Preamp Tubes

[Daryl]

Interesting...

 

[tylerfreak]

Make sure the phase inverter is matched closely for best tone, and I know this is overgeneralizing, but in general i have found that preamp tubes when given the same voltage, the ones that glow brighter sound richer...at loud volumes tubes make little to no differtence..invest in a good cab and good speakers!

 

[KillTone]

There are a few things besides profit margin that sets NOS apart from new production tubes.

Until about 1985 most of the world's military forced depended to some degree on tube driven equipment. Tubes were made to military spec and many more quality control and assurance measures were used. Since lives no longer depend on a tubes performance the attention to detail is just not there any more.

Also, I think tube manufacturing creates some pretty nasty pollution/environmental issues (not sure though). Modern production would probably have to use some less than ideal alternatives in the materials and processes.

 

[Nightdare]

True Mil-Spec was top of the line in 1985, but even though we're talking about tubes, materials AND production have improved over 26 years
(the only preamp tube that ever failed me was a NOS JAN GE 5751 in 3 weeks)

And you may worry about 'global impact', well, all those replacing solidstate devices produce much of the same pollutuon and hazardous waste

 

[Mattfig]

Just thought I'd chime in again...The TungSolECC803S Gold pins are freaking amazing...I know all about why gold pins are a scam to an extent but the improvement in the tube itself being different than a standard TungSol is great...It gives back the low end you can sometimes lose with standards and still keep that nice high end that isn't ice picky at all...Don't get me wrong Tung Sol standards are still one of my faves, but it seems the upgrade for 10 extra bucks to the gold is worth it to me...Tube Depot sells them for 24 bucks and they're worth every penny...

And please allow me to add that the quality control on these is excellent....Each tube sounds consistent and delivers the same beautiful response...No more shuffling from module to module to find the one that likes each tube best....I've been using a high gainer in V2 for my gain monsters and they love it...

 

[KillTone]

No worries about "global impact" here. Just give me good tone - even if we have to kill a few spotted owls :lol: .

I am interested to hear if people generally are having better experiences with newer productions tubes. I see Matfig is, but I went to all vintage/NOS a few years ago because I was having problems with 12ax7s either sounding like crap or burning out - a few literally melting down. No problems with old American or European tubes so far.

Have the New Sensor (or other new production) products improved noticeably over the last few years?

 

[Mattfig]

No worries about "global impact" here. Just give me good tone - even if we have to kill a few spotted owls :lol: .

I am interested to hear if people generally are having better experiences with newer productions tubes. I see Matfig is, but I went to all vintage/NOS a few years ago because I was having problems with 12ax7s either sounding like crap or burning out - a few literally melting down. No problems with old American or European tubes so far.

Have the New Sensor (or other new production) products improved noticeably over the last few years?

Yes...I haven't had a burnout with any yet and some have been heavily used for months...No signs or sounds of degredation at all...Not with even one! Of course, now that I said that, they'll all take a *****....

 

[Nightdare]

I know all about why gold pins are a scam to an extent but the improvement in the tube itself being different than a standard TungSol is great.

Sure the gold is snake oil, but apparently we are talking about 2 (slightly) different tubes
I found a difference in tone as well when swapping gold pins vs normal in V1 of my RM4

 

[jitterybit]

Tube selection is to big difference as mic position/selection is to huge difference.

 

[Mike P]

Tube selection is to big difference as mic position/selection is to huge difference.

Mic selection, speaker selection and speaker cabinet selection are far more important than 12ax7 branding, especially in a Randall MTS system.