SPAX7 question...

[clutch71]

I have a SPAX7 plus 4 Mesa 12AX7's. My amp is a 2ch Dual Rec.

Does the SPAX7 go in V1or V5. Does it matter?

 

[123thefirst]

You want to put the SPAX7 in V1. That's the first gain stage and the one that has the most effect on tone and is most sensitive to noise and microphonics.

 

[clutch71]

You want to put the SPAX7 in V1. That's the first gain stage and the one that has the most effect on tone and is most sensitive to noise and microphonics.

Thanks, I've swapped the tubes and I can run the gain back a little. The Sovtek 12AX7's that I had in there I really had to crank the gain. I still think the 5881WTX+ have a much later break up and want to put Mesa EL34's or STR-440's in it to return it to a semi original config before going nuts on other tube combinations.

I figure the Mesa's can always be back ups.

Anyone suggestions for power section/preamp combos? Got any sound samples to accompany those suggetions? Anyone?

 

[phaboo]

Have you tried the Tung Sol's? I'm not using a Boogie preamp any more (please don't kill me!) but I switched over to the Tung Sol's and I REALLY like the sound.

 

[clutch71]

I've tried the Silver Groove Tubes 12AX7's in V1-V4 w/ a JJecc83 in V5 with a JJ6l6 power section in an ROV. It was a nice warm/smooth break up that I really liked.

I like the Groove Tubes but I'll be retubing a DR and it would be pricey. Definitely looking warm/smooth/tighter DR sound at an affordable price. I guess the appeal of the GT's are you can pick them up about anywhere.

I will say that not only did I have to crank the gain w/ the Sovteks but the Vintage was unresponsive. The Mesa 12AX7's brought the vintage section and the Vaccum Rectifier tubes back to life. The Cleans were good though.

 

[Silverwulf]

I'm a huge fan of JJ's. I've used them in the preamps of all my amps, and they sound particularly good in my 2 channel Recto/Stiletto. Using a high gain set (I highly recommend using Bob at Eurotubes for great customer service), you'll get a tighter response and low end, more note articulation, and an improved clean channel. At least that has been my experience.

 

[clutch71]

Are they a later break up? I need something that breaks up early at a lower volume. I've looked through Bob's retube suggestions. What combo did you go with?

 

[domct203]

In my Roadster I really like the SED =C= 6L6GC over the Mesa STR-440 or JJ's. To me they have way more balls and smoother sizzle than the 440's, but don't mud up like the JJ's (not to knock the JJ's, they are a good sounding 6L6, better than the STR-440 IMO). When I really push the amp loud, IMO it sounds the clearest and tightest with the SED's.

I have a Tung-Sol RI in V1, a JJ high gain in V2, a Tung Sol RI in V3, and a Sovtek LPS in the PI. V4 & V5 are Mesa Russian 2 (EH). I had a Shuguang Chinese in V3 that sounded good, but the thin glass broke in the middle of rehersal. My back up Tung-Sol went in and I love it there.

I use a clean boost out front and have my Vintage and Modern gains around 1:30 with plenty of thick overdrive at good stage volumes. I'll use a hot plate for real small bar gigs if I have to.

Dom

 

[ToneAddictJon]

I'm a huge fan of JJ's. I've used them in the preamps of all my amps, and they sound particularly good in my 2 channel Recto/Stiletto. Using a high gain set (I highly recommend using Bob at Eurotubes for great customer service), you'll get a tighter response and low end, more note articulation, and an improved clean channel. At least that has been my experience.

+100 the high gain retube kits from eurotubes have worked wonders for me in my recto. Personally I go for the E34L's, just something I like about them.

 

[Rocky]

I found the E34L had good lows but lacked detail and chime. I went with STR 450 EL34s and have been much happier.

JJ's seem to be a total love em or leave em tube. They are so affordable and tough that I wish I could maake myself love 'em but I havent found JJ's that work for me.

 

[cant play pool with a rop]

I bet Sed=C='s power and Tung Sol pre's would really open that Dual up. Ya can't go wrong with =C= power tubes, especially for high gain and tightness.The Tung Sols are excellent new production high gain pre amp tubes. They were killer in my Dual,in fact this was my setup I had for power and pre and it was bitchin'. Check with Doug of Dougs Tubes, he's knowledgeable, honest and easy to do business with. I've had the Eurotube kit deal before and can't say I'm all for it. I do think the Kt-77s in the Stilletto Ace are by far the best power tubes yet. Good Luck bro and keep rockin' that auditorium :twisted:

 

[phaboo]

I bet Sed=C='s power and Tung Sol pre's would really open that Dual up. Ya can't go wrong with =C= power tubes, especially for high gain and tightness.The Tung Sols are excellent new production high gain pre amp tubes. They were killer in my Dual,in fact this was my setup I had for power and pre and it was bitchin'. Check with Doug of Dougs Tubes, he's knowledgeable, honest and easy to do business with. I've had the Eurotube kit deal before and can't say I'm all for it. I do think the Kt-77s in the Stilletto Ace are by far the best power tubes yet. Good Luck bro and keep rockin' that auditorium :twisted:

I REALLY like the Tung Sol's. I pulled the Audioglassics out of my Piranha's and replaced them with Tung Sol's and they sound amazing.