Audiokill
Well-known member
I recently purchased what was touted to be a matched pair of Mesa Str-416 6CA7s with plenty of life left on them. But considering the money I paid, I'm a bit let down. They were supposed to replace the Str-447 EL34s in my C+, but I think I prefer the 447s, which are tighter, punchier, and more articulate. In comparison, the 416s are loose, overly gainy/warm, somewhat noisy and sort of messy sounding. Feedback is a problem at higher volumes...more so than other tubes. I expected more headroom, more growl, more awesomeness, but it's not quite there.
They aren't all bad, though. The 416s do have richer overtones and yield extra-crunchy palm muting that is pleasant to the ear. I just have a hard time believing that Mesa-rebranded Sovteks could give this legendary tube a run for its money unless something was amiss.
So, does this describe the Str-416s in your C+? Did my seller lie about these tubes being matched, fresh, or in excellent condition? Or did I just buy into the hype?
They aren't all bad, though. The 416s do have richer overtones and yield extra-crunchy palm muting that is pleasant to the ear. I just have a hard time believing that Mesa-rebranded Sovteks could give this legendary tube a run for its money unless something was amiss.
So, does this describe the Str-416s in your C+? Did my seller lie about these tubes being matched, fresh, or in excellent condition? Or did I just buy into the hype?