Changing Tubes at Will

[qwerty123456789]

I've noticed that the Class 5 sounds pretty different depending on what power tube is in it. I was thinking of buying EL-84s from a couple of different brands and trying them out. I was thinking of playing each one for a day and then switching them out and deciding which one sounds best.

Is this safe? Will it hurt the tubes and/or the amp?

[surfnorthwest]

As long as you install another el84 the amp will be fine. Be careful you line up the pins so not to bend them.

I ran a TungSol in my head, might also try the Golden Lion tube.

[dukealexan]

Try the JJ EL844 it's a lower watt EL84. That's the one I've settled on http://www.eurotubes.com/eurotubes-EL84 ... tronic.htm

[shaun]

I have personally found that different valve/tube makers amount to jack shit. For me, an el34 sounds like an el34, and an el84 sounds like an el84. However an el844 in a Class 5 is a new ball game. More compression, gain,...

[ClassicRock88]

You must have a later version. I try to avoid changing tubes on mine because it is a massive PITA.

I agree though, that the C5 responds quite nicely to tube changes. Try a Mullard RI or a TAD in the amp (the TAD's are what ship stock in these and sound a bit fatter to my ears).