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replacing valves


bigjohn
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Hi all,

I'm going to replace the valves in my new valve head soon.

Whaddya all know about the different brands of valves, their tone etc.

Also - does anyone have any experience in using different valves than the recommended types to get different tones, or increase power?

I've got a marshall JCM 800 - it uses 4 EL34s and 3 ECC83s for the pre amp.

Ta


John

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I'd go for 4 Sovtek 6CA7 and JJ's for the 3 ECC83's. As for changing valves to achieve different tones you wont make a huge difference, but there are simple ways to make bigger adjustments in tone if you want to go that route. If you live anywhere near Guildford I can recommend an excellent valve amp guru - [url="http://www.stevesamps.co.uk/"]http://www.stevesamps.co.uk/[/url]

Hamster

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[quote name='Hamster' post='142420' date='Feb 18 2008, 01:03 PM']I'd go for 4 Sovtek 6CA7 and JJ's for the 3 ECC83's. As for changing valves to achieve different tones you wont make a huge difference, but there are simple ways to make bigger adjustments in tone if you want to go that route. If you live anywhere near Guildford I can recommend an excellent valve amp guru - [url="http://www.stevesamps.co.uk/"]http://www.stevesamps.co.uk/[/url]

Hamster[/quote]


Not really wanting to change anything too drastically if at all - just wondered if the brands of tubes add or subtract anything.

I've been told putting 5881s in makes these amps sound more "american" - but a mod is needed to fit em.

Am in Nottingham so nowhere near Guildford! but thanks for the link.

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different brands are different - cleaner, brighter, dirtier, more mid-focus, more fi-fi, earlier breakup, etc.
www.watfordvalves.com has reviews on pre & power tubes. the "trick" is knowing what you want more or less of.
it can make a pretty dramatic difference. swapping an ecc83 for an 82, or el34's for 6550's is equally significant.

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[quote name='bigjohn' post='142476' date='Feb 18 2008, 02:27 PM']Am in Nottingham so nowhere near Guildford! but thanks for the link.[/quote]

In that case - go to Nottingham :) [url="http://www.chambonino.com/"]http://www.chambonino.com/[/url]

Hamster

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[quote name='gypsymoth' post='142559' date='Feb 18 2008, 04:36 PM']different brands are different - cleaner, brighter, dirtier, more mid-focus, more fi-fi, earlier breakup, etc.
www.watfordvalves.com has reviews on pre & power tubes. the "trick" is knowing what you want more or less of.
it can make a pretty dramatic difference. swapping an ecc83 for an 82, or el34's for 6550's is equally significant.[/quote]


Will take a look. Nice one.

[quote name='Hamster' post='142561' date='Feb 18 2008, 04:40 PM']In that case - go to Nottingham :) [url="http://www.chambonino.com/"]http://www.chambonino.com/[/url]

Hamster[/quote]

He looks like a good chap!

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[quote name='bigjohn' post='142387' date='Feb 18 2008, 12:27 PM']I've got a marshall JCM 800 - it uses 4 EL34s and 3 ECC83s for the pre amp.[/quote]

If you're going to change the power valves, you'll probably need to get an amp technician to re-bias the plate voltage. If you've just acquired the amp and it hasn't been looked at for a while, it's probably worth getting someone to do that anyway because they can drift.

The JJ KT77 is a direct replacement for the EL34 and produces a lot more power, better and deeper bass response and better tone across the range (to my ears, anyway). I have these in my Burmans and I'm very happy with them - the original Genalex KT77 was standard equipment in Burman amps until the KT77 Golden Lion came out. You'll probably need a matched set.

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  • 2 months later...

[quote name='bigjohn' post='142387' date='Feb 18 2008, 01:27 PM']Hi all,

I'm going to replace the valves in my new valve head soon.

Whaddya all know about the different brands of valves, their tone etc.

Also - does anyone have any experience in using different valves than the recommended types to get different tones, or increase power?

I've got a marshall JCM 800 - it uses 4 EL34s and 3 ECC83s for the pre amp.

Ta


John[/quote]

Hi John,

The important thing is make sure the output EL34s are matched and the bias is adjusted by someone that knows how to do it correctly.

Mullards are great if you can find them.

Dave

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