JJ 5881 Opinions Anyone

[ToneMerc]

Anyone tried the new JJ 5881 tubes? The reviews sound too good to be true, so hard to tell these days what's an honest review and what's shill comments.

TM

[Leo_Gnardo]

About half a year back got a pair from Antique/CE to try out. Rattly. Nice if you like rattly tubes.

Every statistical analysis starts with one. Two rattly new JJ 5881, I'm not much attracted to buying more. Glad I didn't buy a dozen or two.

Maybe someone had a better experience. I'd also like to hear about that.

[stretch2011]

I've got 2 in my 28 special. They sound great, and no rattle.

Leo, you might have gotten a less than reputable pair of tubes!

[Leo_Gnardo]

Who knows, if I bought a dozen or two, those might have been the only rattly ones. That's the way the cookie bounces. I'm always open to try a new product or variation, but no deep pocket budget.

[stretch2011]

If it was me, I'd buy two dozen and there would only be two that didn't rattle XD.

[gktamps]

Have you tried Tungsol reissue 5881s?
I have a pair in my octal Rocket and they sound great and have burned in well with 18 hours of use.
Cheers,
Greg

[Leo_Gnardo]

Havent' bought any 5881 TungSol labeled new sensor. (I do not accept the "reissue" description. The only thing "reissue" about them is the paint on the glass.) Some have come in with amps to be repaired. The ones I encountered that way could be sold as maracas, they rattled so badly. Sang along with every low note like having a snare drum in the room. "Only a week in service" one customer said. He bought 'em from a "reputable" tube dealer, had blue & yellow labels on the bases. Sorry Charlie, that's where the racket in your amp is coming from. Send 'em back & demand non rattlers or your money back. Wish I had better news but - that's what I've encountered. It IS frustrating.

Some dealers may be better than others culling rattly tubes. Would you mind letting us know your source Greg?

[ToneMerc]

I pulled the trigger on the JJ's, I will see how it goes.

Thanks for the input guys.

TM

[labb]

Why would you use 5881's instead of 6L6's.. Not being smart about it, I just don't know the difference.

[ToneMerc]

Why would you use 5881's instead of 6L6's.. Not being smart about it, I just don't know the difference.

I'm not chasing max wattage nor the cleanest tone. I'm going to to try these in a lower voltage Marshall style build.

TM

[Leo_Gnardo]

Pair of JJ 6V6 might go a treat in that sort of amp, also worth a try. Plus, I've never encountered a rattly one. Best of luck TM & let us know how it works out.

[ToneMerc]

Pair of JJ 6V6 might go a treat in that sort of amp, also worth a try. Plus, I've never encountered a rattly one. Best of luck TM & let us know how it works out.

Leo, that was my original intent of just a straight 6V6 and I was the fence about maybe dual primary OT making switching between EL34/6V6 types . In the end, I found a Heyboer 3.3K that I could not pass up, so if I decide to run 6V6's I will just load it accordingly.

I will keep you posted and let you know if they turn out as baby rattles.

TM