New tubes - Hi-gain sound

Cerpin · Post by **Cerpin** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 1:31 am

I just got my new (used) AD30 head and I`m loving it. Currently I`m using a shitty PA cab, so the sound isnt optimal, but I`m getting a good Marshall cab soon so though. Anyway, the tubes are two years old(they work just fine though), so I`m thinking of replacing them now before they break down during a gig or so. I`m findig the tube overdrive to be much better than any of my pedals, so I`m thinking of getting som tubes with a more "hi-gain" sound than the stock ones. I`ve heard the E-Harmonix EL34 ones are good for more heavy stuff, so should I get these installed?

Thanks in advance,
Simen

Mofmog · Post by **Mofmog** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 1:43 am

I don't think you can mix power tubes on this amp ?

Cerpin · Post by **Cerpin** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 1:54 am

Well, all of the powertubes would have to be EL34s then? I have absolutely no knowledge of tubes, so excuse me if I`m just making out nonsense here

spoonie g · Post by **spoonie g** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 3:38 am

you need EL84's. Check kcanostubes.com . He's a good guy. He's replaced tubes when I've recieved them broken before. I think he has some NOS tesla EL84's that might be a good deal.

irish_admiral · Post by **irish_admiral** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 10:43 am

Yes, it's EL84s you want. EL34s won't fit in the socket. EHX are some of the better current production tubes around - their 12AX7 preamp tubes are probably the highest gain ones, and the EL84 power tubes have received good reviews also.

If you're in Europe, you might want to check out European dealers rather than American ones - you might get hit for customs / import tax otherwise. Dancetech Thomann supply 12AX7 EHX tubes. There are a few British dealers I could suggest who will send you matched EL84 tubes. That way, you avoid import tax.

Matching is a process of ensuring the input / output values are the same across all the tubes. Someone can explain it better than me, but essentially, a matched quad will sound 'sweeter' than an unmatched quad.

Don't tell me the best way, just tell me the cheapest way...

bassdrop · Post by **bassdrop** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 2:28 pm

I must admit that the Groove Tubes EL84s that came in my friend's new Fender sound really nice.

mmmmmm drop

Cerpin · Post by **Cerpin** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 5:54 pm

Okey then, thanks for all the help. I will buy four matched EL84`s from my local EHX dealer

The preamp tube shouldnt be switched unless it breaks down, right?

ceddyluv82 · Post by **ceddyluv82** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 6:22 pm

I second that what spoonie said... I just bought tubes from him... my GE's sure are pretty <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>

Why are Orange amps orange, when they make everyone green with envy?

irish_admiral · Post by **irish_admiral** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 9:19 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>The preamp tube shouldnt be switched unless it breaks down, right? <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>They wear out after a while, and although they'll still work, they can be changed for fresh valves. Don't have to wait for them to break.

Don't tell me the best way, just tell me the cheapest way...

irish_admiral · Post by **irish_admiral** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 9:21 pm

Check what cab you're getting also - the Oranges tend to work more happily with cabs that have Celestion Vintage 30s or G12Hs in them. A lot of the Marshalls have those bog-standard 75 watters in them that a lot of people don't like with Orange amps.

Don't tell me the best way, just tell me the cheapest way...

New tubes - Hi-gain sound

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