Soldano X99

[gigawatt]

What brand of tubes should I try? I'm leaning towards NOS Mullards. Since I blew over $2K for this preamp, shouldn't I put the best tubes available in it? Telefunkin are considered as well. I am trying to go with one type, as it can be so frustrating to choose what is best for V1, V2, V3 etc.

I love a tight metal sound, as well as a nice AC/DC crunch. The tubes I am running now are too muddy for me, which are an old Bogen/Mullard in V1, TS in V2, EH in 3 and 4 and an LPS in V5.

I greatly appreciate any thoughts from anyone who has experience with this preamp.

 

[guitarslinger21]

Just because a tube is expensive, doesn't mean it will sound the best.

I don't have a Soldano, but I have a ton of early 90's preamps.

Most amps from that era were designed around the Chinese 12Ax7's of the day. They were nicer than the current Shuguangs. Better quality, less noise. They looked almost the same too. The only difference: new 9th gens have a octogonal or decagonal spacer around the core near the top. The old ones were like rounded squares.

 

[joolzriff]

bill from soldano told me what they putting in the SLO's right now was a JJ 12ax7s in V1 and ruby chinese in the rest of the sockets!!!!
like the other guys said here that they were probaly built around the chinese pertubes....they are the choice for most metal heads,that sharp edgy crunch..i like em a lot
i found the sovteks kinda muddy n too round sounding

 

[Jim S]

I dunno but whatever came stock in my X99 are the shiit. I never looked and never changed them.

 

[photios]

I have a substantial arsenal of tubes - some NOS, some new production. I would try everything you could get your hands on as thats the only way for you to know what will sound best to your ear...for me, the modern (9th generation) Chinese tubes sound best in my X99.

BTW, congrats on a great preamp...whatchya using for power amp?

 

[matt5150]

Contact David at www.lasounddesign.net.

He has some NOS Soldano preamp tubes which he used in his personal X88 (8th Gen Chinese I believe) and recommends.

I just ordered 7 for my 3+SE.

Matt

 

[Eagle1]

I just put NOS Mullards in an X99 (I loved it.)way better adds a whole extra dimension.

 

[gigawatt]

Hey thanks for all the ideas everyone.

 

[Red Suede]

I've had both an X88 (which I still own) and an X99, and I preferred the X88. Came to find out the X88 has an extra preamp tube in it, which made it sound different, to me. I stuck NOS Mullards in both though.

 

[Shark Diver]

I just put NOS Mullards in an X99 (I loved it.)way better adds a whole extra dimension.

In all five spots? Thinking about a tube swap, but wow is it confusing.

 

[suparsonic]

In all five spots? Thinking about a tube swap, but wow is it confusing.

I notice you own a 100r also, I have the same rig. What speakers do you prefer out of interest?
Back on subject, when I bought my X99 I thought I'd do the right thing and change the tubes, not being much of a tube guru I consulted the place I normally buy tubes. They told me to put EH in it. Anyway I've swapped back to the original tubes which I like much more.

 

[Shark Diver]

I notice you own a 100r also, I have the same rig. What speakers do you prefer out of interest?
Back on subject, when I bought my X99 I thought I'd do the right thing and change the tubes, not being much of a tube guru I consulted the place I normally buy tubes. They told me to put EH in it. Anyway I've swapped back to the original tubes which I like much more.

I actually run into 2 Palmer pdi 03s. And then to a Manley preamp to FOH. Haven't used a cab in years. Last cab I used was an ENGL 4x12 with V30s, ran a Diezel through it. Liked it, but getting better results now.

If you ever want to sell your SLO 100r I am desperately looking for a second. Really only need 4 basic tones and would like to set each one up for 2 great tones and switch between the 2 amps.

 

[Eagle1]

In all five spots? Thinking about a tube swap, but wow is it confusing.

Yes but 1 and 2 should do.

 

[infinity]

i didn't mean to bump an old thread...i'm currently planning to get x99...and do some surveys and wanted to learn more from X99 owners

 

[Shark Diver]

What cha need?

 

[infinity]

What cha need?

your signature is killing me, bro i'm on a hunt actually

If you haven't yet played an X99 make sure you do as it doesn't sound like a SLO if that's what you're expecting.

The concept is an amazingly good one and the physical executon was great but I had one for about 6 years and it sounded thin and pale. The clean channel was passable but nothing to get excited about. The gain channels lacked for a better word.

A real shame because it had everything in one box and was pure analog.
Nothing looks better than watchng the knobs turn by themselves. The crowd and other guitarsts always went nuts for it when they noticed the controls moving.

Of course I tried different tubes and I had it mated with VHT2150s/Mesa/Kasha/Marshall with always the same result.

This thread isn't to put you off but just in case you have a perception try before you buy as they don't come cheap. If you do, you may say what the hell was that guy talking about !

i do realized that x99 is...128 thing in one box. so any song that i play that require different eq, i just switching the presets by foot midi controller...i have tested my friend's x88r. it is awesome. if x99 is the same tone and sound...i would love it! actually x88r sounded smooth for solos...? your review is very good...actually had give more clues, thank you!

 

[Jim S]

I have the x99, x88r and SLO.

They all sound amazing. But the X99 is truly a wonder to behold.

 

[infinity]

I have the x99, x88r and SLO.

They all sound amazing. But the X99 is truly a wonder to behold.

excellent pic, jim ...incredible

 

[Shark Diver]

Yeah, I like rack amps, lol

I settled on Mullards in my main X99. I went through a lot to find the ones I liked.

 

[infinity]

Yeah, I like rack amps, lol

I settled on Mullards in my main X99. I went through a lot to find the ones I liked.

how many roadies? two? three? aww...a 2290...impressive