DiMarco

Like so?

Hi guys, had the amp fixed by a great tech, everything runs smoothly and the amp sounds SO good compared to my class D toys!
The only thing that tops it is my Hexa Valve - that one has even more heft.

Got some JJ ECC83S valves coming in, one will be going into the pre section of this RAH.

Yay!

Chiming back in to report I have received the bass and it is very, very awesome.
Very happy to have taken the plunge!

I did order three so whatever happens, I'll be safe and sound.

Haha I just learned that the GT ECC83S are in fact identified by some as rebranded JJ ECC83S.
What puzzles me is why they do sound different on the yootoob - they actually sounded fuller and bigger in that one vid.

Maybe I just payed more for the brand - guess I will not find out. I just hope they will do the job.

Edit: Just read someone state that the rebranding is not just rebranding. Apparently these "brands" are testing and matching and do remove the bad apples. This would make sense, but you can't be certain if this really does take place.

I have been reading on the subject and watching some youtube videos for more input.

People looking for a "warm" tone generally did not like the Mesa tubes an awful lot. The JJ ECC83S is getting a lot of good reviews by guitarists.
I have read that Groove Tubes ECC83S have a flat frequency response, nice warm tone and most of all very tight bottom end and clear treble. Because of this description and listening to some clips that compare the GT and JJ, I decided to order me three of those. One for the SMX and two for the Hexa Valve.

Will report back when I replaced the Tung-Sol with those GT.

By the way I have heard several people claiming the Tung-Sol are noisy when you're not playing so I have good hopes for an improvement on that side of things, too.

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience VType! The JJ's are by far the most popular, but seeing so many many bassists choose the GT persuaded me to go that route too.

Hey look what I've finally found! The quatra valve and hexa valve circuit diagram from Mr. C. Button. Been looking for this for aaaages.

Just noticed Hexa valve specific "tube replacement" sets have six 6550's and three 12ax7.
I can only find two 12ax7 in mine. Where is the third one located? Does it exist at all? It doesn't does it? LOL.

21 minutes ago, VTypeV4 said:

... If they're the originals, they'll be over due for replacement by now I would have thought anyways. 

28 years is not a bad score I reckon. I just wonder if that 50hz hum is related to the Tung-Sol I threw in there last year.
It's nothing terrible, but I can hear it in between songs so am looking to fix it.

The amp sounds very good, had the 6550's replaced last week and a bias pot has been added by the tech. He also replaced the mute switch which was acting funny now and then.

Thanks for your answer, I'll order some of those JJ's. Also been gazing at the Mesa 12AX7 as those come shielded.

Looking to replace my original TE 12ax7. Currently I have Tung-Sol in my Hexa and a bit of a 50hz hum problem.

Are TAD JJ ECC83S/12AX7 a good replacement? I know those are hugely popular but afaik the S in ECC83S stands for high gain.
Will those tubes enable met to dial in some girth? The current Tung-Sol stay clean whatever amount of gain I dial in.

I have zero experience with differences between preamp tubes and could use some advice. Thanks for any help!

Thanks guys!

The coffee beans miraculously did a pretty good job.
Of course, when digging your nose into the cloth it still smells a bit funny, but I can no longer smell the case from a distance.

Cheers, Marco

I can't help myself. The reflection of those controls on the shiny red top is just so damn sexy.

Mine is currently being repaired. Full new set of six 6550's is going in to replace the original (!!!) 1991 or 1992 tubes.
Am stoked about getting my fave amp in the world back in working order again. The tech also fixed my RAH600SMX which I will use in the rehearsal room.

Isn't this stack sexy as __ck? Good times ahead and screw class D amps.

Very nice! Have a free bump.

Noticed it on Marktplaats. Awsome amps!
I am currently having my Hexa Valve and also an RAH600SMX serviced so am catered for.
Otherwise I would be all over this. GLWTS!

The perfume like smell has for about 90% been neutralized by the beans.
Case is now outside in the garden catching more fresh air and in the full sunlight.

If I am still not happy, febreze (natural scent) will be coming into the picture.

I have just learned the manufacturer puts this scent in their hard cases to keep the instument from smelling bad over time from cigarette smoke etc.
All nice and well but I do not like it. We'll see if I can get that smell out of there.

It is supposed to be a vanilla scent.
My bass will smell like coffee instead!

... and have a free BBQ party in the process!
All at a sensible social distance, ofc, honoring the bollockdown.

I will report back if it does help. The case is an original Fodera one that appears to have been sprayed on the inside with some sort of perfume or other smelly muck.
Trying my best to remove that smell as it does rub off on the bass - no fun as a bass usually sits right under your nose when playing.

Also ordered some Febreze but I'd rather not spray any type of liquid in there...

Indeed.

I am repairing my hard case here. The weapon of choice being coffee beans.

It is a marvelous machine this one. I absolutely love it.

I named it "Big Red" after the character in the comic book series "Bug Hunters" by Jerry Paris which appeared in eighties C&VG magazines.

Only one you say? Not two nor three?

Harsh.