Tube for 2:90? STR-430/STR-440...

[616]

My 2:90's 6L6 (STR 430) are "05 AC GRY".
But STR-430 is no longer available...
Anyone can tell me which Sovtek 6L6 will be fit without re-Biasing??? :?

Best regards,

 

[disassembled]

Why not go with the STR 440?

Greg

 

[616]

Why not go with the STR 440?

Greg

Thanks Greg,

Well, I know it's the easiest way to do but STR 440 isn't Sovtek...
I'm happy with the toen at the moment do not want to change.

Regards,

 

[dodger916]

What's the diference between STR 440 and 430? 430's came with the used Mark IV I bought.

 

[disassembled]

THere have been problems (i would say more so recently) with the Russian tubes Mesa has been using (IE Russian 2 preamp tubes, STR 430 6L6 tubes) and I think they are gravitating more towards modern Chinese tubes (IE STR 440's).


Personally, I think the STR 440's sound better than the 430's and seem a little more well made (I just mutilated my thumb through an STR 430 last week and am not happy!!) with thicker glass and a sturdier feel. You will also note that the STR 440's do not glow as much as STR 430's and I believe this is do to the quality of the vacuum created in the tube.


The STR 430's (IE Sovtek/EH) are really cheap tubes and can be bought from any major music store or tube vendor.

To the OP:

If you want Mesa tubes you will have to wait for someone to sell new old stock 430's or buck up and try some STR 440's. You do not HAVE to buy Mesa branded tubes but make sure you buy from a place that tests their own tubes and can get you an octet that will Bias properly in the 290.

I recommend emailing doug @ dougstubes.com and see what he recommends.


Greg

 

[AdmiralB]

the STR 440's do not glow as much as STR 430's and I believe this is do to the quality of the vacuum created in the tube.

Has nothing to do with vacuum - just a matter of how far the filament extends above and below the cathode.

 

[mARKw]

Hmmm. In reference to 430s and 440s; I wonder why the guy here in Australia said "The much sought after 430s"? I thought they must have been better. There you go.

 

[616]

Thanks guys!

I ordered STR440 to avoid all the pain in the ass about tube...
Well, see what I'm going to think about Chinese 6L6 :wink:

 

[616]

Please report on the replacement.

Ok guys!

I got STR-440 10 AC Yellow!!
Because, They are only choice I had...
I could order "05 AC Gray" but takes soooooo long to get!!
Buying things in UK is so stressfull.

Anyway, first impressions about STR440s are...
Got more gain and little bit of harsh-ness.
It maybe I used last set of STR-430s about a year and they may had a little worn then lost bit of highwhich my ear got used to it...

Or, 10 AC Yellow is hotter than gray...???

Ｎｅｖｅｒｔｈｅless,
2:90 is the best matching power amp with 3+SE preamp.
I have used VHT 2/90/2 is more scooped sound to my ear.
2:90 has more beefy mids and musical balls.