The "Best" Tubes for the Mod50

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MotorCityPickUps

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I noticed in the manuel that for the 6v6 it states 'JJ's Only". I was wondering if there is a specific brand that the amp likes, or is more reliable. I understnad the importance of the 5881 tube coming stock and using it as for reliablity as well. I'm a huge KT88 fan and have been for yrs. Is there any do's and don'ts when using this tube or a prefered brand? Thanks for any advice
 
JJ's only because they are the only tube that will handle our 500 plate voltage, I would highly suggest if you want tubes to last only use them. I won't comment on the tubes cause I will be manhandled by everyone here. Sovtek 5881's in the power section and Sovtek 12ax7WA for pre amp.
 
People bash them for being plain vanilla, but those Sovteks refuse to die... :thumbsup:

The TungSol 5881's sound great.

I thought the Winged =C= EL34s sounded good, but crapped out on me. (Never crapped out in my Bogner, but I don't think the Eggy liked them. I'm kinda afraid to try it again...)
 
The Sovtek WA's are killer for the head tubes, and V2 of the modules. I have more and more the feeling that V2 just needs a good solid tube like a Sovtek and that V1 is where the tonal mojo comes from.

Clean -> mid-gain stuff, I use a Jan Philips 5751 in V1. So that includes, the Twin, T/D, DLX, VX, COD...
Marshally stuff -> I use a Chinese 12ax7a in V1. That includes the EG3/4, SL2X, SL2, SL, EG5, etc.

I need to try a Chinese in the COD after hearing muudrock's "Eric Johnson" type tone.

But that's the general deal I do.

For power tubes, the Tung Sol 5881s, Svetlana 6550s, and GTE34L's are probably the favorites here. All of which are reliable.

Eric
 
All 5881s bow down to the almighty Tung Sol. Best tubes ever. Great reliability and tone that is so much more rich than the Sovteks.
 
I'm familiar with the Winged C's and Tungs...I just needed a idea as to the Brands everyone else was using with good success. I can totally understand using the Sovteks also. I think you'd have to smash them with a hammer to get them to fail. But then again, I'm known to break things. When you hear "Eww, that can't be good??" Jeff's heard this from me.lol
How about- Is there a tube to definately not get?? Generally, JJ, tungs, Wing c thumbs up?
 
MotorCityPickUps":1cb6oumb said:
I'm familiar with the Winged C's and Tungs...I just needed a idea as to the Brands everyone else was using with good success. I can totally understand using the Sovteks also. I think you'd have to smash them with a hammer to get them to fail. But then again, I'm known to break things. When you hear "Eww, that can't be good??" Jeff's heard this from me.lol
How about- Is there a tube to definately not get?? Generally, JJ, tungs, Wing c thumbs up?
Click to expand...

I'd give JJ thumbs down.. Don't like most EH's either.

Eric
 
Don't forget the TADs 6L6,great sounding tube as well,solid!!
 
I think that the amp sounds best with the Tung Sol 5881. The MOD 50 is an amp that does a lot of things well, and this tube seems to do the same thing. It handles clean tones like a 6L6 since essentially that's what it is, but it kicks in just enough EL34 style grind and pump in the Marshall territory that makes it and all around WINNER.

I'm running full on 6L6 right now (Groove Tubes) and liking it. It suits my EG3/4 well because it "undarkens" it a little and it cuts nicely live.

I still like JJ 6V6 for fun, but they just don't cut it in a loud band at stage volume. The tone is cool though and I think everyone should have a pair for the heck of it.
 
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