Balanced preamp tubes

[sgguitarzz]

I know it is said you should use a balanced tube for the phase inverter position. However, is there any benefit to having balanced tubes for any of the other positions?

[wyatt]

No, they aren't doing parallel jobs.

I don't bother at PI either, not unless I was worried about steel guitar quality cleans. Just another "added value" to get more $$$ from a consumer.

[sgguitarzz]

anyone else?????

[guitarded_1]

Honestly...just do your research. This one has been discussed/debated endlessly on many a forum/newsgroup. Tons of info and conflicting opinions available.

[michael patrick]

No need for balanced tubes in a guitar amp. Maybe a home hifi amp, but not a guitar amp.

[fullerplast]

For the PI, it depends on the amp and how well the circuit itself is balanced or can be adjusted. For the other tubes, balance doesn't matter.

In both cases however, a balanced tube will help maintain consistency when you swap tubes. IOW, a 80/120 tube probably will sound different than a 120/80 tube, all else equal. So if you swap a 100/100 tube with another balanced tube, the odds of the amp sounding the same are better.

[scottl]

Thank you!! My thoughts exactly.

Originally Posted by fullerplast

For the PI, it depends on the amp and how well the circuit itself is balanced or can be adjusted. For the other tubes, balance doesn't matter.

In both cases however, a balanced tube will help maintain consistency when you swap tubes. IOW, a 80/120 tube probably will sound different than a 120/80 tube, all else equal. So if you swap a 100/100 tube with another balanced tube, the odds of the amp sounding the same are better.

[Flameout12]

Not worth the trouble....but finding a PI tube that sounds good in your amp is well worth the trouble.

[sgguitarzz]

thank you. good info

[Eagle1]

Originally Posted by wyatt

No, they aren't doing parallel jobs.

I don't bother at PI either, not unless I was worried about steel guitar quality cleans. Just another "added value" to get more $$$ from a consumer.

The simple truth .

[Bmused]

Search for myles111 or pm here on the Dr. Z forum (myles) or go to his Guitar Amplifier Blueprinting website. He is extremely knowledgeable and helpful about tubes and amps in general.