Valve ~ Tube question

[SimonEdward]

Hello BC-ers : this might be a very subjective question!

At some point, I might like to (or have to) change the valve/tube in my TE pre-amp. The valve I'm using at the moment is by Sovtek.

There appears to be quite a bit of variation in the price! and probably the sound (?) of a replacement: -

JJ: [url="https://www.allparts.uk.com/products/jj-czechoslovakian-ecc83-12ax7"]Amp tube - JJ Czechoslovakian ECC83 / 12AX7[/url] = £12.40

Sovtek: [url="https://www.allparts.uk.com/products/copy-of-adapter-stud-fits-m8-anchors-with-4mm-5-32-inch-small-post-30"]Amp tube - 12AX7WA / 7025 Sovtek[/url] = £16.80

EHX: [url="https://www.allparts.uk.com/products/copy-of-adapter-stud-fits-m8-anchors-with-4mm-5-32-inch-small-post-31"]Amp tube - 12AY7 / 6072A Electro Harmonix[/url] = £24.20

Svetlana: [url="https://www.allparts.uk.com/products/copy-of-adapter-stud-fits-m8-anchors-with-4mm-5-32-inch-small-post-28"]Amp tubes - 12AX7 WA/7025 tube Svetlana[/url] = £30.30

[url="https://www.allparts.uk.com/collections/tubes/tubes-preamp"]https://www.allparts.uk.com/collections/tubes/tubes-preamp[/url]

What's your overall experience > What are you using at the moment? Is there really that much difference in the sound?

Thank you

[Beer of the Bass]

I'm not too familiar with that amp so I won't comment on any difference in tone between them, but I will say that Allparts prices are not the best. I'd look at somewhere like Karltone or Hot Rox.

[SimonEdward]

[quote name='Beer of the Bass' timestamp='1508587342' post='3393115']
I'm not too familiar with that amp so I won't comment on any difference in tone between them, but I will say that Allparts prices are not the best. I'd look at somewhere like Karltone or Hot Rox.
[/quote]

Ah! these prices (for a 12AX7 | ECC83 valve) are a bit more like it ... Thank you!

[url="http://www.karltone.co.uk/pre-amp-9-c.asp"]http://www.karltone.co.uk/pre-amp-9-c.asp[/url]

[url="http://www.hotroxuk.com/matched-valves-links-page-12ax7-6l6-909-0.html"]http://www.hotroxuk.com/matched-valves-links-page-12ax7-6l6-909-0.html[/url]

[url="https://www.watfordvalves.com/search.asp?main=&search=ecc83&man=&sorto=priceup"]https://www.watfordvalves.com/search.asp?main=&search=ecc83&man=&sorto=priceup[/url]

[Japhet]

When I had to change the preamp valve in my old Trace head I got one from Watford Valves. They couldn't have been more helpful and explained what each different valve would do to the sound and character of the amp. I can't remember what I ended up buying, but it did exactly what they said it would do and gave more clean headroom than its' predecessor.

[afterimage]

Go with Watford valves and discuss what you need you might buy two

[P-ZARN]

Yes another endorsement for Watford Valves

[JapanAxe]

Just bear in mind the 12AY7 is slightly lower in gain than the 12AX7.

My preferred valve supplier is [url="http://www.hotroxuk.com/"]Hot Rox UK[/url] - they are also keenly priced for FX pedals (and they carry a huge stock).

[aitkenaudio]

avoid hotrox, I've had a lot of bad valves from them, watford valves have been 100% reliable thus far

[Dan Dare]

Another vote for Watford Valves.

[pbasspecial]

Watford Valves 100%

[SimonEdward]

Thank you everyone for your replies - lots of love on here for the guys at Watford Valves ! I'll drop 'em a line - and let you know how I get on ...

[Sean]

I have had valves from both Watford and Hot Rox. I have had two dodgy JJs in one batch from HR but never had a bad valve from Watford.

[T-Bay]

I have an old Marshall B150 as a backup and it has a lovely warm sound to it, a mate has the identical model but his sounded tinny and cheap. A swap to a decent valve and his sounds like mine now. Until you play about with them it's hard to appreciate the difference they make to the sound.

[dmccombe7]

Watford valves for me too. Explained the differences between valves and suggested a specific type for what i was looking for.
They were spot on and could not be more helpful and quick to reply to emails too.

Dave

[roman_sub]

+1 watford valves. I normally just get JJ's as these seem to be a reasonable cost / quality compromise.

[Skybone]

If it were me, I'd give Matamp a call. Failing that, HotRox.

And I'd go with the JJ's.