Oct 28, 2012 6:59 PM
DT50 - Tubes that I've tried
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So, I wasn't happy day 1 with the stock tubes in my DT50.
Initially, on the preamp side, I went with JJ ECC803s / High Performance 12AX7 Gold Pin (matched and balanced). While they were pretty good, I felt that they were a bit on the harsh side. Defintely upped the output, but it wasn't always as smooth as I'd have liked.
After reading several reviews, I decided to give a fairly expensive 12AX7 set a try - TheTubeStore has a set of tubes from Northern Electric that I'm now running. I think they have a much nicer sound to them. I have since ordered a backup pair.
On power tubes - initially I went with Black Sable SED 34's (matched & balanced). The sound from these is quite good. I found that they held up well to gigging and regular movement of my amp. For kicks, I recently ordered a set of Tung-Sol EL34B tubes (matched & balanced). I've only had about 10 hrs on them, but I believe that they sound slightly better than the SED EL34's, and they're about 1/2 the price. I think they have a slightly better breakup and a bit more harmonics that are very pleasant.
Just throwing this out there for people that wonder about trying different tubes.
Jay
I recently bought a pair of Amperex vintage EL84's for my DT25. Love them.
a note though... the DT amps have no pre-amp tubes... those tubes are for an inverter and a boost.... the pre-amps are modeled.
I've tried several but I keep coming back to GrooveTubes Gold but I like very good clean tones. If you're into metal you might use different tubes but for me the GTGs sound pretty good. Tried Tungsol tubes but they were a little too sterile for me but might sound good for metal.
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