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Should I use 5881, 6L6, EL34, KT66...?

2/2/2000 10:41 PM
Jim Jones	Should I use 5881, 6L6, EL34, KT66...? Hi guys, I'm sure this has been talked about to death but I was wondering if you felt like sharing any insights. I just built a JTM 45 clone and have been trying some different tubes in it. I've found that I really like the sound of 6L6GC's. The clean sound is big, warm and chimey and I'm into that. When it's dimed though, the bass gets a little out of control. To get a somewhat "tighter, more articulate" sound I really have to roll the bass almost completely off and have the treble mids and presence up pretty high. I also tried some EL34's (another tube I really like the sound of.) At full volume I find it much more "focussed" and tight but it lacks compared to the 6L6's in the clean department...it's still relatively "tight" even when clean. Now obviously I don't have a whole lot of experience with different amps and tube types, so I'm wondering if anyone can steer me in the right direction to find this "ultimate" tube type for this amp? Is this a realistic goal even? I'd appreciate any thoughts/suggestions! Thanks, Jim

2/2/2000 10:41 PM

Jim Jones

Should I use 5881, 6L6, EL34, KT66...?

Hi guys,

I'm sure this has been talked about to death but I was wondering if you felt like sharing any insights.

I just built a JTM 45 clone and have been trying some different tubes in it. I've found that I really like the sound of 6L6GC's. The clean sound is big, warm and chimey and I'm into that. When it's dimed though, the bass gets a little out of control. To get a somewhat "tighter, more articulate" sound I really have to roll the bass almost completely off and have the treble mids and presence up pretty high.

I also tried some EL34's (another tube I really like the sound of.) At full volume I find it much more "focussed" and tight but it lacks compared to the 6L6's in the clean department...it's still relatively "tight" even when clean.

Now obviously I don't have a whole lot of experience with different amps and tube types, so I'm wondering if anyone can steer me in the right direction to find this "ultimate" tube type for this amp?

Is this a realistic goal even? I'd appreciate any thoughts/suggestions!

Thanks,

Jim

Replies:

Casey4s Jim,A couple of my ... -- 2/3/2000 3:45 AM
Nick I have no experience with a p... -- 2/3/2000 9:36 AM
Stephen Conner London Calling -- 2/3/2000 12:24 PM
Jimmy Page Re: Should I use 5881, 6L6, EL34, KT66...? -- 2/11/2000 2:58 AM
Trace Jim;If you want the... -- 2/12/2000 3:55 AM