Tube Question For Engl Blackmore Tube Replacement

  • Thread starter Thread starter ttosh
  • Start date Start date

Tubes I am thinking of using for the Engl Blackmore

  • Tungsoll 6550 Power Amp Tube Matched Duet

    Votes: 12 92.3%

  • Mullard EL34 Power Amp Tube Matched Duet

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Electro Harmonix 6L6EH Power Amp Tube

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Svetlana 6550C Power Amp Tube Russian

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Tung-Sol 5881Tung-Sol 5881

    Votes: 1 7.7%
  • Total voters
    13
ttosh

ttosh

New member
A few questions regarding getting new tubes for my Blackmore.

1) I bought this used and want to replace tubes to ensure best sound. What are the best tubes for the Blackmore? I would like something a bit more aggressive than the stock tubes.

2) How hard is it to put in the new tubes and bias? Is this something only a trained professional can do or is it fairly easy to learn.

3) Where is a good place to purchase the tubes online? And is it usually only the power tubes that need replaced, or is it wise to replace the preamp tubes at the same time?

4) Does buying matched sets matter or can I buy 4 individual tubes of the same brand?

I put the poll up, I am hoping either the Tungsoll 6550 or the Mullard EL34 will be a good option, I can get them matched at a really good price.
 
I've never tried anything besides the stock tubes because I love how they sound. What exactly do you mean when you say you want a more aggressive sound?

Putting a NOS RFT in V1 makes a pretty big improvement on all the gain channels, but takes away a bit from the clean channel.
 
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Megadeth7684":97f3c said:
I've never tried anything besides the stock tubes because I love how they sound. What exactly do you mean when you say you want a more aggressive sound?

Putting a NOS RFT in V1 makes a pretty big improvement on all the gain channels, but takes away a bit from the clean channel.
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By more aggressive I just mean a bit hotter sounding. I like the tone I am getting, however I think the tubes were old and in need of replacing when I bought the amp, so I have not heard it at it's full potential. Of the ones I listed I had hoped there would be a good replacement there since I can get those at a good price in a matched set.
 
a 6L6 will give it a more aggressive sound. i use JJ6L6's in mine

i wouldn't go with a EH6L6 tho

look at JJ, sed, TAD etc.
 
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scottcrud":c0492 said:
I take it yours is the EL-34 model?
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No mine has the 5881's in it. That was one of my questions is does this limit my choices to only 5881-6L6GC tubes, or are there other models I can choose from? If these are the only models I can choose then it is just down to brand, Tung, EH, Groove etc......
 
unless you're prepared to get screen and grid? resisters changed out by a tech, then yes, you're choices are 6L6's and 5881'd. I put winged "C" 6L6's and had it biased to 34ma and it sounded great.
 
Yeah some modifications are going to need to be made to use KT88's, KT77's, EL34's, or 6550's.
Josh
 
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joshsage":e76b6 said:
Yeah some modifications are going to need to be made to use KT88's, KT77's, EL34's, or 6550's.
Josh
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Thanks Josh, as always good advice from you. My next amp will be bought through you as well! Thanks again!
 
I really don't care for the sound of my Blackmore with the JJ 6L6s it came with...though I've yet to check the bias...so I'm gonna go with Tung Sol 5881 or Winged C 6L6s :D
 
^ what don't you like about it? maybe they're just worn out. Have you played a stock one?

For me, JJ's made it a little darker and more balanced at high vols
 
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saxxamafone":cddb2 said:
^ what don't you like about it? maybe they're just worn out. Have you played a stock one?

For me, JJ's made it a little darker and more balanced at high vols
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Right now....it's fizzy and yes, I owned a stock 5881 tubed one before.

It shouldn't need re-tubing given the age and hrs on the tubes.
 
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