Please recommend 12AX7 preamp tubes for V1 slot.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Fret-Shredder
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Fret-Shredder

Fret-Shredder

Well-known member
Hey guys... like the title says. What preamp tubes have you tried in the V1 position and like for higher gain that really made a difference to your ears. Thanks in advance.

Anyone tried this one in V1:
Gold Lion 12AX7/ECC83 Gold Pin Preamp Tube.
 
Fret-Shredder":3pi2ts4g said:
Hey guys... like the title says. What preamp tubes have you tried in the V1 position and like for higher gain that really made a difference to your ears. Thanks in advance.

Anyone tried this one in V1:
Gold Lion 12AX7/ECC83 Gold Pin Preamp Tube.
Click to expand...



Tried one of those a few months ago and wasn't super impressed.
 
Lots of choices for V1 of a Marshall.

Typically, a short plate Mullard or Amperex are great. Chinese Bs(also known as the Military 6N4) are really good, in all positions. Tesla short plates rock. Early 50s Sylvania or RCA with the D getters are cool.
Sooo many choices.

My recommendations are to look for cheaper used tubes from a reputable seller on eBay. You can find good vintage tubes for 15-25 bucks a tube. Buy a few and have fun tube rolling.
Btw vintage Marshalls really love vintage pre and power tubes; way better in those circuits than new production. In a newer amp you might not notice as much of a difference but your JMP will love them.
 
napalmdeath":1bxmym5j said:
Tungsol RI 12AX7 does the trick!
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This one has worked the best for me in my Splawns , I've tried a bunch but I always come back the Tung Sol in V1
 
I second the Tungsol, I did my own little comparison about 9 months ago. Tried the Tungsol, JJ’s and nondescript Chinese tubes (note sure what they were). Tried in a JVM, Bogner Eclipse, KSR Artemis, Freyette SigX, Splawn, and Überschall. I liked the Tingsols best. Had a bright clear crisp sound that I liked.
 
Ive tried a bunch and the biggest difference I've heard was getting the super expensive nos i63 mullards. Even then the difference was negligible but there was definitely a difference for the better.
 
I just recently and randomly put in a Tung Sol i had lying around in v1 of my JCM 800 2203X, and it noticeably improved the sound and gain structure. Believe it was a Sovtek it replaced.
 
Thank you for all the recommendations. You guys are the best.
 
Racerxrated":1pyxi078 said:
Lots of choices for V1 of a Marshall.

Typically, a short plate Mullard or Amperex are great. Chinese Bs(also known as the Military 6N4) are really good, in all positions. Tesla short plates rock. Early 50s Sylvania or RCA with the D getters are cool.
Sooo many choices.

My recommendations are to look for cheaper used tubes from a reputable seller on eBay. You can find good vintage tubes for 15-25 bucks a tube. Buy a few and have fun tube rolling.
Btw vintage Marshalls really love vintage pre and power tubes; way better in those circuits than new production. In a newer amp you might not notice as much of a difference but your JMP will love them.
Click to expand...

I second all of these recommendations. Amperex Bugle Boys and Mullards are hard to beat in vintage Marshalls.

JAN GE 12AX7WA are great too--affordable US military tube with low noise and microphonics. RFT are good for a darker tone, but the glass can be fragile.
 
Snave":3hi5aqwo said:
JMP2203":3hi5aqwo said:
Snave":3hi5aqwo said:
Tungsram are good for a darker tone, but the glass can be fragile.
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that sounds like a RFT to me , not a Tunsgram
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Right you are. Corrected.
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I find the Tungsram really works in the pi spot in a vintage Marshall. I believe Psychdave wrote about this long ago.
They also kill in vintage Mesa Marks..although I find mixing them with Chinese Bs for the best results.
 
Ei's are cool but they go microphonic and aren't the tits.

Late 50's Mullard 17mm long plate 12AX7's are probably the finest "Marshall" tube made in history. Get an f91/f92 and thank me later.

I use them in every slot. Only way to fly!
 
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