Pre amp valve question (surprise surprise!!)

[washburn 1]

Hi Guys
Currently running an MA50H with two cabs, 1x1936 v (on top) and a 1936 std. Had some TAD el34b-str in it which sounded wicked. One hot plated and had to put original Svets` back in (sound became a bit enclosed but thats all i have at present). Have also tried jjecc83S in one two and all three positions but didnt love them ( sounded much better in my Sound City).

Thought i would try a Tung Sol initially in P 1 but would welcome any suggestions on placement PLUS perhaps using the JJ (s) in any of the (other) positions to work with the Tung Sol , also keeping in mind the original chinese ax7s (bit of a mix potentially).Just wondered what i might achieve from different combinations?

ALSO,
I noticed that the Tung Sol that i`ve just ordered has seperate plates. I have a 12ax7 from an AVT 150h that appears to be the same build design and wondered if anyone knows anything about this tube, its original with Marshall print on it . Could it be anything special and worth using ? (did pop it in briefly) Did Marshall put a known good quality tube in that amp originally??

Should i try any other brand or design of tube instead along with what i already have at my disposal?

music, various rock from 70`s onwards (some metal)
OLD /DC RULE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry to ramble on , any thoughts would be great.

Cheers, Kev.

[frank9310]

Here's a really good article from Myles who is tube guru to the stars. http://www.guitaramplifierblueprinting. ... verter.pdf

[washburn 1]

Hi Frank

Thanks for your reply. I`ve just read the article and was typing a response when my **** computer decided to wipe it all off. Pity Marshall dont make computers. HaHa!! Must be off to bed now as working nights tonight. Will put something together then. If you could have a look sometime it would very much appreciated as i value your thoughts
Cheers for now.
Kev

Ps any thoughts on that AVT valve that looks to be the same type of design as the Tung???

[frank9310]

Sounds good Kev. I'm contacting Myles now to see about getting a matched inverter tube to go with a Sovtek 12AX7LPS in V1 with JJ ECC803S GOLD PIN V2 and either Sovtek 12AX7LPS or 12AX7LP or GT 12AX7M SAG for inverter.

This is that GT SAG Kit where they must run a scope on V1 and V2 to balance out the triodes in the inverter for supposedly superb sustain across the fretboard with clearer low and top end. http://www.guitarcenter.com/Groove-Tube ... 1389292.gc

Not sure how much of tha is hype but Myles is a well respected tube guru to many stars.

Not familiar with the AVT valve you mentioned.

[washburn 1]

Frank
Judging by your response i`m not sure whether you DID ACTUALLY receive the post that my computer appeared to wipe off earlier. Basically i was going to ask for your thoughts on which position you think might be best for the Tung. I was thinking of first trying it in the no.1 (input) position but could it be of more benefit in the tone stack (no, 2) or as phase inv`?? Are JJecc83S more suited to a particular position (along with the Tung) i did find them a bit dark and generally lacking when trying in various AND all positions (three at once).To me the original chinese sounded more lively and open. The amp needs to bite but not in an unruley manner. Although its a lower end amp i can get some pretty wicked sounds with it but i still want to nurture it to get better and better.I think it is worth it. Should i try other ax7`s? Had thought about an 803 but read somewhere that they can be noisy and possibly microphonic, but what can that type of valve do for the sound quality (tone)? Any thoughts??

Its my first forum (and a bloody good one!) and its a great way to swap ideas and gain knolwedge and understanding, although i dont have the techy know-how of you and many others. After all we all only do it for one reason. WE LOVE GUITARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (and Marshalls!)

Cheers, Kev.

[frank9310]

Hi Kev,
I dont think I did see your other post. I'm no preamp tube expert. I just ran across that article and thought it might be helpful. One thing Myles did say in his article is that he didnt think the JJ ECC83/12AX7 was very musical in V1 and he suggested I steer clear of anything from GT at the moment. Ive always liked the Tungsol tubes though and I think one of my favorite combinations that dougstubes.com recommended was either a JJ ECC83 or Penta ECC83 in V1, then a Tungsol reisue in V2 and a Sovtek 12AX7LPS in V3 and that combo sound beautiful in a JCM 800 combo. Best to buy a few diffent kinda and swap them in and out to see what works best to get the tone in your head right. http://www.dougstubes.com/preamp-tubes/ ... -7025.html

[washburn 1]

Frank

Thanks for your help.I will wait for the Tung to arrive and have a play-about. May invest in some others as well.

Cheers, Kev.