New Tubes for JMP-1 Preamp...choices

[ghosty999]

I've just replaced the power amp tubes with Mesa Boogie EL84s and have been fairly happy with that.

I've decided it's time to replace the Pre-amp tubes. My aim is to limit the diod-clipping-ness of the unit and give it a bit more tube warmth.

JJ803s seem to be a favorite

From a post on here along time ago: "Since the JMP 1 uses diode clipping as well- the JJ803s might be the perfect tubes for it- they have a huge plate- different construction etc. and may overshadow the diode clipping as well and provide even more convincing tones"

I play mainly 80s rock, so looking for smooth and warm, not fizzy.

I'm not tube-savy so educate me with your knowledge!

 

[godgrinder]

If you don't like the diode clipping might as well just get another preamp.

 

[ghosty999]

If you don't like the diode clipping might as well just get another preamp.

I like my JMP-1 I need advice on the tubes to put in it, not buying another amp haha

 

[godgrinder]

You probably won't be able to minimize the diode clipping anyway. You can run higher gain tubes so you get more tube clipping but these'll push the diodes harder too, so you get more solid state clipping as well. Or you could get lower gain tubes that'll push the diodes less but you'll need to set the gain higher, and that's more solid state clipping again.

Just get some durable tubes and call it a day.

 

[ghosty999]

Just get some durable tubes and call it a day.

That's my original question.... what tubes to get haha

 

[godgrinder]

That's my original question.... what tubes to get haha

Yeah, but you asked about "limit the diod-clipping-ness".

The regular JJ ECC83S should be enough.

 

[ghosty999]

That's my original question.... what tubes to get haha

Yeah, but you asked about "limit the diod-clipping-ness".

The regular JJ ECC83S should be enough.

Yeah I am asking about that. But I don't want the solution to be buying another amp.

Someone here said: "JJ803s might be the perfect tubes for it- they have a huge plate- different construction etc. and may overshadow the diode clipping as well and provide even more convincing tones"

So I was hoping for advice on what would get me the best results in the limited environment of the JMP-1

 

[godgrinder]

Long plate tubes are more prone to microphonics, but feel free to give it a shot. Doubt it's gonna make that much difference though.

Actually if you like how it sounds now, might as well just buy the same tubes that are currently in it.

 

[ghosty999]

Long plate tubes are more prone to microphonics, but feel free to give it a shot. Doubt it's gonna make that much difference though.

Actually if you like how it sounds now, might as well just buy the same tubes that are currently in it.

Cool I'll have a look. I'm happy with the sound but I'm curious as to whether it could be improved without things like VooDoo mods. I've never done a side by side comparison with any other tubes so I'm worried what I "think" is a great tone at the moment could still be improved a little.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ECC83S-12AX7- ... SwAoRXF352

These guys do the job?

 

[rickenbacker198]

There are 2 tubes in the JMP-1
I've tried most of them. Including the JJs.
The JJ sounded congested to me, lacking definition. More compressed and smooth though if that's what your after. Just no bite.

IMHO The standard China 12ax7 sounds best on the OD side.
You can get low noise Ruby versions through valve queen.

The sovtek 12ax7 LPS sounds best on the clean side.
It opens up the cleans and makes them a bit more tweed like compared to the Ruby.

 

[ghosty999]

There are 2 tubes in the JMP-1
I've tried most of them. Including the JJs.
The JJ sounded congested to me, lacking definition. More compressed and smooth though if that's what your after. Just no bite.

IMHO The standard China 12ax7 sounds best on the OD side.
You can get low noise Ruby versions through valve queen.

The sovtek 12ax7 LPS sounds best on the clean side.
It opens up the cleans and makes them a bit more tweed like compared to the Ruby.

Thanks dude, very helpful, I've read a few guys also saying the Chinese ones sound best on the OD!

 

[ghosty999]

I've gone for the Tung Sol 12AX7 (ECC83) Pre amp Valve with the LPS version on the clean side

 

[spguitar]

My favorites were the EH 12ax7s. Really cool tubes for that pre.

 

[Little B]

EH 12ax7s and 9th gen Chinese tubes are nice upgrades for the dist.side.Always had some love for the jmp1!

