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AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:24 am
by mariovolta
so i bought this amp like around september and i think i have to replace the tubes. it use to get really loud at level 4 or 5 and now i have to turn it up to level 6 or 7 to get it how it use to be. do you guys know if i have to biased the tubes or how ever you spell it, this is my very first time replacing it and i wanted to know how to do it and what typpe of tubes to get(as in what type of brand). i know im suppose to get the EL84's but what brand? thank you very much.

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:40 am
by thenetsux
I think alot of us here like JJ power tubes. I havnt had much experience with any other brand of el84, but thetubestore.com has some good descriptions of different tube brands in thier reviews. I think that the AD30 is "self biasing" so you can plug and play. I'm sure if I'm wrong someone will chime in.

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:50 am
by mariovolta
really? sick brro ill check them out thanks soo much!

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2009 8:00 am
by mariovolta
also idk if any of you guys know about the electro harmonix version of the el84's? im looking at them at guitarcenters website are they good? or just over priced? are the JJs better? thanks :)

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 9:15 am
by Nork
they're different. not necessarily better/worse. this is what Jon @ thetubestore.com says about'em:
Jon wrote:Electro Harmonix EL84-EH - For most applications this is a good bet. The sound of these tubes is very smooth when biased correctly. Tonally, it’s hard to go wrong. They are pleasant to listen to and have the creamy overdrive most people look for in an EL84. They have a nice chime but it’s not overbearing. It looks a lot like the standard Sovtek but a closer inspection will reveal differences. The plate looks a bit more polished with a different coating and internally they feature precisely wrapped grid wires with a bright metal shine. The only problem with this tube is that like the Sovtek and TAD product, they are tubby. The fattest one I measured was .886 inches thick against the G.E. maximum width spec of .875 inches. For most purchasers this will not be an issue. If you have an amp that requires the tube to pass through a hole in the chassis before the pins seat in the socket you should measure the diameter of that hole. If you’re still unsure, the JJ EL84 is the closest in dimensional specs to NOS measurements and the G.E. standards for the 6BQ5.
i've not personally tried'em, but i've found jon's reviews really useful and pretty reliable in terms of tone.

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:14 pm
by Le Chat Noir
Watford Valves Harma Retros are the nicest non-NOS tubes I've tried in my AD30.

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 9:38 am
by Daves
Le Chat Noir wrote:Watford Valves Harma Retros are the nicest non-NOS tubes I've tried in my AD30.
I second this. JJs seem a bit overbearing somehow. Watford Valves are very good and quick. They are based in the UK though...

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 1:45 pm
by nguideau
I wouldn't buy tubes from Guitar Center, personally. I'd use the Tube Store or Eurotubes online. Both places are well known for their customer service (unlike Guitar Center), and I know that if you call Eurotubes and ask them this type of question, they'll give you good advice. :)

The AD30 is cathode biased, which (sort of) means it is "self biasing." So yes, just buy your new power tubes and put them in, just make sure you are buying matched power tubes.

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 9:33 pm
by mariovolta
thanks everyone you guys have been a lot of help. thanks a lot :)

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 6:06 am
by mariovolta
does anyone know what type of pre amp tubes this amp uses?

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 6:02 pm
by Randy Bass
mariovolta wrote:does anyone know what type of pre amp tubes this amp uses?
Probably 12AX7s, but feel free to look inside your amp to find out. You could also use 12AT7s or 12AU7s for less gain/cleaner tone/lower volume.

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 7:59 pm
by Nork
12ax7's is your answer!

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2010 9:00 am
by Orphin
I've found the tubes for you. :D

Pre amp tubes:
http://www.tubedepot.com/nos-12ax7-jange-lp.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
(These are on sale)

Power amp tubes:
http://www.tubedepot.com/pe-n709.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Mon May 03, 2021 8:38 am
by cune93vit
Hello Guys!
Just got an Orange AD-30 Single Channel
It came with JJs
I'd like to install the stock tubes, I saw that in early 2000s Orange uses Ei as EL84 power tubes and Sovtek GZ34,
Can Somebody help me to find which were the stock preamp tubes?

Many Thanks

Re: AD30 single channel tube replacement suggestions

Posted: Mon May 03, 2021 7:34 pm
by bclaire
cune93vit wrote:
Mon May 03, 2021 8:38 am
Hello Guys!
Just got an Orange AD-30 Single Channel
It came with JJs
I'd like to install the stock tubes, I saw that in early 2000s Orange uses Ei as EL84 power tubes and Sovtek GZ34,
Can Somebody help me to find which were the stock preamp tubes?

Many Thanks
You'll find that JJ's are what they use.