GE 12AX7WC just to see what works best. I also have many other preamp tubes (current production varieties) to use.
STR441, too boomy for my taste.
NOS GT6L6GC-R (early SED=C=6L6) they sound great on clean. A bit fizzy on the high gain.
Is the STR415 really worth it. most available are used. Bummer.
I would personally avoid the JJ power tubes. I have had bad luck with them.
I am also running the 443s. I still have the stock 12AX7 (JJecc83) in my JP2C. Never had an issue with them. I am considering tube rolling in some other brands, a few NOS tubes like RFT12AX7, CV492, JAN GE 12AX7WC just to see what works best. I also have many other preamp tubes (current production varieties) to use.
STR441, too boomy for my taste.
NOS GT6L6GC-R (early SED=C=6L6) they sound great on clean. A bit fizzy on the high gain.
Is the STR415 really worth it. most available are used. Bummer.
I would personally avoid the JJ power tubes. I have had bad luck with them.
woodbutcher65
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STR 387s are virtually the same tube as the STR 415. And they can be had for a not outrageous price.
I have heard that the real "special tube requirement" of the STR 387 and 415 is that they be rated for reliable inverted use,
and are otherwise just 6L6GCs.
Mesa does have a small stock of NOS STR 415s, you have to call and ask about them, and be sure you're sitting down when they tell you the price. That is...this was true about a year or two ago. For all I know they may have run out.
I have heard that the real "special tube requirement" of the STR 387 and 415 is that they be rated for reliable inverted use,
and are otherwise just 6L6GCs.
Mesa does have a small stock of NOS STR 415s, you have to call and ask about them, and be sure you're sitting down when they tell you the price. That is...this was true about a year or two ago. For all I know they may have run out.
GJgo
Well-known member
I put this JP2C tube test together if you're interested.
Have you tried the 12AT7 in the PI position? I tried that myself but with a JAN/Phillips 12AT7 as I did not have the Tung Sol 12AT7 which is the better alternative to the Sino 12AT7 that Mesa had used in the past. The Tung Sol 12AT7 is what Mesa has used with the TT800 bass amp. However, I feel the JAN/Phillips 12AT7 has a more musical, organic sound compared to the Tung Sol 12AT7. I have used that preamp tube in my TT800 as well as other Mesa amps that had the Chinese Sino 12AT7 as originals (RA100, TC100/TC50). The JAN/Phillps was also the focus of attention in the Mark V saturation mod.
Also, have you tried the Mesa STR415 in this amp yet? I am considering getting a Quad of them just to hear the difference (assuming there is any). My JP2C is from the year of release so it has the other transformers.
Also, have you tried the Mesa STR415 in this amp yet? I am considering getting a Quad of them just to hear the difference (assuming there is any). My JP2C is from the year of release so it has the other transformers.
Not sure about the STR418. I did recently get a set of the STR415. Oh yeah. that is the holy grail.
As for the preamp, not sure really much will change. I still have the Mesa 12AX7A tubes (those are JJ ECC83s). I have tried some other tubes and have limited supply of a few NOS tubes. The Mesa stock tubes sounded better to me. If there are other preamp tubes worth trying, would like to find out too.
