Are the TAD 12AX7s any good?

[Random Hero]

http://www.watfordvalves.com/product_detail.asp?id=1290

Those in particular. I'm looking for something high gain, warm, musical, to fully retube the preamp in my Bogner XTC. The manual recommends Chinese tubes, and it currently has ARS 12AX7s in there. It sounds great but I can't help thinking the preamp tubes might sound a little... worn? (I got it used, from a studio, where it was used well)

I thought a full retube of the preamp would be a good idea.

Any advice?

 

[Blue Strat]

FWIW, contrary to popular opinion, you don't need high gain tubes in a high gain amp unless the gain control is already maxed out and you want more distortion (in which case, the amp probably isn't the right amp for you).

The circuit design of the amp has much more to do with how much overdrive/distortion you get than the gain of a tube.

You might like something like a NOS RFT 12AX7 in V2 if you're looking for earlier breakup.

 

[Random Hero]

Hmm, no, I definitely don't want more distortion than the gain on full!

I'm just looking for a bit more saturation at lower gain levels. FlyAngus' XTC clips seem to have a ton of saturation at 11:00 on the red gain - mine can't quite seem to reach that. I know there are other variables, but we're both using EBMM guitars with "hot" dimarzio pickups.

 

[Blue Strat]

Did you ask him what tubes he's using? Maybe that's where the answer lies.

 

[Random Hero]

Stock chinese 12AX7s that come with it.

 

[enditol]

I like those best in my Diezel and i've tried a bunch. Nice and balanced, good mids, and the TADS are selected for low noise, microphonics etc.

 

[Erik]

Hmm, no, I definitely don't want more distortion than the gain on full!

I'm just looking for a bit more saturation at lower gain levels. FlyAngus' XTC clips seem to have a ton of saturation at 11:00 on the red gain - mine can't quite seem to reach that. I know there are other variables, but we're both using EBMM guitars with "hot" dimarzio pickups.

I think he uses G12H30 speakers. IIRC, you're playing through a Mesa with V30's...I have that exact same cab and it sounds much different than when I play through other speakers. With my G12H30 loaded cab, I don't have the tightness that the V30's offer, but I get a better crunch...but not as good a crunch as with my Greenback loaded cab.

Also, Flyangus uses different power tubes. (I think he uses JJ EL34's.)


Try using your Tung Sol in V1, then swap it out for a Chinese and see what you like better. I'd try and do that with V1, V2, and V3. For V6 (2nd and 3rd gain stage on the clean channel), I'd recommend something that is clear, but not too high gain.

 

[rockon1]

Those TAD's are just relabeled Chinese tubes. Bob

 

[Random Hero]

So overall these are a good tube that will sound real sweet in my Bogner?

 

[espennor]

I used them om my vox ac 30, very good tubes that opend up the amp a lot

 

[Random Hero]

I used them om my vox ac 30, very good tubes that opend up the amp a lot

By opened up, you mean less compression?

 

[Sweet T]

I didn't particularly care for the TAD 7025 Highgrade or ECC83 Highgrade--I felt they would be nice for a hi-fi situation, but in a Super Reverb, they were extremely sterile and bland. The new production Tung-Sols were much, much better.

 

[The Pup]

http://vintageamps.com/plexiboard/viewtopic.php?t=70461

 

[Random Hero]

Is the one I linked to a "9th Gen"? It does say it's the "latest" version, so?

 

[fuzzyguitars]

TAD is selected and tested chinese.

these came stock in my diezel herbert.

sounded great!:BOUNCE

 

[vize84]

In my Koch Studiotone I tried TAD E83CC/7025 in V1 and EHX... well the TAD were wonderful... fat and warm sound with a lot of gain and harmonics...EHX sounded like shiit in V1... too thin and harsh and I lost 15% in gain... If I were you I'll give a try to the TAD

 

[trap]

the tad ax7's sound pretty average. try some early 90's nos chinese . the ones with a square getter. they came stock in my 95 rivera and i've used them in my two rock also. nice tube and reliable too!

 

[rockon1]

We are talking about the regular Chinese 12AX7 relabed by TAD right? If thats the case I wouldnt pay the extra money for the rebranding. Bob

 

[vize84]

Well... there are several models of TAD 12AX7. The standard TAD ECC83 (the less expensive models) should be rebranded tubes afaik. Then there are a 7025/E83CC and a 7025 model. These 2 tubes aren't rebrended (If I remember right) and sound very very good. They're perfect for V1 position.

 

[rockon1]

Well... there are several models of TAD 12AX7. The standard TAD ECC83 (the less expensive models) should be rebranded tubes afaik. Then there are a 7025/E83CC and a 7025 model. These 2 tubes aren't rebrended (If I remember right) and sound very very good. They're perfect for V1 position.

OK I did some digging the TAD 7025/E83CC HIGHGRADE Premium is a just a JJ ECC83s. Some of the pics are hard to make out but they all appear to be eithe Chinese,JJ or russian. Bob