valves for a PRRI

[tomjackson]

Just mulling over changing V1 and the 6v6's in my Princeton Reverb.

V1 is curently a GT branded Sovtek 12AX7WC

Thinking about putting a 5751 in there to make the volume control more usable as breakup is currently about 4 with a Tele.  would be good to have a bit more usable range as 7-10 is useless mush.
But also wondering if any tonal improvements can be made with any other preamp valves?
I've got a JJ so will try that first...


6V6's are Groove tubes branded Electro Harmonix.  Might consider changing these if there's anything better without spending lots on NOS types.

Any Suggestions?

 

[Transcend]

anything is better than a elextro harmonix valve!

i quite like a Jan Phillips 5751 in v1 or the PI on any amp ive also recently become quite fond of the tungsol 12ax7 in v1 but only with the 5751 in the PI

[Denim n Leather]

5751 will require a LOT more volume or push to break up. That 30% difference in gain is HUGE, and unless you are running a hi gain front end, it is more likely that you will kill off ANY breakup.

If you're looking for something with a nicer breakup characteristic than the Sovtek, you won't have to look far -- the Sovtek valves are garbage. Try a JJ803S.

If you find a good modern 6V6 let me know. I'm using Groove Tubes right now and don't really like 'em. I've been avoiding going with OS valves because I don't know enough about 6V6's ...

[HTH AMPS]

You would get WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY more mileage out of that amp with some nice NOS 6V6s, I cannot stress enough how much of difference there is with current production and NOS 6V6s; moreso than any other output valve imo.  Brimar, Mullard - all the usual suspects with 6V6s.

With your V1 valve, it would be worth trying some NOS US-made 12AX7s as they do tend to have less gain than modern 12AX7s.  You could try 5751s, but I personally think you lose the life out the top end of the amp in vintagey-sounding amps.

[Elliot]

I would recommend the NOS Brimar 6v6s that are in acceptable supply in the UK - and I would not recommend the JJ 6V6 S for Fender amps.  In my 6v6 converted Blues Jr the difference in tone was big.  As to V1 the GE 5751have a bit more sparkle than the Philips,but both are good.  A GE 12Ax7 is also nice if you can afford one.

[HTH AMPS]

I would recommend the NOS Brimar 6v6s that are in acceptable supply in the UK - and I would the JJ 6V6 S for Fender amps.  In my 6v6 converted Blues Jr the difference in tone was big.  As to V1 the GE 5751havea bit more sparkle than the Philips,but both are good.  A GE 12Ax7 is also nice if you can afford one.

I have some of those and they are REALLY nice if you want that American tone - relaxed mids and smooth treble.

[tomjackson]

I've swapped V1 for a Sovtek 12ax7LPS and already it sounds a little better.
I've a spare JJ somewhere so I'll try that as well.

Not sure on the NOS thing, I looked at Hotrox and Watford Valves and neither of them had anything decent.
hardly any NOS 12AX7's and the Brimar 6V6's are £30 each plus VAT.

Looked at ebay and most look OOS.... Old Old stock... shitee that's probably at the end of it's useful life.
Bit of a gamble really now they are so expensive...I'd rather buy them from a reputable supplier If I was going to buy NOS valves.

[PhilKing]

These are great sounding tubes - I have them in my old Princeton Reverb.

http://thetubestore.com/jan6v.html

[HTH AMPS]

These are great sounding tubes - I have them in my old Princeton Reverb.

http://thetubestore.com/jan6v.html

same thing in the UK for those that are interested...  http://www.hotroxuk.com/matched-valves-links-page-12ax7-6l6-909-0/nos-4033-0/jan-phillips-6v6gt-usa.html

£22.00 each - you can't lose with this kind of pricing, they will outlast anything current production by at least two times and sound better while they're at it.  This is really a no-brainer imo.