For those just looking for a new set of tubes to get your amp back up and running, look into the tubes the amp came with and start from there. If you want the same sound, get the same or very similar tubes. If you want to experiment, try other brands or styles of the same type of tube.
Also question is, can I mix and match preamp tubes?
It is perfectly okay to mix preamp tubes. In fact, it might be recommended in some cases. The reason why some musicians mix and match preamp tubes is because using different tubes can change or improve the tone of your preamp or amp.
Keeping this in view, can I replace power tubes without biasing? With preamp tubes, you don’t need to worry about things like biasing or using matched pairs as you do with power tubes. As long as your new tube is the same model as what you’re replacing (12AX7, 12AT7, 6SN7, etc.), you’re good.
Besides, do all 4 power tubes need to be matched?
Power tubes require matching because the way they amplify signal can create exceptionally bad sound if they are poorly matched, but pre-amp tubes generally aren’t used this way and so matching them is unnecessary.
Do guitar amp tubes have to be matched?
Power tubes, unlike preamp tubes, do generally need to match. This is because each power tube needs to have an identical account of idle plate current. The amplification characteristics of the tubes also need to match up when they are used in a guitar amp, for example.
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.
Does it matter what tubes I put in my amp?
Amps are designed to use specific power tubes (for example, EL34 or 6V6) and are not compatible with other types of power tubes without serious circuit modifications.
How do I know if my tubes are matched?
To be specific, mis-matched tubes can be bias-adjusted so that output sound is centered. However, if the tubes aren’t a true match, then one channel will not sound as “lively” as the other – sort of like a dead can. With experience, this is easily discernable by ear.
How do you match tubes without tube tester?
Oh, you could use a preamp or power amplifier to match tubes, taking measurement of plate current, bias current but you really have to know what you are doing as you are working with 100 to 500 volts and enough current to kill, but this is a very accurate way to check tubes as they are “in” the circuit intended for …
How long do 12AX7 tubes last?
Is it OK to touch vacuum tubes?
Think of a vacuum tube as a light bulb. It is a glass envelope that generates heat as it is working. You shouldn’t be handling them all the time but occasionally touching them will not hurt. Let it cool off first though, they can get mighty toasty.
What 12AX7 tube is best?
10 Best 12AX7 Tubes | Guide and Reviews | 2022
- JJ ECC83S.
- JJ ECC803S.
- Tung-Sol 12AX7.
- Genalex 12AX7.
- Mullard 12AX7.
- Electro-Harmonix 12AX7.
- Sovtek 12AX7LPS.
- Svetlana 12AX7.
What is the difference between EL34 and 6L6 tubes?
The 6L6 vs EL34 tubes have been rivals for many years, but what’s the difference? The main difference between the 6L6 and EL34 tubes is that they have different sounds and electrical operating parameters. The EL34 is much more scooped sounding and doesn’t have the same amount of headroom that the 6L6 offers.
What is the difference between EL34 and EL84?
In general, EL34 and 6L6 tubes are typically used in higher wattage applications, usually amps that are over 50 watts. EL84 tubes are used for lower wattage amps, typically in the 15 to 30 watt range, but have essentially the same sonic “flavor” as EL34 tubes.