S
Steedee
New member
Re-tubed my R30 today and figured I'd share my results here.
Original preamp tubes were Sovtek.
Original power EL-84's were Ruby.
Original 6v6's were Groove Tubes.
Purchased:
New Preamps = Mix of 12ax7's new production Mullards, GT-C, and Electro Harmonix.
New 84's = New production Mullards.
New 6v6's = EH.
Preamp results:
The Mullard preamp sounded incredible in V1. The gain increased 3 fold on channel 2 and was smooth as baby butt. I had to turn the gain down about 1/4 notch to have the same amount of overdrive as the sovtek in V1. Channel 1 produced nice crisp cleans.
I was impressed.
However,
the tube did not like that position. I had serious micro-phonic feedback when the volume was pushed over 12 o'clock on channel 2. Even with the guitar unplugged, the amp would squeal when pushed on channel 2 over mid way. Channel 1 no issues.
I'll probably return this tube and try another one just to be sure it's not faulty. I need to, this tube made the amp come alive on channel 2. And it didn't really effect the tone in any other position on the amp.
After swapping in and out for about 2 hours, ended up with a mix bag of Preamps.
V1 = GT-C (The Mullard sounded so good I almost was ready to sacrifice the micro-phonics)
V2 = EH
V3 = Sovtek
V4 = EH
PI = EH
The end result is the tone has not changed drastically. I ended up with this configuration because it produced the least amount of
bass / fat tone. I pretty sure this is due to the GT-C in V1. Overall channel 2 sounds nice and mid-rangie and the gain is smooth. Clean side is crisp. I'm pleased with the results of my preamp swap.
Power amp tube results:
The EL-84 Mullards are hissy and a bit noisy. Not to satisfied with these. They sound good enough I will not shop for another set, but I definitely like the Ruby's better. Keeping them for back up. The Mullards will stay for a while while they burn in. During biasing, these tubes made different hissing noises as I adjusted the m volts. I'm disappointed. Hopefully they burn in and start to clean up or the Ruby's are going back in. The next set I get will be TAD's, which have never let me down.
The Electro Harmonix 6V6's are smooth and quiet. I'm satisfied with these although I cant really distinguish much difference between these and the GT's tone wise.
End result with new power section is MORE HEADROOM. The amp used breakup on Channel 1 at 12 o'clock. Now it breaks up at 3/4 full volume. Not sure if I like this or not, but the tone is decent and there's more clean volume available.
Both power sections were biased at 39.5 mvolts.
Overall, I'm not pleased with the results of my power section swap.
Original preamp tubes were Sovtek.
Original power EL-84's were Ruby.
Original 6v6's were Groove Tubes.
Purchased:
New Preamps = Mix of 12ax7's new production Mullards, GT-C, and Electro Harmonix.
New 84's = New production Mullards.
New 6v6's = EH.
Preamp results:
The Mullard preamp sounded incredible in V1. The gain increased 3 fold on channel 2 and was smooth as baby butt. I had to turn the gain down about 1/4 notch to have the same amount of overdrive as the sovtek in V1. Channel 1 produced nice crisp cleans.
I was impressed.
However,
the tube did not like that position. I had serious micro-phonic feedback when the volume was pushed over 12 o'clock on channel 2. Even with the guitar unplugged, the amp would squeal when pushed on channel 2 over mid way. Channel 1 no issues.I'll probably return this tube and try another one just to be sure it's not faulty. I need to, this tube made the amp come alive on channel 2. And it didn't really effect the tone in any other position on the amp.
After swapping in and out for about 2 hours, ended up with a mix bag of Preamps.
V1 = GT-C (The Mullard sounded so good I almost was ready to sacrifice the micro-phonics)
V2 = EH
V3 = Sovtek
V4 = EH
PI = EH
The end result is the tone has not changed drastically. I ended up with this configuration because it produced the least amount of
bass / fat tone. I pretty sure this is due to the GT-C in V1. Overall channel 2 sounds nice and mid-rangie and the gain is smooth. Clean side is crisp. I'm pleased with the results of my preamp swap.
Power amp tube results:
The EL-84 Mullards are hissy and a bit noisy. Not to satisfied with these. They sound good enough I will not shop for another set, but I definitely like the Ruby's better. Keeping them for back up. The Mullards will stay for a while while they burn in. During biasing, these tubes made different hissing noises as I adjusted the m volts. I'm disappointed. Hopefully they burn in and start to clean up or the Ruby's are going back in. The next set I get will be TAD's, which have never let me down.
The Electro Harmonix 6V6's are smooth and quiet. I'm satisfied with these although I cant really distinguish much difference between these and the GT's tone wise.
End result with new power section is MORE HEADROOM. The amp used breakup on Channel 1 at 12 o'clock. Now it breaks up at 3/4 full volume. Not sure if I like this or not, but the tone is decent and there's more clean volume available.
Both power sections were biased at 39.5 mvolts.
Overall, I'm not pleased with the results of my power section swap.