Retube question about my Rectifier.

[ibanezgtr]

I just retubed my Dual Rect. 2 channel head. I used all Mesa preamp tubes replacing the Sovtek 12ax7wa's. Also I went with Mesa EL34 447's replacing the Mesa El34 442's. My old tubes were a couple years old. I find that I don't like my new tone as much, do tubes need to be broken in? I feel like I lost gain, and what do you guys think about the 442's compared to the 447's? Thanks

 

[Elpelotero]

tubes don't really need much break in time, if any at all. All of that should be done by the manufacturer and/or distributor. You probably just do not like the sound of those tubes. Not all tubes sound the same.

It's probably not the el34's. I would guess that you would have better luck returning the preamp tubes (specifically the one in the V1 slot) and going back to the old brand you like.

 

[fishyfishfish]

On the other hand, while tubes are "burned in" at the factory, they do settle in on the amp over time, or as I call it "begin the journey of death". Give 'em a couple of weeks and then decide.