mik900 Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I have had my SVT3 pro about 6 years from new, it gets gigged weekly and sounds great. When should I think about a re- valve or do I just leave it until I hear a change and if so what should I listen out for to prompt changing them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1970 Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 The change might have been gradual so you haven't noticed it. I'm no expert but one would think 6 years of regular use would warrant a change of tubes - but if it sounds good to you then no real need right? Plus the SS poweramp probably takes a lot of the load - depends on how hard you push the preamp. They're great amps - I played through one at a show last year and was really impressed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mik900 Posted March 23, 2012 Author Share Posted March 23, 2012 I play in a loud Punk band. Love the amp, I do push it pretty hard though. I can't say I notice any difference but as you say I probably wouldn't notice a gradual change? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1970 Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 If you have cash to burn, I say why not? Potentially could bring it to life even more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salt on your Bass? Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 I'm probably very wrong on this, bit didnt think there was any value in revalving the pre-amp valves in a hybrid amp? I didnt realise there was any degredation of quality with time...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grunge666 Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 I've got a USA SVT3Pro around the same age and replaced the valves last year with matching JJ's. It just started to sound a bit 'wooly'. I was really surprised when I opened it up - none of the valves were the same make!! The change made it sound a little more 'Zingy' (if thats a word?) the bottom end tightened up and the grind was back! Give it a go mate! The fan in mine had started to get a bit noisy when firing it up - I dont want to hijack your thread but, anyone ever replaced this, and with what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Preamp valves are plug and play, get some, put them in, see if you dig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjohn Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Yeah - suck em and see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamfist Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 Diff pre-amp valves have different sonic qualities, and the ones that came with the amp are probably farily cheapo. But they do tend to last for many, many years. A failure usually comes as a sudden loss of sound or "motorboating" or a high pitched squeal. All of which you will notice instantly. if you like the tone, there's no need to change pre-amp valves, unless you want to try different valves with different sonic qualities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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