Replacing Power Tubes on a 5150 combo! - Sovtek, Svetlana, G

[zabitha]

When I turn on my 5150 combo, it makes this crackling sound for about 25 seconds and then it's fine. When it makes this noise, I noticed one of the power tubes were screwed!! The power tubes are 6L6GC. Which power tube company should I go with or does it even make a difference?

[Mr Orange]

Stay away from Sovteks. They just have no quality control.
I hear Svetlanas and JJ's are good.
Then of course you can spend $$$$ and buy Mullard NOS tubes.

[Boson]

go to peavey.com and check out the amp forum.... there was a definite consensus on which tubes were the best pick for the 5150

[pri0531]

Get Eurotubes. They really clean up the sound.
Gregory *

[ripl3y]

Posted this in another topic a while back, but I read a review of all the major brands and 1st place for consistency, quality and sound were tubes made by GE (general electric maybe??? not really sure to be honest)

have a look at www.watfordvalves.com

Steve

Ahh, just seen a little quote on their site about them.....

This is a rugged American military spec valve of immense quality. This is the same valve that was standard in 70's Fenders. The G.E valve is famous for it's big crisp sound stage and bright top end response which breathes life into Fenders. This valve really supplied that authentic Fender twang. The valve was brighter than the other American valves and also worked really well in the vox by giving it a clearer top end response. When the valve distorts it has a rich harmonic feel and chime. Even under heavy Boogie distortion the bass and mid range detail was also superb. Thoroughly recommended.

Actually, just go here for the full run-down on everyone....
http://www.watfordvalves.com/testreports.htm *

Steve

(Edited by ripl3y at 11:36 am on June 26, 2001)

[zabitha]

I went to thetubestore.com and they recommended the Svetlana 6L6GC - Just wondering if I should also replace my 12AX7.

[Armitage]

The Svetlana are top notch. I use them in MY 5150. And get some NOS JAN Philips 12AX7A's from www.thetubestore.com too. They sound great in a 5150.

[bammbamm]

I use Sovteks almost exclusively and have yet to have a problem. I have them in my old gibson, my boogies, and I have NEVER had one little problem with them. I have had Groove tubes come bad out of the box before and actually cooked some solder runs on a 5150 that I had on my bench for a retube and bias. ended up rewiring half of the amp point to point. I guess that makes it a hybrid mass / boutique eh? Probably could sell it for millions on ebay with the right "Romanoff" sales pitch.
I would suggest you experiment and try other people's stuff and ask what they use in their amps. Boogie has their own brand which in reality are Sovtek's that they match and grade to their own specs and rename... kinda shady to me, but I still love the amps. I have also heard good things about the Electro Harmonix tubes lately. *In the end, let YOUR ear be your guide, take every recommendation with a grain of salt, ESPECIALLY from a dealer as they will tell you that it just so happens that THEY sell the best tubes and no others compare...salesmen...sheeeyahh riiiight....
sorry if this doesn't answer any questions, but its like asking someone what ice cream you should buy...
Bamm

[jeff l]

My favorite flavor is Svetlana. *:thumbsup: