M4 & Module Tube Swap....Unexpected Results

  • Thread starter Thread starter Resonant Alien
  • Start date Start date
Resonant Alien

Resonant Alien

New member
:confused:

So I swapped out some of the tubes, and was very surprised with the results. I put a couple of GT 12AX7s in the chassis, Tung Sols in my T/D and VX, 1 GT in the SL and 1 GT in the EG3/4. I left 1 stock Sovtek in the SL and EG3/4.

I was very surprised that I did not like the results at all. The EG3/4 and SL were mid-rangey and harsh. I swapped the chassis tubes back to the stock Sovteks, which helped a lot, but it didn't sound right until I put the stock Sovteks back in both positions of the SL and EG3/4.

The Tung Sols in the T/D and VX cut the output volume waaaay down and took out some of the dynamics of the modules. I put the stock Sovteks back in those mods and all was well again.

I must say, I was very surprised that I actually liked the stock Sovteks better!!

I've heard a few people mentioned "burning in" the tubes. Would this change the results? What is involved with this? Do I just leave the amp on for several hours, or does it actually have to have signal running through it?

Thanks!
Rick
 
Rick,
You should only need to burn in Power Amp tubes not Pre amp tubes unless I'm mistaken.
To "burn in" Power Amp tubes turn the amp on and put it in stanby and let run for about 8 hours or overnight.
 
Preamp tubes may change tone wise with age, but it's usually not for the better. I have found some modules just sound better with the stock tubes in them. Everyone's ears hear things differently so go with what you like. I have experimented with quite a few tubes in my modules and overall the stock tubes sound very good.
 
No need for pre amp tube burn in. You just happen to like the Sovtek's best. Nothing wrong with that! Matter of fact, that'll save you some coin as well! Several folks like them best. I have had really good luck with combo of chinese/JJ803S in my SL2. Still swapping in my others, but have JJ803S/EH in the EG5 and it sounds really good. Still working to find the best one for the bassman.
 
Thanks guys. Kind of a relief to know that I like the "cheap tubes" :)

It's not that there was anything lacking about my tone before - I just assumed that it would get even "better" with the other tubes, especially the Tung Sols. Good to have options
 
Hi Res Al (can I call you that? :) ),

I would concur with your findings. And I'd add this:

All amp builders design their amps using the tubes at hand. Even back in the day, Jim Marshall wasn't trying to track down various tubes, he was using what he had. The point being that Egnater amps and modules are voiced to sound "right" using the default tubes. Now, that isn't to say that we may like the effect of using a different tube, but if you like the sound of a module "as is" there is no reason to assume that different tubes will necessarily improve it—they'll just make it sound different.

Orren
 
Yeah, so now I've got 4 Tung Sol 12AX7s and 4 GT 12AX7s that I guess I may as well try and sell. Anyone interested? $12 each for Tung Sols shipped to lower 48, or all 4 for $45 ($15 each new). $10 each for the GTs or $35 for all 4. Let me know.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top