Replacing tubes in my Mesa DC-3 question.

[IndyBlues]

My DC-3 is in serious need of a tube change, and I was checking out this site:

http://www.amplifiedparts.com/

Their prices are awesome, but considering my amp is a Mesa, will I need the power tubes to be matched sets, or quads? What about the pre-amp tubes? Do they need to be matched, also? Since they aren't Mesa tubes, will the amp need to be biased?

Should I just buy Mesa tubes, and swap them out, worry free?

I'm considering the J/J brand tubes, but if any of the experts here could point me in an alternative direction, I'm all ears.

Mike

[phsyconoodler]

Call the tube dealer and ask for a matched set of power tubes compatible with your Mesa.
Preamp tubes are not matched,but can be at a higher cost.Not needed.

Or get a quad of EL84 mesa tubes and just pop them in and forget 'em.Don't change the preamp tubes unless you think they are in need.They last 20-1 over power tubes.You may want to try some different ones,but be warned that meas cathode follower positions will not like Russian tubes.Use Chinese,Mesa or JJ.

[RussB]

Make life easy. Buy a pair of Mesa branded EL-84 power tubes and you wont have any worries. Plug and play. You can get the 12AX7's anywhere you like. Again, plug 'n play

[Blue Strat]

Most dealers who know guitar amps can select power tubes for your Mesa. Just ask.

[IndyBlues]

Thanks for the tips! I'll get the Mesa EL-84's, just need to decide which 12AX7's to buy.
Any recommendations on those? AmplifiedParts.com has tons of choices. Half the price of Mesa tubes.
Mike

[phsyconoodler]

Don't change them if they work.Simple logic.You seem to be fixated on the price,so not buying any will save you the most money.
The power tubes are likely necessary but the preamps may not be.
Rule of thumb for tubes:cheap is usually not the best way to go,but too expensive isn't either.

[IndyBlues]

Yeah, I'm not extremely fixated on price, but I do enjoy a good deal. Like you said, it's not a good idea to overpay either. I'm getting a bit of a volume drop every now and again in the clean channel, and the gain channel doesn't quite distort like it should.
I'll go with the power tubes first, from Mesa, and then see how things go with the preamp tubes.
I was recommended a site over at the Boogie Boards:

https://ssl.eurotubes.com/cart/index...category_id=92

Looks like some good deals there.
Mike

[Blue Strat]

All 12AX7s aren't equal. Be sure you're comparing apples with apples.

[CharAznable]

I got my tubes for my DC5 from Blue Strat ^