Herbert power tube sound question

[BigR]

I've been thinking about experimenting with different power tube pairs in my Herbert (i.e., mixing el34s & kt88s, 6550s, or whatever). My question is, at low to moderate volume levels (well below power section saturation), would I really notice any difference in the tone or response of the amp? My impression has always been that unless pushed hard, the power tubes don't affect the sound much, but I could be wrong.
I'm love the tone & feel with the stock el34s, but always looking for something better & different

 

[SpicedMuffin]

I have 4 KT-88s and 2 6550's in my herbert right now it sounds killer
I did try 2 kt-88's with 4 stock ruby EL-34 and it added a little more punch to the amp
I play mine at low volumes and high when i jam with my band i dont really notice a difference
with the tone

 

[BigR]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like it would be worth trying. I love the tone I get with EL34s, but like the idea of mixing KT88s for more punch. Lotta possibilities here.

 

[SpicedMuffin]

Its totally worth a try when iam due for another tube change
I think Iam, going to try 6 cryogenically treated KT-88's and see
how they react with the herbert

 

[mincy]

I run 4 EL34s with 2 6L6s. I love the sound. The 6L6s add some bottom end the EL34s are missing yet retain that EL34s warmth and growl. I'm thinking of swapping the 6L6s for KT-88s. I've talked to a number of Herbert owners running 4 EL34s with 2 KT-88s and they seem to think it's the way to go for that big tight low end yet keeping the EL34 feel. Haven't tried it myself yet, but it will happen next tube change. Regardless, the amp sounds very good at low volume and it doesn't take much volume to really get the fullness for me.

 

[BigR]

Regardless, the amp sounds very good at low volume and it doesn't take much volume to really get the fullness for me.

I agree 100%, the Herbert has slowly replaced the Ecstasy as my favorite amp-though a lot depends on my mood that particular day as both amps are incredible. I can only imagine how great the Herbert will sound when really pushing some air. Now, if I can just teach my 12 week old daughter to truly appreciate the magnificent sound of a cranked tube amp, I'll be in business Just kidding, of course, but she is the reason I rarely get to play above bedroom levels lately, which makes the Herbert even more valuable to me, as it sounds soooo damned good at any volume. Plus, at 180 watts, its kinda hard to crank the Herbert at any time-not sure the walls of my house would stand up to the onslaught.

I think I have some Mesa 6L6's laying around-I may try mixing a couple of those in with the EL34's just to get an idea of how much mixing different type tubes affect the tone at different volume levels.

Thanks for the info, guys
Rich