Re-tubing a 50/50.... JJ or Winged =C= 6L6GC?

[Hames]

I recently picked up a used Fifty/Fifty power amp. It has Mesa 6L6GC STR 420's in them. The previous owner, who had it for about 3 years didn't change them for the entire time he had it in his possession either.

While the tubes are old and dusty, the power amp seems to function fine. Clean and clear, the sound is quite nice but I would like to get as much tone out this thing as possible. So I'm considering a re-tube even if it's not absolutely essential.

Well....the high end break-up isn't exactly too pleasing on the ears when I crank it. I would like the mids to be more organic if that's possible. This may also be due to the fact I need to re-tube the Quad Pre-amp I'm using it with.

JJ 6L6GC's seem to be the knee-jerk alternative for this kind of power amp. Winged C's also seem to be popular. I have no idea though what the differences are.

You guys got any other suggestions?

Also, is it worth replacing the input driver and phase tubes with "hi-fi" like tubes such as JJECC83S or Sovtek LPS?

 

[HipKitty]

Are you looking for less of a high end on breakup? If so, you may want to consider a 5881 output tube. These typically breakup earlier, but they are a darker sounding tube...specifically the "new" Tung Sol 5881.

Also, you may want to consider the Tung Sol 12ax7a for the phase inverter...if the breakup is too much, consider changing out to a 12at7 instead of the 12ax7a....try the Electro Harmonix 12at7. Mesa's are really good...just buy from a reputable dealer that pre-tests for noise and microphonics.

The general consensus from many of my clients is that the JJ's are better suited for a Marshall type sound..might be a little too much for what you may be looking for.

Let us know what you decide on and your thoughts after the change.

 

[Paul Secondino]

I prefer the SED's in my 50/50 . I think it's a fuller sounding tube without compromising any frequencies. The JJ is a little darker but still good. I prefer those in the Mesa 290 instead of the 50/50

FOr phase inverter, I'm using a JJ balanced 12ax7 but not sure of the other two. I 'd have to open the top to see what I put in there

 

[fuzzypuke]

I used to have some JJs in My mark 3. Put some Winged Cs in it and it sounded fuller...at least to my ears.

 

[Hames]

Thanks for the responses. I think I'll order some Winged C's once I've paid off my damn credit card debt.

 

[dodger916]

Are winged C's made by Svetlana?

Further research: SED makes them?

Thanks

 

[Mr_You]

Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong..

I believe SED is making tubes in the original Svetlana factory and/or retains the Svetlana designs (thus making identical or similar tubes branded Winged C) and New Sensor only owns the Svetlana brand name.

If I recall my earlier research, these SED Winged Cs/Svetlana 6L6 tubes had the best comments over all and I might consider them some day.