so... Everyone I speak to that buys replacement tubes usually only seems to buy Groove-Tubes, they swear by them. I myself don't really have any idea at all. So know I own a half decent tube amp replacing them will happen eventually... So why should I go Groove Tube? What makes them better then anyone else's tubes?
Tube Manufacturers
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Superlizard
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If they're buying and recommending Groove Tubes, it's because they're ignorant dumbasses who don't know jack about t00bs.
What drewfx said - GT buys bulk t00bage from said R and C manufactureres, runs it through their "tests",
then relabels good t00bs with "GT", and charges you more $$$.
What drewfx said - GT buys bulk t00bage from said R and C manufactureres, runs it through their "tests",
then relabels good t00bs with "GT", and charges you more $$$.
Tonar8352
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If I can't get NOS tubes then I have been using JJ's.
http://www.jj-electronic.sk/
http://www.jj-electronic.sk/
drewfx
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For preamp tubes, it really depends on what you're looking for and what position you're putting them in.
I think GT's descriptions of different tubes are actually pretty reasonable, so if you learn what other names those tubes go by (or learn to ID them by looking at pictures), you can go from there.
When I did a preamp tube shootout a few years back, I found this (some were GT, some weren't, but I use the GT names here):
12AX7-R (Sovtek 12AX7WA): Bright, a bit harsh
12AX7-C (China): Also pretty bright, but not as harsh; Usable
12AX7-M (GT Mullard reissue; seems to be no longer available; wonder if it's the same as the current Mullard-branded one's?): Slightly less bright and very smooth. My favorite of those I tested.
ECC83-S (Ruby Tubes/JJ): Fairly bright.
12AX7-R2: (Sovtek 12AX7LPS): Not quite as bright.
7025Y (Ei ECC83): Didn't take notes, but left it in position 3 of my DSL-50.
12AY7: Less bright, very smooth (a lower gain tube than a 12AX7).
I ended up using the following in my 2 amps:
My cheap Epi Galaxie 10 combo: GT 12AX7-M (only one preamp tube, so it made the biggest difference here).
Marshall DSL-50 head:
1 (far left when looking at the back of the amp; input stage): left the stock 12AX7-R2 (LPS); also liked the ECC83-S and 12AX7-M
2 (gain stage): 12AY7 - quieter/less hum/less gain = more usable for non-high gain applications. A big win.
arty07: (12AX7-R2/LPS was stock)
3 (make up gain): left the stock 7025Y (Ei ECC83)
4 (phase inverter): left the stock 12AX7-C
I actually have a couple more lying around that I picked up and never got around to testing - a 12AX7EH (12AX7-R3) and a GT 5751-M (a low gain 12AX7). Have to try again one of these days...
I think GT's descriptions of different tubes are actually pretty reasonable, so if you learn what other names those tubes go by (or learn to ID them by looking at pictures), you can go from there.
When I did a preamp tube shootout a few years back, I found this (some were GT, some weren't, but I use the GT names here):
12AX7-R (Sovtek 12AX7WA): Bright, a bit harsh
12AX7-C (China): Also pretty bright, but not as harsh; Usable
12AX7-M (GT Mullard reissue; seems to be no longer available; wonder if it's the same as the current Mullard-branded one's?): Slightly less bright and very smooth. My favorite of those I tested.
ECC83-S (Ruby Tubes/JJ): Fairly bright.
12AX7-R2: (Sovtek 12AX7LPS): Not quite as bright.
7025Y (Ei ECC83): Didn't take notes, but left it in position 3 of my DSL-50.
12AY7: Less bright, very smooth (a lower gain tube than a 12AX7).
I ended up using the following in my 2 amps:
My cheap Epi Galaxie 10 combo: GT 12AX7-M (only one preamp tube, so it made the biggest difference here).
Marshall DSL-50 head:
1 (far left when looking at the back of the amp; input stage): left the stock 12AX7-R2 (LPS); also liked the ECC83-S and 12AX7-M
2 (gain stage): 12AY7 - quieter/less hum/less gain = more usable for non-high gain applications. A big win.
arty07: (12AX7-R2/LPS was stock)3 (make up gain): left the stock 7025Y (Ei ECC83)
4 (phase inverter): left the stock 12AX7-C
I actually have a couple more lying around that I picked up and never got around to testing - a 12AX7EH (12AX7-R3) and a GT 5751-M (a low gain 12AX7). Have to try again one of these days...
Steve_Karl
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Jusatele said:
Same story for me but 20+ years ago. I had a few sets or old RCA 6L6 and the RCA tubes were much better sounding than the groove tubes.
I only had the groove tubes in the amp for about 20 minutes. Never put them back in.
I don't know about RCA now .
I've had mixed results with GT preamp tubes and nothing but disappointment with GT EL34s (never tried other GT power tubes). I pretty much exclusively buy JJ's now since I've found them to be the best consistent bang for the buck. I usually get them from www.tubesandmore.com or www.tubedepot.com.
Thanks for all the recommendations guys! I shall research everything thoroughly and see what I come up with, Guess the only way to really know is to try a few and see how I get on with them.
Thanks for that site Hannah it seems to have a lot of good info :icon_thumright:
Mayfly, if I lived in the US I might just have done that, but being in the UK has its limitations with VAT being at a stupid rate of 20% :sad:
Thanks for that site Hannah it seems to have a lot of good info :icon_thumright:
Mayfly, if I lived in the US I might just have done that, but being in the UK has its limitations with VAT being at a stupid rate of 20% :sad:
Super Turbo Deluxe Custom
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elfro89 said:
The shortest answer as to why they're most popular is Celebrity endorsements, standard OEM for many manufacturers, being widely available, and selling matched sets of power tubes. My only experience with GT was with (1) 12AX7r. The "r" is for Russia. I replaced my original generic Chinese preamp tube in my American made amp so I could give money to former Communists than enjoy the tonal bliss of current ones. The swap made no difference.
On a side note, if there were ever a niche interprise to get in, it might be tube production for amps. It seems the places still cranking them out aren't places known for quality. China? Russia? They're still using space capsules. The cost do them right would probably be outrageous, but separating the boutique minded player from their money presents no challenge.
S
swarfrat
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Groove Tubes and Mackie both essentially differentiate themselves based on a spokesperson with the gift of gab. The difference is Gregg comes across as a nice guy with the gift of gab, while Aspen...
elfro89 said:
Elfro, get you tubes from Derek Rocco at Watford Valves. I always get my JJs for my Marshall clone and my Cornford from there, but he also advised me on a 'custom' set for my '72 Silverface Bassman 100. It sounds killer.
Derek knows his stuff and will advise on what's best to go in your amp. Great to deal with and competitively priced.
Just my tuppence.
