Tube brands

[Csm84123]

Does different tube brands really make a difference or is it just BS. Just bought a used 6505 that was almost never played. Thing is basically new. Its the 3rd one i ever owned and it picked it up again because i think it will work better in the mix with my band simce the other guitarist is using 3120 peavey i think its called. Was kinda impressed with that 3120. Still got my Engl Invader at home with my Orange 212. Using a Orange 412 at the band room

To the question. The 6505 has Rubys in it which are original. They are fine and nothing is wrong with them. But i have heard people using Tungsol tubes in 6505s. Is it a big difference?

 

[boltzthrower]

It’s noticeable, but changing pickups or speakers is a way bigger difference.

 

[budda]

Speakers will be a much larger change. If the amp sounds healthy it probably is, but i’d grab spares real quick as prices are about to hop.

 

[trem licking]

Don't change those tubes, not really any difference. Buy some spares like buddha said perhaps, but use em until they break (which can take quite a long time)

 

[Marked Man]

Speakers will be a much larger change. If the amp sounds healthy it probably is, but i’d grab spares real quick as prices are about to hop.

There are only a few major manus for tubes these days. Any reputable, high quality tube will get the job done. There is a gulf between different speakers however. If you want to change your sound, change speakers.

I like using Mesa tubes in my Mesas when possible, but they've gotten clown world pricey lately. Svetlanas or JJs get the job done, usually for way less. Some tube companies sprinkle a bit too much hype dust / fairy dust to pump up prices....

 

[Csm84123]

Ok. Thanks for the info. It sounds good as is with the Rubys. Was just curious if it was worth it but it doesnt sound like it is and its not even needed right now. Cool with another 6505.

 

[CanserDYI]

Ive never heard a single difference rolling tubes.

 

[Krucifixtion]

Rubys are a typical tube for production stuff, because the prices are low and the QC is probably fine. If you are talking about swapping power tubes it won't make a massive difference in something like a 6505/5150. You can play around with the preamp tube selection if you are looking for a little bit different flavor. I used to run all JJ when i had my 5150 II and some people find JJ dark, but I actually thought they worked well to tame some of the high end fizz of the 5150/6505 tone, but if there's nothing wrong with the amp there isn't a huge need to change them out.

 

[KailM]

With power tubes there is barely any difference in sound, provided they’re healthy.

There IS a difference in preamp tubes regarding brand, but it is mainly heard in V1. They’re cheap enough that it’s worth trying a few different tubes in V1.

My personal favorite in 5150s is the JJ 5751 in V1. It has a little less gain than a 12ax7, but sounds less fizzy and somehow ballsier at the same time. Tung Sol 12ax7s sound clearer in V1, but less warm.

Anyway, it’s worth buying a couple different ones to try. Worst case is you’ll have a couple spare tubes, and none of them inherently sound bad, just different.

I would not drink the Kool-aide of NOS tube sellers. I have a JAN Philips 12ax7 that the JJs beat in tone. The JAN might last longer though.