when did mesa switch to JJ pres?

[purpledc]

Ive been readin a lot that Mesa is using JJ pre's in the Mark V buy my amp (made in 09') has the mesa branded 12ax7a. Any idea why they switched, or if that is even true?

 

[domct203]

Ive been readin a lot that Mesa is using JJ pre's in the Mark V buy my amp (made in 09') has the mesa branded 12ax7a. Any idea why they switched, or if that is even true?

Yes, the current Mesa 12AX7 is indeed a relabeled JJ. I'm not sure when they made the switch, my '07 Roadster had Mesa labeled Electro-Harmonix, my '10 MKV had the Mesa labeled JJ's.

My guess is that they switched for reliability issues as all the New Sensor brands (Sovtek, EH, Tung-Sol reissue) have proven unreliable in cathode follower usage.

Although the MKV does not use cathode follower circuits, alot of other Mesa amps do and it is just easier to stock one brand of 12AX7.

Dom

 

[thunder100]

Sorry to divert the thread

Are JJ's bad,better,different sounding?

Thanks for a light in the tunnel as soon I have to buy a new set

Roland

If there is choice and difference I like to enhance the Mark I Normal BF type of sound

 

[purpledc]

Sorry to divert the thread

Are JJ's bad,better,different sounding?

Thanks for a light in the tunnel as soon I have to buy a new set

Roland

If there is choice and difference I like to enhance the Mark I Normal BF type of sound

I like JJ power tubes a lot but I seek out the Groove tube rated JJ's so that if I have to send my amp in Mesa Is cool with it. I dont think JJ's are good or bad. They are simply a different flavor. JJ pres are noted for being very gainy and in many cases can help smooth out a harsh preamp section. Or in rare cases can make it worse. JJ has many fans and many haters. I think its a matter of taste and dont like to promote nor detract from their wares. I will say this though. I dont believe JJ's are the end all be all in tubes like a certain retailer would have you believe. Some people preach JJ's as the cure all and end all be all in any type of tube manufactured today. I think as far as EL84's and El34 (e34L for the jj) tubes JJ makes the best. Again that is for my ears. As for 6l6 I actually prefer other brands. Its simpliy a mater of taste. Are you pepsi or coke guy. Or maybe neither and you want a Dr. Pepper. One thing is for sure. There is NO tube company that makes all solid winners. Especially when you consider how subjective tone really is.

 

[thunder100]

I like JJ power tubes a lot but I seek out the Groove tube rated JJ's so that if I have to send my amp in Mesa Is cool with it. I dont think JJ's are good or bad. They are simply a different flavor. JJ pres are noted for being very gainy and in many cases can help smooth out a harsh preamp section. Or in rare cases can make it worse. JJ has many fans and many haters. I think its a matter of taste and dont like to promote nor detract from their wares. I will say this though. I dont believe JJ's are the end all be all in tubes like a certain retailer would have you believe. Some people preach JJ's as the cure all and end all be all in any type of tube manufactured today. I think as far as EL84's and El34 (e34L for the jj) tubes JJ makes the best. Again that is for my ears. As for 6l6 I actually prefer other brands. Its simpliy a mater of taste. Are you pepsi or coke guy. Or maybe neither and you want a Dr. Pepper. One thing is for sure. There is NO tube company that makes all solid winners. Especially when you consider how subjective tone really is.

Thanks purpledc

What preamp tubes are you favorite and even tiny difference why.
I know of course that also the poweramp tubes colur a lot,but starting point for me is preamp

Thanks

Roland

 

[rabies]

I've tried multiple brands of preamp tubes including telefunken diamonds and there are some subtle differences b/n them all including gain and (lack of) microphonics. longevity may be another difference.

that whole preamp tube "cocktail" seems like a massive experiment, not to mention the balanced PI thing, but i'd guess that it's ok to use JJ for power section but not *all* JJ for preamp section. lots of guys use tungsol in V1.

 

[KH Guitar Freak]

Haven't tried EHs in my Mark V, but I hands down like those EHs over the JJs in my Roadster...