Whats everybodys opinion on NOS tubes. Are they really worth the money?
What brands should I look out for?
I have been modifying my 74 twin heavly. I have been highly impressed at the results so far. I want to start looking into different tubes to try. I am shooting for a blackface sound with just alittle bit of tweed if that makes any sense!
NOS Tube recommendations
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dragonbat13
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NOS Tube recommendations
Mark Clay
Amature/Hobbyist/Electronics Hoarder
Amature/Hobbyist/Electronics Hoarder
Re: NOS Tube recommendations
RCA 6L6s are the bomb, but WAY SPENDY. Try to find some used ones. KT66s are another great option. Tung Sol 5881s are great, but again big $$$.
Lot's of good 12A_7s out there.
Try the Sarge or kcanostubes. Both very good vendors.
Lot's of good 12A_7s out there.
Try the Sarge or kcanostubes. Both very good vendors.
Eardrums!!! We don't need no stinkin' eardrums!
Re: NOS Tube recommendations
I'd say 50's/60's nos tubes in my opinion are superior as far as tone and build quality/lifespan.
Re: NOS Tube recommendations
It is nice to get to put in some vintage tubes to hear what your vintage amp or clone should sound like. I got a few used 12ax7s for cheap dough on EBAY. I decided I liked Mullards and Raytheon blackplates (Baldwin branded ones were showing up then) and of course Telefunkens. Used power tubes seemed like too much of a crap shoot, so I stopped there. I do have a set of the small bottle GE 6L6GCs and some really shot RCA blackplates for the purpose of comparison.
It is interesting that after the vintage tube taste test I have come to appreciate current production tubes more, and have picked a few favorites: JJ and Tung-Sol 12ax7s both sound great. If you mix different varieties, they tend to compensate for each other's weaknesses. A row of 12AX7WBs in a Twin probably wouldn't be my first choice, but start with a JJ and then alternate Russian and Chinese preamp tubes. You'll be surprised how much better it will sound.
I like JJ and Winged-C 6L6s and the Russian KT-66s I have tried.
Skeezbo
It is interesting that after the vintage tube taste test I have come to appreciate current production tubes more, and have picked a few favorites: JJ and Tung-Sol 12ax7s both sound great. If you mix different varieties, they tend to compensate for each other's weaknesses. A row of 12AX7WBs in a Twin probably wouldn't be my first choice, but start with a JJ and then alternate Russian and Chinese preamp tubes. You'll be surprised how much better it will sound.
I like JJ and Winged-C 6L6s and the Russian KT-66s I have tried.
Skeezbo
Re: NOS Tube recommendations
Well the first place to start is to see what you have in your amp for tubes and have an idea of the general direction to head tonewise. To test the waters out without breaking the pig start with a preamp tube and swap it in the various stages in your amp. Progress as addiction sets in.