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  • Preamp tubes

    Hello everyone,
    How often do you replace your preamp tubes? I have owned my amp for 10 years and only replaced the preamp tubes 3 times. They seem to last WAY longer then the Power amp tubes.
    My amp uses Electro Harmonix 12AX7EH tubes 4 of them.
    Question - would you strictly purchase the same exact brand tubes or buy another respected brand but of the same exact kind? I see so many places carry other brands ready for purchase but the Electro Harmonix always have to be ordered instead of a walk in walk out situation which is what I like to do. I hate ordering anything. I like to walk in a guitar shop, pick up what I need and roll. This isn't the case these days and it sucks.

    I can roll into many stores and get 12ax7eh tubes just not the brand my amp came with. My amp does not have bias adjustments and I'm not thrilled of having to take it to a amp repair shop every time I need tubes.

    Talk to me people.

  • #2
    Preamp tubes do not need to be biased like Power tubes
    Pull one out, pop whatever brand in, rock out


    I know the original tubes in my Hafler triple Giant still work great

    Considering the low price of Pre's, I like buying a few different ones to experiment

    My favorite are the Tung Sol's, (Though they seem to not be the best choice for V2 application http://mtsforum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?t=19525 )
    EH's are the best 'middle of the road', JJ are great for taming the top end and adding some body to a thin sounding preamp, Chinese are great for darker preamps (gainy buggers as well)
    New Mullards are between the JJ and EH's, and Sovtek are kind of bland
    "There's nothing taking away from the pure masculinity I possess"

    -"You like Anime"

    "....crap!"

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    • #3
      I like these...

      http://www.mesaboogie.com/tubes/pre-...bes/SPAX7.html
      GTWGITS! - RacerX

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      • #4
        no biasing for the preamp tube. Play until excessive hum or microphonic starts, time to replace.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by akoch View Post
          no biasing for the preamp tube. Play until excessive hum or microphonic starts, time to replace.
          100% correct

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          • #6
            Preamp tubes seem to last a long time for me. I have tried a few different types over the years and I don't believe I've heard any difference in any of them.

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