So I've had my Spider Valve for about 2.5 years with moderate to heavy usage, and am noticing a drop-off in tone. Specifically, the low end is sounding really loose and weak, and dialing in more bass just makes it bulgy and muddy, in addition to loose and weak. I'm assuming this is due to my power tubes dying??? (This is my first amp so I don't really know how to diagnose such issues, but from what i read online, this is my conclusion. If there are any other possible explanations that I may be overlooking, let me know.)
So assuming it's time to change them: any suggestions for good replacement tubes? I play primarily heavy rock / the lighter side of metal. Have any of you personally played your Spider Valve with specific tubes you really liked?
Also, another question: the manual says to use 5881's only. What's the difference between these and non-5881 6L6's?
Thanks in advance.
