Preamp tubes?

CMOR · Post by **CMOR** » Wednesday Sep 03, 2008

Here's the deal: I bought Moondoggy's M-2000. I would like to get 1 channel nice and dirty. Obviously, I'm using the tube side for this. You can't beat a tube distortion.
My question is which tubes are known for breaking up easily but retaining tone( I don't want to lose the low end). Orangkick and I opened it up to see what tubes were in there, Mesas of course, but 3 of them. He told me some possibles but I forget them after trying to get the sound I hear in my head.
Any ideas?

Steve

VENTGtr · Post by **VENTGtr** » Wednesday Sep 03, 2008

C,

My obvious choice would be TungSols. Can break up fairly early, have a
tight, defined sound.

It also depends on what you're looking to get out of it. The new Mullards
are supposed to be very good as well, and if you want a pretty heavy
sound, Silver Dragons are a good choice.

orangekick · Post by **orangekick** » Wednesday Sep 03, 2008

Yeah Steve, Tung-Sol was one that I suggested. I also actually really like the Electro Harmonix 12ax7's. They have a really nice, warm break up. It might just be a good idea to throw down a little cash and just buy an assortment of 12ax7's. If you find the ones that you like, I'm sure someone would pick up the ones that you don't want... Probably me... hahaha

metalchurch · Post by **metalchurch** » Wednesday Sep 03, 2008

I have Electro's in the pre side of my Poweramp and I really like them alot.
Initially I wanted TungSol's but apparently they don't make a 12AT7 and I needed 1 AT7 and 1 AX7.
However, I will be changing the GT's out for TungSol's in my Preamp.

AX7's are fairly cheap and they require no biasing, so that is a good idea to have a few different ones at your disposal to try out, or for spares in case of an emergency.