Tube Call Out... What Other Tubes Have You Used for Your Amp

[GieBoo]

Just a quick question here. When you have re-tubed your Boogie, what other tubes have you tried? Have you had any problems with the 'auto biasing' when you have used non-Boogie matched sets?

 

[domct203]

Just a quick question here. When you have re-tubed your Boogie, what other tubes have you tried? Have you had any problems with the 'auto biasing' when you have used non-Boogie matched sets?

What exactly do you mean by "auto biasing"?

All Simu-class and Class AB Mesa Boogie amps are non-adjustable fixed bias. The power tubes need to be selected to operate properly at Mesa's bias voltage spec's.

I've modified both my Roadster and Stiletto with adjustable fixed bias so I can run just about any tube the circuit can properly handle.

With that, I really like the SED =C= SV6L6GC in my Roadster (and MKV), and the JJ 6CA7 in my Stiletto. I usually get them from Doug's and he can pick them to operate properly in a Mesa. I've tried just about every octal power pentode in my Roadster and really feel it performs best (for me) with 6L6GC's. In the Stiletto I also like the JJ E34L, but the 6CA7 is my favorite.

Dom

 

[GieBoo]

Thanks Don. What I meant to say were tubes within the tolerances of Boogie's fixed bias.

 

[YellowJacket]

I am told the Mesa STR454 tubes I picked up are NOS Svetlana =C=s. I thought the =C= tubes were different from the 6L6 GCs which are the stock tubes that ship with all 6L6 based Mesas now. Sadly, I only picked up a duet of the STR 454s so I have them paired with 5881s, but I think I'll have to change the 5881s at some point.

I am also thinking about trying different tubes because I want more of a metal tone from my recto now.