Pre-Amp Tube Questions...

[ConcreteVampire]

So I'm havin fun swappin pre's in my "X-Mas" Laney Aor50 present to self.

I understand that V2 is handles the "AOR" boost section, and it's crazy gainy with the GT Marshall High gain kit I'm trying now, so I'm gonna get a 5751 to tame it a bit, and get more usable range out of that channel, and possibly the green channel, as it all cascades. (It came with JJ's, two matched/Marked 105-105, & 110-110, two not marked)

Questions being...

1) Does the gain level of the tube driving the Tonestack, (In this case V3) affect an amp's tone? What difference would a known high gain tube in there be vs. "just" any 12ax7, or a low gainer?

2) Part of the "Sell" on the High gain kit is the Phase Invertor tube is matched in response to V1, & V2, as well as being "High Current". This amp just had one of the regular JJ's in V4. Should you "try" to get it to be specifically a phase Invertor tube? High gain? Low? matched Sides?

http://img3.harmony-central.com/acapella/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks for any input.

Get technical if you like.

NOTE: My former drummer worked at GC so no corksniffing on my behalf re: the GT Kit, I got it for a ridiculous price. Delivered.


Big thumb's up for 50 watt AOR Series 2's. Wonderful warm british goodness from clean to mean. Like I said, this amp has TOO much gain for an all tube path... (Cept for the Loop)

Interesting AB with my VHT...

Now to run them together onstage!http://img3.harmony-central.com/acapella/ubb/evil.gif
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[Blue Strat]

These are all questions that are best answered through trial and error. Outcomes are unpredictable and subjective responses will vary from player to player and amp to amp.

In many circuits in an amp, the gain is determined by the circuit, NOT the tube. In cases like these, throwing in a tube with a gain of a MILLION won't be different than using a tube with a gain of 50 or 10. Different tubes from the same manufacturer and with the same gain readings can sound different. Treat each tube as though it's an individual and try every combination possible. No "tonal adjectives" can describe what you'll hear.