Tube help please

[Sigma.Xiria]

Ok so we figured out that when my VH4 had new tubes put in, before it was mine, they loaded it with these giant 6550's and they are to big for the old tube retainers. They don't fit in all the way and stick out a little. Any how my tube preference has usually been 6L6's in all the other tubes amps I have played.

So what I was wondering is if anyone had some tone comparisons between a VH4 loaded with EL34's and one loaded with 6L6's?

Also if anyone knows of a qaulified place in Colorado who can re-tube and re-bias my VH4 or if I should just try it myself for the first time?

If I should do it myself what would I need and how the F do I do it haha?

 

[Sigma.Xiria]

Also, I forgot, generally how do the different tubes affect the tone in a VH4? ( like all the different tubes not just EL34 and 6L6 )

 

[Sigma.Xiria]

Also, haha I keep spacing out, what kinds of preamp tubes should I use? Right now if I remember correctly ( I'm at work ) they are all Mesa 12AX7's?

 

[Ventura]

I wouldn't worry about the tube retainers on the 6550's - so long as they're in there good and solid, than so be it. 6550's are - to many of us here who use and work with the V - the best sounding tube. Stock via Diezel is Ruby EL34BHT now though, and this was a decision made due to reliability and consistency.

EL34's sound more brown and have more mid bite - fairly typical response to that question.
6L6's, sorry, I can't stand 'em unless they're in an SLO, and I'm not that big a fan of SLO's
6550's, love 'em, they're money in the VH4 IMHO...

As for preamps, Rubys, but the high grade Chinese are perfect too - 12AX7B or C's.

Is there a reason you're wanting to change your tubes?? You oughta be able to simply run your amp without worrying about the glass for months - unless there's a snap, crackle, pop.

Just axin',
V.

 

[Sigma.Xiria]

I wouldn't worry about the tube retainers on the 6550's - so long as they're in there good and solid, than so be it. 6550's are - to many of us here who use and work with the V - the best sounding tube. Stock via Diezel is Ruby EL34BHT now though, and this was a decision made due to reliability and consistency.

EL34's sound more brown and have more mid bite - fairly typical response to that question.
6L6's, sorry, I can't stand 'em unless they're in an SLO, and I'm not that big a fan of SLO's
6550's, love 'em, they're money in the VH4 IMHO...

As for preamps, Rubys, but the high grade Chinese are perfect too - 12AX7B or C's.

Is there a reason you're wanting to change your tubes?? You oughta be able to simply run your amp without worrying about the glass for months - unless there's a snap, crackle, pop.

Just axin',
V.

That's actually just it! I turned my baby on let it warm for about 5 to 10 mins the flipped stand by to run and...POP! Loud fucking loud followed by a hissing fuzzy kinda weird hum noise...

I am so worried.