12au7 in phase inverter/Fender Supersonic head

[bad jeans]

Ok, I have a supersonic head and I have been experimenting with tubes trying to get the sound I like. Can I harm my amp by putting a 12au7 in the phase inverter socket (I believe the phase inverter is directly next to the power tubes).

In this slot I seem to get a slightly smoother gain sound, which is what I want from this amp--more "fusiony" gain, less grainy. The volume also seems to be less, which I don't really want but I can deal with that if it sounds less harsh. Any other suggestions from supersonic owners? Basically I am looking to "smooth" out the tone, not necessarily less gain but a different gain. The power tubes are Ruby 6l6GC-STR.

Any info would be much appreciated!

[12AX7]

Can I harm my amp by putting a 12au7 in the phase inverter socket

Welcome.

No. 12AX7s 12AU7s 12AT7s as well as other 12**7s are interchangeable.

A 12AT7 is a popular choice. Similar output as a 12AX7 but with less over-the-top gain character.

[bad jeans]

Thanks. I ordered a 12at7 to try out, also might get some 5151s. The 12au7 seems to have less output, but there's something it does to the gain that i like. Obviously I don't know a lot about these tubes, but I know the sound I am after and I'm gonna see how far I can get with the supersonic.

A lot of people seem to like bright overdrive, but I don't--my all time fave OD was from a Naylor electraverb 38 head that I (sadly) used to own. Probably unfair that I am using that amp as my comparison, but the SS is surprisingly good if you EQ it right.

[Baxtercat]

I also like the tone, and experiment with 12au7s in various socket locations, [also in Blue Tube, Real Tube, Chandler Tube Drivers, etc.]

Your gain/volume will certainly be lower, but you can just turn up the knobs and enjoy that less harsh sound.

[donnyjaguar]

If you disable the NFB the differences in these tubes become much more noticeable.