Hi Gazman,gazman83 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 18, 2018 10:21 pmHi Ade,
I'm a long time owner of an AD15 and recently had it serviced and valves replaced, with my tech recomending a lower/mid gain JJ pre-amp tube in the 1st stage to get some more headroom and a little more definition.
Sounds great when you keep pre-amp gain low and crank master for 'cleans', then use pedals (Hotcake, Rat, MI Audio SBP/CB) for the main Distortion. You get that amazing 3D cleanish sound from the AD15 power amp section, it just sounds magic IMO.
It might be a cheaper way for you to try to get two sounds, rather than buying a second amp. Just a thought.
https://www.thetubestore.com/jj-ecc83-mg-12ax7
Can I just say, wow! I tried your suggestion of maxing the MV and running the gain low (about 9 O’clock) and it sounds superb. 3D cleans is a good description. I’ve had such a habit of running it the opposite way with higher gain/lower MV that I’d forgotten what this amp can do. Even lowering the MV a little it still retains that character, and then by adding a SD-1w I can get some great throaty cranked Vox-like tones. I’m yet to experiment with a medium gain 12AX7 in V1 but have sourced both a JJ 12AX7 MG and a 5751 that I might try.
I’m now thinking I’ll quell the urge to splurge on a second combo, at least for time being. I’m actually now thinking, if I doing anything, replacing the V30 with a Celestion Blue (as per my other thread).
Thanks again!
Ade