Author Topic: Preamp Tubes (Read 159 times)

glocke · « **on:** July 31, 2009, 06:55:36 AM »

I need to replace the preamp tubes in my demeter preamp. I know next to nothing about tubes, but have heard that there are differences between various tube manufacturers.

Any suggestions as to what to try? The original tubes there were in there were Electro Harmonix 12AX7's. I actually found the demeter to be a little to much on the bright and middy side with these in. Is it possible that switching the tube type would mellow out the tone a little bit?

gtrguy · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2009, 07:33:51 AM »

JJ's make all around great tubes! This thread will likely go on forever, as there are so many tubes folks like.

xlrogue6 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 31, 2009, 09:00:39 AM »

The TungSol and Mullard reissues would also be a good choice. Like the JJ's, they're a bit less bright than the EH's. If you're buying JJ's, I highly recommend buying them from a Ruby Tubes dealer in the HG+ version. Ruby tests the JJ's and selects the ones with the highest gain and lowest microphonics to sell as the 12AX7HG+. I've had great luck with them--they're well worth the couple of extra bucks.

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #3 on:** July 31, 2009, 11:12:37 AM »

I can't speak highly enough of http://www.eurotubes.com/. I've bought I couple of sets from him, and he always appeared to be quite knowledgeable about the various options. He also sell's JJ's.

slawie · « **Reply #4 on:** August 02, 2009, 02:29:03 AM »

Why not make your own?
Part one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl-QMuUQhVM&feature=PlayList&p=09DA75E1E00B12A0&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=3

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S5OwqOXen8&feature=PlayList&p=09DA75E1E00B12A0&index=4

slawie

crobbins · « **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2009, 09:44:34 AM »

I buy my tubes through Mesa-Boogie.

http://mesa.stores.yahoo.net/mesboogtub.html

glocke · « **Reply #6 on:** August 06, 2009, 03:04:28 PM »

Well, I got a couple of JJ's from Eurotubes and put them in my Demeter, boy what a difference. The highs are much smoother and not as brittle and harsh as the highs with the EH tubes, and the mids seem to be smoothed out a tad bit also. thanks for the tip!!

mica · « **Reply #7 on:** August 06, 2009, 03:40:59 PM »

The JJ 12AX7/ECC83 are the tubes we're using now - mainly because they almost always fit in the shielding sleeve.

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2009, 08:04:06 AM »

Cool! I'm glad they worked out for you.