OR120 tube replacement

BornToThrash · Post by **BornToThrash** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 4:03 pm

hey guys new to the forum. i have a 74 OR120 - and its time to change the tubes. i was just using Ruby EL34's because for the price they seemed to get the job done and sound pretty decent. but i want to get a better sweep with the gain knob. make a more versatile. and get rid of some of that trailing sizzle i get with the ruby's, without loosing any of the gain. any suggestions for pre amp and power tubes? thanks guys!

chrismathewsjr · Post by **chrismathewsjr** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 11:05 pm

I think Ruby tubes are rebranded Sovteks.

Surprised you liked them at all (or that they even survived in your '74 OR120).

I would suggest JJ, through and through, for modern made tubes that can withstand the torture of old OR amps and that sound solid and great. Perhaps just try swapping your power amp tubes first, then experiment with preamp tubes to taste.

Simon Wicks · Post by **Simon Wicks** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 12:49 pm

As Chris has said, you want a power tube that can handle high plate voltage. Go with JJs or maybe the wing C tubes. I've heard they're not too bad. If you cn afford it though, grab a quad of NOS RFT EL34s. They sound good and can handle the volts. Also, consider a nice NOS preamp tube like a Tesla, Mullard or Brimar. Brings out the tone of those old amps no end!

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 7:46 am

JJ E34L or El34 should be fine...even so Svetlana Winged C (the original ones not the one from Reflector...who bought only the name!)... stay away from EHX (Reflector,Sovtek,Mullard,TungSol...they are all the same from the same manufacturer but with different labels

) i bought some and they couldn't keep up with 540V on the anode...not so good!..they were sounding stiff and dead.
i never head a problem with JJs at all (its a pitty they don't produce the Blue and Red glas versions any more...they were looking so sexy!)

i have some spare sets of old Valvo&Telefunken labeld RFT EL34 sets at home they are good sounding tubes..but i don't think they are worth the huge plus on the normal street price for a modern set of EL34s...

todays production is much better than in the early 90s...only if you take some china firecrackers there is a chance you could buy some *zszcht*
but still then i used a fine quad of "golden dragon" El34s in some Marshall Heads wich where quite good sounding...

if i were you i would by some JJs or Winged Cs...they are a fair deal for your money and should be available in the states too....

Simon Wicks · Post by **Simon Wicks** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 10:12 am

I believe the Svetlana name was taken, not bought. The Winged C boys never trademarked the name so the EH lot just steamed in and took the name, copyrighted and screwed everyone over.

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 3:59 pm

maybe we should ask Mr. Electro Harmonix... but i don't think we get a clear answer... same like the old "green ringer" story

Simon Wicks · Post by **Simon Wicks** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 11:31 pm

Gladmarr · Post by **Gladmarr** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:57 am

What the heck was that?!?

Simon Wicks · Post by **Simon Wicks** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:50 pm

spam, spam...eggs and spam

mike · Post by **mike** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 10:15 pm

My 1978 overdrive 120 is retubed with EH and I think it is very near of the original mullard. I think that they are the best among the tubes Ive tried since 1978

OR120 tube replacement

OR120 tube replacement

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