sonar
New member
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2003
- Messages
- 3,589
Ok Left to right, starting with rectifier:
RCA Gz34 USA
Slyvania 6L6GC USA
Slyvania 6L6GC USA
12AT7 PhilipsECG USA (I think this was replaced in 2008)
GE Elec___ 12AX7 USA (elec___ was illegible)
Slyvania USA
GE Elec___ USA (elec___ was illegible)
Slyvania 12AX7A USA
Sylvania USA.
I couldn't read the type on some of them. Also, why would the Slyvania 12AX7A have the A on the end? I thought they were just 12AX7... Thanks for the patience.
I believe the tech in 2008 made notes on the tubes in marker. One of the Sylvania's was marked "116" followed on the next line with "110B"... If that means anything to you guys, I can note the rest too...
Kind of fun to get the ole' girl out of mothballs.
Before my internet tube rant I'd like to add to make sure your tube sockets are clean and tight.
I doubt you'll need to replace all your pre's and whatever you do keep the GZ34. Try to locate some old AX7's and AT7's on ebay. I'd start with one or two of each type (AT7 and AX7) and swap around different positions with the tubes currently in your amp. Mix and match to try and locate the offending tube, if there is one. I'd go for ebay auctions and not the $150 buy it now tube that looks pretty. It might a little riskier this way, but you'll save a bunch of money. Of the dozen or so old pre's I've bought on ebay only two were too weak compared to new glass.
I think new power tubes are pretty decent, but I'm still on the fence with current pre's. Most sound decent to good (if not spectacular) and the price is right. The problem I have had has more to do with microphonic's and reliability. If I need to go through a few new pre tubes to find one decent one I might as well do the same thing with old pullers or NOS preamp tubes.
Another option is to buy both old and new. Then report back to us.