High gain 12AX7's

[PRSplaya]

I'm looking for a high gain(maybe) 12AX7 for V2 in a Peavey Classic 50. Right now I've got a high gain JJ ECC83, but am not to thrilled with it. I've also got a JJ ECC803 in V1 which sounds great on the clean channel, but I think it might be hindering the overdrive channel a bit. Right now the overdrive seems a little buzzy. It doesn't sound bad by any means, but I'm sure it could sound better. I don't have a specific tone I'm going for, just a good classic to hard rock distortion. I use a MXR ZW-44 in front of the overdrive for the heavier stuff (great pedal btw). So, could ya'll give me some suggestion for a new tube?

[Blue Strat]

Originally posted by PRSplaya
I'm looking for a high gain(maybe) 12AX7 for V2 in a Peavey Classic 50. Right now I've got a high gain JJ ECC83, but am not to thrilled with it. I've also got a JJ ECC803 in V1 which sounds great on the clean channel, but I think it might be hindering the overdrive channel a bit. Right now the overdrive seems a little buzzy. It doesn't sound bad by any means, but I'm sure it could sound better. I don't have a specific tone I'm going for, just a good classic to hard rock distortion. I use a MXR ZW-44 in front of the overdrive for the heavier stuff (great pedal btw). So, could ya'll give me some suggestion for a new tube?

NOS RFT 12AX7.

[Boogs]

Originally posted by PRSplaya
Right now I've got a high gain JJ ECC83, but am not to thrilled with it.

Is it the newer ECC83S? I love the new high-gain JJs myself, but I never tried the older version.

[PRSplaya]

I'm not sure. I got it a little over a year ago from Eurotubes.

[teefus]

the newer eh 12ax7's sound a little gainier to my ear, especially compared to the jj's. the eh has a little more sizzle on the top end too which of course could be good or bad depending on what you are looking for.

[goneracin]

Originally posted by Blue Strat
NOS RFT 12AX7.

+1. Best higher gain ecc83 IMO. Also does something sweet in a marshall type circuit :dude

[PRSplaya]

Where could I find one of these NOS RFT 12AX7?

[Blue Strat]

Originally posted by PRSplaya
Where could I find one of these NOS RFT 12AX7?

Check the website of the guy who first recommended it....OH! that would be me;)

[Mr.Hanky]

Originally posted by goneracin
+1. Best higher gain ecc83 IMO. Also does something sweet in a marshall type circuit :dude

Now where have I heard THAT before?
;)

Haven't tried em yet Bob, I'll let you know when I do.

[jrigg]

If you are looking for a high gain tube that sounds great, I'd also highly recommend an RFT.

[glogulus]

I bought an RFT 12ax7 about a year ago, and bought and sold a few amps since. I still have the RFT :).

[SQUAREHEAD]

Older Chinese 12AX7's from late '80's / early '90's are my favs!!!

[Blue Strat]

Originally posted by SQUAREHEAD
Older Chinese 12AX7's from late '80's / early '90's are my favs!!!

The STR 7025s? They're back. They are another good choice.

[rjmmusic]

Both the RFT and the NOS Chinese are great tubes. If you want smooth sounding high gain, I'd use the RFT. If you want more grind, go with the Chinese.

Mike, I just checked your website. The 7025 Silver Specials are back!?!?!? Cool! Great tubes. These would also be very good, although the early 90's Silver Specials I have aren't quite as gainy as the 90's Chinese grey plate ones I have. Don't know how the new ones stack up.

[Blue Strat]

Originally posted by rjmmusic
Both the RFT and the NOS Chinese are great tubes. If you want smooth sounding high gain, I'd use the RFT. If you want more grind, go with the Chinese.

Mike, I just checked your website. The 7025 Silver Specials are back!?!?!? Cool! Great tubes. These would also be very good, although the early 90's Silver Specials I have aren't quite as gainy as the 90's Chinese grey plate ones I have. Don't know how the new ones stack up.

All tube types vary somewhat, if you test 20 or so of any particular type of tube you'll see quite a variation in gain.

[SQUAREHEAD]

Originally posted by Blue Strat
The STR 7025s? They're back. They are another good choice.

Where?
Who's got them?
:confused:

Keith

[rjmmusic]

See the above post - you can buy them from the guy who wrote the post. :) Mike at KCA NOS tubes.

Gotsta get me some of those!

[Blue Strat]

Originally posted by SQUAREHEAD
Where?
Who's got them?
:confused:

Keith

Here's a hint....look below.

[SQUAREHEAD]

Originally posted by Blue Strat
Here's a hint....look below.

Thanx, Bro!!
;)

[Igneous]

+1 rft user here

[daddyo]

Is swapping one 12AX7 tube for another going to make significant tonal difference in an amp that was designed specically for a more classic, lower gain sound?

[Blue Strat]

Originally posted by daddyo
Is swapping one 12AX7 tube for another going to make significant tonal difference in an amp that was designed specically for a more classic, lower gain sound?

That depends upon what you consider significant. Amps/music is the world of subjectivity and what's significant to one player is subtle to another.

In general, I'd say no. The design of an amp has infinitely more influence over how "high gain" (read, distorted) an amp is compared to switching from a lower to higher gain 12AX7.

[johnny q]

Originally posted by goneracin
+1. Best higher gain ecc83 IMO. Also does something sweet in a marshall type circuit :dude

Lots of love here for the NOS RFT, and it is a great tube, but I find that they are too dark to place in more than one position in any of my amps. I have one in V1 of my JCM 800 and its just right, place another in V2 and it gets a bit dark - plenty of gain though!!

JQ

[Igneous]

Yeah, almost too much gain. If run run two together, they scream like crazy.

[Schizm]

What about the new Reflektor/ Tung Sol 12ax7's? are they good for high gain apps?

[hawkeye17]

Hah. I just won a barely used RFT for $9 on Ebay. Looking forward to hearing it in my modded Marshall's V1 slot.