The rectifier tube’s job is to convert AC voltage to DC (aka direct current—a steady positive voltage rather than a sine wave). The power transformer’s other job is to supply low AC voltage to the filaments (the heaters) inside every tube in the amp—that’s what gets the cathodes hot.
Thereof, are Chinese vacuum tubes any good?
Modern Chinese Vacuum Tube Amps can be very good but are restricted by the cheap mass market valves that are produced purely for consistency and cost restraints. Chinese Tubes such as 6J1, for instance are a direct copy and hence a direct equivalent of Russian 6J1P etc, etc.
One may also ask, are Groove Tubes any good? The Groove Tubes GE 6L6 clone is a unique design that sounds great and reminds me of the vintage Sylvania 6L6GCs, but they aren’t particularly reliable. The Sovtek 5881 isn’t really a 5881 or a 6L6, but it’s still a great tube in its own right. It sounds good in many 6L6-based amps and is just about impossible to kill.
Moreover, are Sovtek tubes good?
Reliable and great sounding, Sovtek tubes are a perfect choice for any audio need. Sovtek tubes are found in more tube amps and equipment than any other tube.
Do they still make tubes for amps?
While radios and TVs ceased using vaccum tubes long ago in favour of transistors, the guitar amp industry still relies heavily on the technology with many of the big amp companies sourcing tubes from third party factories rather than producing their own.
Do tube preamps sound better?
As a tube creates distortion it produces harmonics which are known as ‘even harmonics’. Essentially these are tones which are the same note but are produced higher in octaves. This is why typically a tube amplifier is said to sound better, because the harmonics it produces are much more pleasing to the user’s ear.
How do I know if my tubes are bad?
Sometimes you will hear strange sounds, loss of power, or heavily distort sound. These are signs that a tube is failing. Often power loss that seems like the amp is performing at half power or less will be one or more bad power tubes, or even a dying phase inverter tube.
How do I know when my tubes need replacing?
A: These are the most common signs that tubes need replacement:
- Excessive noise (hiss, hum) including squealing or microphonic tubes.
- Loss of high end. …
- A muddy bottom end; Sounds like there is too much bass and note clarity is lost.
- Erratic changes in the overall volume. …
- The amp doesn’t work!
How do tubes work?
The tube’s Cathode is the source of electrons. The Grid controls the flow of electrons through the tube. The Plate is charged with high voltage DC to pull electrons from the cathode, through the grid to the Plate. The Load resistor transforms the circuit from a current amplifier to a voltage amplifier.
How long will guitar tubes last?
Tube Life Span
The lifespan of a tube can be a bit tough to predict but the following may provide a bit of a guideline. If you play at moderate levels, 10-15 hours a week… Preamp Tubes are generally at their best 2 – 3 years. Power Tubes are generally at their best 1 – 1.5 years.
Is 12AX7 the same as ECC83?
The 12AX7 Valve (or 12AX7 vacuum Tube) is a small preamplifier valve which is identical to the ECC83 – same valve, just a different name. It has two identical triodes both of which have a high voltage gain.
Is tube better than solid state?
Tube amps are generally better than solid-state amps in terms of sound quality, but solid-state amps are usually cheaper and more sturdy than tube amps.
What tubes did dumble use?
Re: Dumble tube choices
Mullard ECC83, GE 12AX7, GE 12T7, GE 12AU7, EI 7025 (80ies Telefunken clone), Amperex ECC83, Mullard EF86 (last version), GE12BH7, GE12AY7, GE 5751, Philips 7025, Sylvania 7025. Power amp: GE 6L6GC, Philips Sylvania 6l6GC STR, Sovtek 5881, GE 6550A, Chinese KT88 from the late eighties.
Where are JJ vacuum tubes made?
Who still uses vacuum tubes?
1990s-Today – Vacuum tubes are still used today. Musicians still use tube amplifiers and claim they produce a different and desirable sound compared to solid state amplifiers.