 

[ghosty999]

Popped in the Tung Sol 12AX7 (ECC83) sounded horrible to start with but once it warmed up and was broken in a bit it was singing! Instantly noticeable added clarity, a wider sound for sure. Very articulated. Obviously not as noticeable as re-valving a true valve amp but for a Hybrid it's opened it up a bit more

 

[blackie13]

is it true that the jmp-1 works without tubes...????

urban legend I guess...

 

[ghosty999]

is it true that the jmp-1 works without tubes...????

urban legend I guess...

You've got me curious.... wouldn't it just sound like running a distortion pedal straight into a power amp?

 

[blackie13]

is it true that the jmp-1 works without tubes...????

urban legend I guess...

You've got me curious.... wouldn't it just sound like running a distortion pedal straight into a power amp?

if it works without tubes then you don't need any tube swap...
which could be a good thing...

edit:

just found this:

Ive heard you can take the tubes out and it doesnt make any difference as the overdrive is diode clipping,the tubes only warming the signal somewhat.
Anyway however it works ,still sounds top notch to me.
That's BS being spewed by the boys on the ADA forum.

On the JMP-1, no tubes = no sound. The diodes provide some of the clipping ala Silver Jubilee, but not all of it. The preamp has some close similarities with the Jube.

from the marshall forum...

 

[Elric]

So, is there someone here that claims they can *hear* "diode clippingness"? Serioursly sh*t sounds good or it doesn't. I would guess about 75% of all hard/heavy rock recordings, maybe more, have an overdriven solid state gain stage, diode clipper, or similar somewhere in their signal path. Nuno Bettencourt? Rat. Zakk Wylde? Boss SD-1. Jimi Hendrix? Bunch a stuff. Tony Iommi? Dallas Rangemaster, blah, blah.

I'm an Electrical Engineer and have done R&D in electronics for 20+ years and you know what? I do not give a sh*t what is in the signal path as long as it is: high quality, sounds good. Can be digital, solid state, vacuum tube. It's weird to see so many guitar players who have no significant expertise in electrical signals and systems spouting stupid sh*t about electronics as if the goofy myths, notions, and half truths they're parroting have some bearing on reality when you actually understand some of the science of what is happening. It's kind of surreal. Thank God, I'm not an "audiophile"; those are the only people more exasperating, I think.

You know what? Diode clipping combined with a tube gain stage(s) can sound freaking sweet for Rock. Why minimize it if it is working? I'm not even a huge JMP-1 fan but this misinformation is irksome.

 

[ghosty999]

So, is there someone here that claims they can *hear* "diode clippingness"? Serioursly sh*t sounds good or it doesn't. I would guess about 75% of all hard/heavy rock recordings, maybe more, have an overdriven solid state gain stage, diode clipper, or similar somewhere in their signal path. Nuno Bettencourt? Rat. Zakk Wylde? Boss SD-1. Jimi Hendrix? Bunch a stuff. Tony Iommi? Dallas Rangemaster, blah, blah.

I'm an Electrical Engineer and have done R&D in electronics for 20+ years and you know what? I do not give a sh*t what is in the signal path as long as it is: high quality, sounds good. Can be digital, solid state, vacuum tube. It's weird to see so many guitar players who have no significant expertise in electrical signals and systems spouting stupid sh*t about electronics as if the goofy myths, notions, and half truths they're parroting have some bearing on reality when you actually understand some of the science of what is happening. It's kind of surreal. Thank God, I'm not an "audiophile"; those are the only people more exasperating, I think.

You know what? Diode clipping combined with a tube gain stage(s) can sound freaking sweet for Rock. Why minimize it if it is working? I'm not even a huge JMP-1 fan but this misinformation is irksome.

I'm guessing you are referring to me?

I don't really care if I don't know electrical engineering, I just find what I think sounds good and for my set up and style. I found running diod clipping distortion/overdrive pedals infront of my JMP-1 colours my tone in a way I don't like.

Yes I think you can hear diod clipping if not used correctly. Go see any 13 year old death metal band play live if you want to hear diod-clipping in it's fullest form. Fizzy distortion pedals etc. If combined correctly yes it can sound awesome

So in that logic, if I have a tube amp that makes uses of diod-clipping and tubes, then I want tubes that work well in that environment, so I came on the internet to ask...

...not to offend all the electrical engineers with my peasantry