What 12AX7 tube is best?

10 Best 12AX7 Tubes | Guide and Reviews | 2022

• JJ ECC83S.
• JJ ECC803S.
• Tung-Sol 12AX7.
• Genalex 12AX7.
• Mullard 12AX7.
• Electro-Harmonix 12AX7.
• Sovtek 12AX7LPS.
• Svetlana 12AX7.

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Do 12AX7 need to be matched?

Using 12AX7s as an example, matching these preamp tubes is a good idea, but by no means essential. These tubes, along with the 6DJ8 variety, are known as linestage tubes. When they are matched, this will ensure that you get even gain from both tubes.

Do preamp tubes affect tone?

More to the point here, though, is the fact that the gain of the first preamp tube—often referred to as a “gain stage”—very directly impacts the tone that you achieve from the amp as a whole.

How often should you change your preamp tubes?

You are not likely to have to replace them unless one or more tubes fail. Preamp tubes can have a life span of at least two to three years and usually much longer. If it’s been a few years or you regularly change your power tubes and feel like the amp has become lifeless, it may be time to freshen up your preamp tubes.

Do preamp tubes need to be balanced?

the term “balanced” is refering to your last pre-amp tube, before you get to the Power tubes. You’ll want this to be balanced. You just need one. If the other pre-amp tubes are balanced as well, that’s fine but they don’t need to be.

Can you mix 12AX7 tubes?

For example, any 12AX7 should be compatible with another 12AX7. With power tubes, you can swap different brands of the same tube. (For example, 6L6 tubes from different manufacturers.) But do not swap different types of power tubes unless you are absolutely sure you know what you are doing — damage may result.

Is 12AX7 the same as ECC83?

The 12AX7 Valve (or 12AX7 vacuum Tube) is a small preamplifier valve which is identical to the ECC83 – same valve, just a different name. It has two identical triodes both of which have a high voltage gain.

Should tubes be matched?

Power tubes are electrically matched so each tube will have the same amount of “idle” plate current and amplification characteristics when used in an amplifier. This is done so the tubes can work together in your amp giving you optimal sound quality and tube longevity.

How long should 12AX7 last? Small signal tubes like a 12AX7 or 6922 will work well on average for about 10,000 hours. If you leave your equipment on 24 hours a day, well you do the math: There are 8,760 hours in a year.

How long do 12AX7 tubes last?

Small signal tubes like a 12AX7 or 6922 will work well on average for about 10,000 hours. If you leave your equipment on 24 hours a day, well you do the math: There are 8,760 hours in a year.

How long do preamp tubes last?

Preamp Tubes are generally at their best 2 – 3 years. Power Tubes are generally at their best 1 – 1.5 years. Rectifier Tubes are generally at their best 3 – 5+ years.

Is it OK to touch vacuum tubes?

Think of a vacuum tube as a light bulb. It is a glass envelope that generates heat as it is working. You shouldn’t be handling them all the time but occasionally touching them will not hurt. Let it cool off first though, they can get mighty toasty.

Can I replace ECC83 with 12AX7?

Some people might worry about whether or not you can substitute the ECC83 for a 12Ax7, and many guitar shops will only carry one brand of preamp tube. If that brand is an ECC83 tube, you might be hesitant to make a purchase, but you needn’t be. The ECC83 tube will perform the same as the 12Ax7.

How long should I let my tube amp warm up?

As a rule of thumb, your tube amp needs to be warmed up for 20 to 30 minutes at least before you can start playing your guitar. Most of the time, tube amps have warm up specifications included in their instructions for use.

What does a bad preamp tube sound like? A bad preamp tube will become very noisy and produce hiss, crackle, and pop sounds, or create volume drops or loss. In some rare conditions, the tube can also lose its vacuum and fail completely. Bad preamp tube symptoms can lead you to the faulty one if you know what to look for.

How do you break in a vacuum tube?

How often should you replace preamp tubes?

Preamp tubes can have a life span of at least two to three years and usually much longer. If it’s been a few years or you regularly change your power tubes and feel like the amp has become lifeless, it may be time to freshen up your preamp tubes.

What amps use 12AX7 tubes?

The most common preamp tube for tube guitar amplifiers is the 12AX7. They have been in use since 1947 – so the Fender Tweed’s, Vox’s, Supro’s, and many other amps up through the modern Marshall DSL100 amps use 12AX7 preamp tubes.

How do I know if my preamp tube is bad?

A bad preamp tube will become very noisy and produce hiss, crackle, and pop sounds, or create volume drops or loss. In some rare conditions, the tube can also lose its vacuum and fail completely.

How do you burn in new power tubes?

How do you break in a tube amp?

Ever notice how a new amp sounds a bit too new—too harsh and stiff? That’s because the speaker is still factory fresh and needs a workout to loosen up. The only way to do that is to play through the amp for several hours to get the speaker moving and break it in.

Can I use a 12AU7 in place of an 12AX7?

While you can physically use a 12AU7 tube in place of a 12AX7 in a circuit, it’s not recommended to do. Most circuits that are designed for a 12AX7 will not react well to the significantly lower gain of the 12AU7.

How long do tubes last in a preamp?

Preamp Tubes are generally at their best 2 – 3 years. Power Tubes are generally at their best 1 – 1.5 years. Rectifier Tubes are generally at their best 3 – 5+ years.

Can you leave tube amps on? Long story short, unless you plan on using your amp a lot throughout the day, you should turn off your tube amp when you are done using it. Here’s why: Tubes deteriorate with use, so leaving a tube amp on shortens tube life. Many tubes produce a significant amount of heat.