NOS preamp tubes for #102 - opinions please?

[rogb]

Well my 50w 102 is finished, a few NOS resistors added from Markoparts, though he hasn't many Dumble values left.

The voltages are good after installation of a 30v Zener, but I would like to finish this off with 3 nice preamp tubes. Plenty of Mullard ECC83 available in the UK, but the USA seems to have the best selection of 12AX7 for v1, v2 v3.
Amperex, Raytheon, Telefunken?

ISTR a comparison made by Gil (might be wrong) comparing new produrion preamp vs. NOS Siemens ( or something similar)

Any advice would be welcome. Also where to source them too.I am happy with my TAD 6L6WGC-STR power tubes so those are staying.

I can see the finish line, just need some NOS to complete.

PS I have spent little time with this amp as I am finishing up my 2204 build, could be running by Thursday

[amplifiednation]

Rog, I think there's a ton of opinions on here about the best tubes for the Dumble clones, but I've always had to find the right combination that lined up my voltages right. I bought or traded for a few selections of 25+ NOS or ANOS and use them to roll through when I tube an amp. If you hit up ebay you can usually find an auction or two with off-brand mullards or amperex, like The Fisher, Bogen, Bel, etc. Those are nice and cheaper than the branded tubes, and are the same thing. Usually the branding wipes off anyway!

I think it helps to have a bunch to choose from vs deciding before you buy what will work.

Also, to find a nicely matched NOS PI tube can be difficult without testing

So buy 9-10 NOS tubes and roll through them...you can't really go wrong. The old Holland stuff is great, but the vintage USA stuff is just as tasty IMO

[CHIP]

When I roll tubes through my D copy amps, I usually end up always gravitating towards GE 12ax7a
in V1, Amperex in V2, and Telefunkin smooth or ribbed plate (matched triodes) in V3.
Yours ears may vary.

[rogb]

Great information guys, thanks!
Dunno if I can roll so many tubes Taylor, they are like about $40 each
But I did get my voltages good by rolling new stock through v1-3.

It would be so useful if you could ask the vendor for tubes that have "x" or "y" readings
Anyway I found a guy on ebay and have asked him for a set of 3 for v1- 3.

GE, Amperex and Funkin'.

[ToneMerc]

If I could do it all over again, I would have built two less amps and purhased one of these.

http://www.amplitrex.com/at1000.html

TM

[rogb]

If I could do it all over again, I would have built two less amps and purhased one of these.

http://www.amplitrex.com/at1000.html

TM

Wow be great if you were starting a "tubes r'us"

I just contacted Dave at Arizona Tube so maybe I will get a good set from him.

[jelle]

If I could do it all over again, I would have built two less amps and purhased one of these.

http://www.amplitrex.com/at1000.html

TM

Yes, that would be a serious time saver!

[David Root]

If you look in the Dumble Discussion section for "Long Plate verses (sic) Short Plate" you'll find a very interesting discussion related specifically to ODS, for the most part.

Clear winner from that for the PI is T'Funken long plate, with runner ups Raytheon long black plate and GE long black plate.

V1 & V2 was more mixed, but largely USA long black plates and Euros. In another thread, Scott Lerner (dogears) who has EJ-like hearing, said, specifically for a 102, matched T'Funken in the PI, Mullards & Bugle Boys in V1 & V2, STR 387 or STR 415 in the power slots.

Check that out and start rolling!

I'm just finishing my own 102 and am going to start with a NOS quad of Mesa STR-415, long ribbed plate T'Funken in PI, long plate Mullard in V2 and long plate Bugle Boy in V1. Probably a T'Funken in the buffered loop slot too. (I recently got four long ribbed plate T'Funkens from a good seller on Fleabay, three of them are almost perfectly matched! I could hardly believe it).

[rogb]

1x GE 12AX7 for V1 - clean preamp
1x Amperex 12AX7 for V2 - overdrive stage
1x 12AX7 Telefunken smooth or ribbed with balanced triodes for the phase inverter
V3.

This what I've asked Dave for - also bid on a few more tubes on eBay - supposed to be like a Siemens - RTF ??????

[David Root]

RTF--reminds me, a long time ago Brandon (Mr. Bludotone) said here that his personal favorites were a '50s Mazda in V1, a '50s RTF in V2 and a long plate GE in the PI. He bought them from the same guy I buy NOS NIB tubes from, Gregg Levy. I have talked with Gregg and he confirmed that. BTW Gregg is a mountain of experienced knowledge about tubes for guitar amps.

I have the Mazda and the RTF but I seem to prefer Mullards and Amperex. I should put them on the rolling list for my 102 though.

[rogb]

RTF--reminds me, a long time ago Brandon (Mr. Bludotone) said here that his personal favorites were a '50 Mazda in V1, a '50s RTF in V2 and a long plate GE in the PI.

RTF sounds good to me then WTF

[David Root]

Can we see a pic of your build??

[rogb]

I found Hi Test but there is no email to contact Gregg. I'm sure I can get something good from him.

Anyone got one?

[rogb]

Can we see a pic of your build??

I have done pics David but I am just trying to finish off my 2204 build then I will do build threads on both.
I warn you it ain't UHOP but better than 5E3. The Marshall is more pretty as I had more room and less parts and a fierce determination to stay tidy.

Quite interesting though as I swapped out the 102 PPS for a classic (Feedback City style ) PS board.

Having guitar problems though as it doesn't like anything except my Tele. Got some new D.Allan Dovers today for the Strat and a Little 59 in reserve for the bridge.

Does it ever end?

It will all start again trying to get the guitar/amp mix right for the 2204....

[rogb]

Just had a quote for 3 x v1 v2 v3 tubes at $185 shipped... plus about 30% to stick on at my end.
Might be OK if the voltages are right, if not it's a crap shoot that I just lost.

Maybe I will just buy some cheap ANOS on ebay and roll em through till I get what I want. Plus I end up with some spares that way.