CBS Hytron 5814

[adam_l]

I think that there are three variants of the CBS Hytron 5814 tube. I've tried the last production model (w/ the diamond shaped CBS logo) and really liked the sound. From what I've read, the first version, with the "JHY" label, is superior to the others. I'm curious to hear from anyone that's tried more than one of the variants.. did one stand out from the rest?

Thanks,
-Adam

 

[Timbre Wolf]

Not much use for a 12AU7-like variant in guitar amps, really. You might get much more information by searching on the Tubes Asylum section of AudioAsylum.com Lots of HiFi folk like the CBS 5814

Check this: http://db.audioasylum.com/mhtml/m.html?forum=tubes&n=239859

 

[adam_l]

Not much use for a 12AU7-like variant in guitar amps, really. You might get much more information by searching on the Tubes Asylum section of AudioAsylum.com Lots of HiFi folk like the CBS 5814

Check this: http://db.audioasylum.com/mhtml/m.html?forum=tubes&n=239859

Cool, I'll check it out. I just got a quick question.. when you say that there's "not much use for a 12AU7-like variant in guitar amps.." do you mean that the 5814 is more of a HiFi tube and shouldn't even be substituted for preamps that use 12au7s?

 

[Blue Strat]

If you like it use it. But for most guitar players, the drop in gain relative to a 12AX7 makes in unusable. What amp and position are you using it in?

 

[adam_l]

If you like it use it. But for most guitar players, the drop in gain relative to a 12AX7 makes in unusable. What amp and position are you using it in?

I had the CBS-Hytron years ago, and used it with a different amp. My current amp's preamp calls for 12ax7s, but I use a Mullard 12au7 in the PI slot and it sounds killer.

 

[Blue Strat]

I had the CBS-Hytron years ago, and used it with a different amp. My current amp's preamp calls for 12ax7s, but I use a Mullard 12au7 in the PI slot and it sounds killer.

What amp is it? Since PI circuits don't produce much gain, usually less than 20, a 12AU7 is likely to work pretty well.

 

[adam_l]

What amp is it? Since PI circuits don't produce much gain, usually less than 20, a 12AU7 is likely to work pretty well.

The one in my signature.. Peavey VTM-120.

Oh yeah, I got a general tube question that I've been meaning to ask about over here.. I've been posting at the alt.guitar.amps newsgroup about the importance of balanced preamp tubes. I've always thought that it was important for the triodes to match, but the consensus over there is that it doesn't matter. Obviously there are exceptions, like a 12dw7, which isn't built to be balanced.. I'm talking more about the 12ax7 family, and i guess any other tube that has identical structure on each side. Do you guys agree with this?

Thanks,
-Adam

 

[Blue Strat]

That's a topic of much debate. It doesn't matter as much as some people think, but it CAN make a difference. As with everything regarding tone, nothing is better unless it sounds better to YOU.

There's also a matter of degrees, as in pretty much everything. A slight mismatch doesn't make as much difference as a large mismatch, and whether the mismatch accentuates the circuit mismatch or counteracts it are also factors.

To simply dismiss as "it doesn't matter" is overly simplistic and often the line used by people parroting their favorite "amp guru" without really understanding what's going on.

 

[adam_l]

That's a topic of much debate. It doesn't matter as much as some people think, but it CAN make a difference. As with everything regarding tone, nothing is better unless it sounds better to YOU.

There's also a matter of degrees, as in pretty much everything. A slight mismatch doesn't make as much difference as a large mismatch, and whether the mismatch accentuates the circuit mismatch or counteracts it are also factors.

To simply dismiss as "it doesn't matter" is overly simplistic and often the line used by people parroting their favorite "amp guru" without really understanding what's going on.

Yeah.. from what I've read (and always thought), the triodes should be within 8% of each other. There one 12ax7 i was thinking of buying, but it tests 1400/2200 (good is 1250). I was gonna pass on it, but now I'm thinking about pickin it up..

Then some people say that it only matters for tubes in the PI slot to be balanced.. however, I've heard other people say that the more imbalanced the better in for the PI!

 

[Blue Strat]

Yeah.. from what I've read (and always thought), the triodes should be within 8% of each other. There one 12ax7 i was thinking of buying, but it tests 1400/2200 (good is 1250). I was gonna pass on it, but now I'm thinking about pickin it up..

Then some people say that it only matters for tubes in the PI slot to be balanced.. however, I've heard other people say that the more imbalanced the better in for the PI!

That's a subjective analysis, or theory based one what someone might THINK they'll hear.

The circuit is usually somewhat imbalanced. The degree and direction of imbalance in the tube will either counteract or accentuate the balance of the circuit. Then it's down to what any particular person LIKES better. There's absolutely no single correct answer.

 

[Timbre Wolf]

Cool, I'll check it out. I just got a quick question.. when you say that there's "not much use for a 12AU7-like variant in guitar amps.." do you mean that the 5814 is more of a HiFi tube and shouldn't even be substituted for preamps that use 12au7s?

Use the 5814 anywhere you like 12AU7. I'm just saying that common guitar amps don't tend to be designed for 12AU7, but rather 12AX7.

- T