what tubes for my Studio Caliber DC2 ?

[boogynite]

Hi

I recently changed all preamp tubes for jj 12ax7 but the sound is not as good as mesa tubes
what is the best tube setup for Studio Caliber or DC 2 ?

 

[GD_NC]

My DC-2 has Electro Harmonix Russian [probably made by Sovtek?] tubes in the pre-amp and fresh set of Sovtek EL-84's. I'm very happy with it. Very smooth distortion. I had JJ's all around in my DC-3 and they seemed little harsh in comparison.

 

[GD_NC]

...and I just noticed that was your 1st post. Welcome to the board!

 

[boogynite]

Yes! I am a Newbee
I own this DC2 since 2005 and it 's really cool !
very beautifull clean, and Santana-esque overdrive (to dirty rock'n roll, too)

I tried with an Electro Harmonix I had in spare in V1, and the clean is much more clearer !! good advice
but the problem is still the lead channel : very muddy with JJ

 

[boogynite]

and what about the mesa 12ax7 ?
what brand is it ? sovtek lps or chinese

maybe i should buy a set of them

 

[rocksalt7]

I had ALL new JJs in mine when I got it and it didn't sound too bad; just kind of plain with no character. I kept the JJs for power tubes, but mixed and matched the preamps until I got the sound I was after. Now I'm golden!! Here's what worked for me:
V1=12ax7eh
V2=12ax7 Tung Sol
V3=12ax7 JJ
V4=12ax7eh
V5=12at7 JAN (Sylvania)
V6=12ax7 JJ

Good luck with your quest...It's kinda fun changing out tubes to get different tones out of these little monsters!! And by the way....welcome to the board! :mrgreen:

 

[boogynite]

cool !
thank you for your advice
I think i am going to buy a tung sol to try in my peavey 5150 and DC2

any other tube set ?

 

[Ripper]

Miy choice: EH 12ax7 for pre tubes, Solvek EL84M for power tubes.