JJ ECC83-S -VS- JJ ECC83-S Gold

[Encore]

I'm going to replace preamp valves in my Vintage Modern 2466.
Did somebody tried these gold pin ECC83-S? Is it worth paying $100 for gold ECC83 instead of $50 for original ECC83-S.
I also want to change my Shuguang KT-66's with JJ KT-66. JJ valves looks to be better quality than chinese Shuguangs.. I mean visually.

[JCM900MkIII]

Gold pins = snakeoil.

For sure, those tubes sound differently. But mainly because they have passed certain selection criteria.

Goldplated copper is still copper, just a little more shiney....

[rineanna]

Gold pins = snakeoil.

For sure, those tubes sound differently. But mainly because they have passed certain selection criteria.

Goldplated copper is still copper, just a little more shiney....

+1

[Encore]

The guy who sells JJ valves said that these ECC83 Gold are just more noiseless than the original ones and there is no need to buy 4 gold ECC83. He recommended to put 2 gold pins in V1 & V2 and 2 original ECC83 in V3 & V4.
I've searched some info on these gold ECC83 and that's what people say, there is reason to put gold ECC83 in V1 only.

For example here is what I found on sevenstring.org forum.

I've used the JJ ECC83s for over 10 years, and recently have tried the gold pin versions in several amps. I definitely have found it to be a nice improvement over the original especially in the V1 position. It adds a little more of a rich, smooth sound without sacrificing cut or attack. It's now my go-to V1 tube in place of the JJs and Tung-Sols I used previously there.

In the other slots though I just use regular JJ ECC83S. I found the gold pins to be overkill when put in all positions.

[Cousin Muely]

"Gold" may be a marketing term for sure but I do find that there tone matches there discription. A little smoother than the standards. I dont think I would call them "snake oil". I have used them. They're worth the $ if they nail what you are after tonewise. Tubes are like bubble gum. You are going to have to pick through them to find what you like.

[burnsy]

I wouldn't bother with 'gold pins', 'cryo treated' or whatever the latest gimmick handed over from the hi-fi world happens to be. Just get good valves that sound good to you. I don't think you need to stray too far from the Shuguangs already fitted to your VM. Maybe try some different options in V1 but leave the others alone.
I wouldn't go near the JJ Kt-66's myself - I believe these require the bear trap retainers to be replaced and do not provide any advantage over the stock valves.

[surfnorthwest]

No JJ tube is worth even $20, they suck IMO. Two preamp tubes that sound very good in the vintage modern are the;

Tung-Sol
http://thetubestore.com/tungsol12ax7.html

and my favorite are these 7025 tubes
http://thetubestore.com/preferred7025.html

[Encore]

Today I've got these JJ valves. I have put two ECC83 Gold in V1 & V2, and original ECC83 in V3 & V4.
First of all I've got a lot more gain and I don't need any boost now! I bought a Monster Rock guitar cable yesterday and this will be the only thing between my guitar and Vintage Modern for sure! I don't know if JJ's are shit compared to other valves but as the replacement for stock marshall valves they are great! And there is less noise coming from this gold pins valves if compared with stock marshall valves.
I'm not saying that JJ's are best.. It just worked for me. It's first time that I replaced preamp valves and I've got that improvement in tone that I expected.. So maybe next time I'll try some Tung-Sol or other valves.

Thanks for your advices guys!