Would a Series Loop have less Negative effect on DR Tone?

[boogieslide]

So as jbird pointed out to me in another thread, having the FX loop on does compromise tone a bit.
I do not need the FX loop to actually run effects in, but would like to have it on to utilize the solo feature. So I am wondering, if the loop is modified to series would it help any? Or is the same sacrifice going to be there?

I retubed the entire amp and it is sounding better. So far I also believe the w/the FX loop on there is less of a negative difference. Maybe do to a better tube in the FX positions?
It now has SED 6L6s, a Tung Sol in V1, and the rest are 9th gen Chinese.
Before it was all JJ minus a Mullard in V1.

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

Just a question for you...off topic, I'm sorry, but you're just the guy to help!

How did the JJ's compare to the tubes you have in it now? I'm debating between a full retube of JJs and the Tung Sol and SED setup from the tube store.....

What differences did you notice when swapping? Which did you prefer?

 

[boogieslide]

I am much prefering the new tubes....SED, Tung Sol, Chinese.
Overall the tone is smoother. The high end is not as harsh and the amp seems to have a bit better dynamics. Low end is also tighter and punchier.
To be fair though....I have no idea how old the JJs are/were as they were in the amp when I got it used a little over a month ago. I believe they were fairly new, but have no way to verify that.

Next I am going to compare how the amp sounds with this preamp setup and a set of Ruby EL34s. I was liking the EL34s with the old preamp setup the other day.