What if I don't want to put Mesa tubes in my dual rec?

[tomprs]

When I bought my dual rec back in 2001 it had Mesa str430 tubes (grey color code) in the power section. Then it was time for a change and, as I knew very little about tubes, I just went to a well-known amp tech and he changed the Mesas for Sovtek 5881 wxt's (I asked for these as I wanted a smoother sound at the time). I'd like now to order new tubes (JJ 6L6 GC) and do the change by myself as there is no need for biasing the amp BUT how do I know the ordered quad will have the correct value for the amp's bias??? I'm stuck!

Tom.

 

[jbird]

Any reputable tube dealer will/should know to match your sets after you tell them the amp it's going in!

 

[tele twister]

I would not want to put anything other than genuine Mesa authorized tubes in my amp. I would not trust anything else in there.
Maybe that is just me.

 

[Chester]

Tom

No issues with JJ's or any other brand you choose, provided they are properly rated for the fixed Mesa bias. I have been re-tubing my Mesa's for 20 years without issue, and used Watford Valves or Hot Rox (both based in the UK). Both will ship abroad

Have a look at Watford Valves website (http://www.watfordvalves.com/), and you will find Mesa Select options under most brand choices

For my Roadster, I use =C= or TAD 6L6's, both of which are excellent at providing complex harmonics and a smooth response (through my rig at my settings)

 

[ibmorjamn]

Tom

No issues with JJ's or any other brand you choose, provided they are properly rated for the fixed Mesa bias. I have been re-tubing my Mesa's for 20 years without issue, and used Watford Valves or Hot Rox (both based in the UK). Both will ship abroad

Have a look at Watford Valves website (http://www.watfordvalves.com/), and you will find Mesa Select options under most brand choices

For my Roadster, I use =C= or TAD 6L6's, both of which are excellent at providing complex harmonics and a smooth response (through my rig at my settings)

This is good info . I have a matched quad of Tad 6L6 gc I believe they are however they were purchased new from ebay. I have no idea what the values are.

 

[knotts]

If it isn't under warranty it doesn't much matter. As long as you get tubes rated for Mesa, you're good to go.

 

[ibmorjamn]

If it isn't under warranty it doesn't much matter. As long as you get tubes rated for Mesa, you're good to go.

Thanks knotts
Yeah , it's not under warranty.

 

[messville]

I had the same question as the OP, but who are the reputable dealers for tubes that the folks here use ?

 

[KiwiJoe]

I had the same question as the OP, but who are the reputable dealers for tubes that the folks here use ?

I know firsthand that Doug at Doug's Tubes knows what he's doing and will set you up with a correct, matching set. http://www.dougstubes.com

I've also heard good things about Eurotubes as well. https://www.eurotubes.com/?

 

[boardn10]

I only use JJ tubes. First thing I have done any time I got a new or used Mesa, is yank the tubes and install new JJ tubes!

 

[thunda1216]

Tube Depot can supply the correct tubes as well, just tell them you want a "middle" rated set.

 

[tomprs]

Tube Depot can supply the correct tubes as well, just tell them you want a "middle" rated set.

May I ask what is a "middle" rated set and why I should order this one for my dual rec?

 

[messville]

I had the same question as the OP, but who are the reputable dealers for tubes that the folks here use ?

I know firsthand that Doug at Doug's Tubes knows what he's doing and will set you up with a correct, matching set. http://www.dougstubes.com

I've also heard good things about Eurotubes as well. https://www.eurotubes.com/?

Thanks KiwiJoe, I will look into those sites

 

[thunda1216]

Tube Depot can supply the correct tubes as well, just tell them you want a "middle" rated set.

May I ask what is a "middle" rated set and why I should order this one for my dual rec?

the "middle" rated set falls into Mesa's bias range.

 

[Coker]

bob at eurotubes not only has matched tubes for mesa but you could look up your own amp and he has many different options to tailor your sound.

 

[Diezelmonster]

Ive had just about any and every brand in my duals. Ultimately I liked the older winged C 6L6 and chinese pres in my old ractifier and strategy 500 power amp. They worked very wel! But as long as you get the amp biased or pick tubes in the pre biased range then youll be golden!

 

[siggy14]

The new Tung Sol 6L6's sound really good in the rectos.