Are you looking for the Best Vacuum Tubes For Guitar Amps? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Vacuum Tubes For Guitar Amps can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Amperex, Genalex Gold Lion, Fender, Marshall, Electro-Harmonix, Raytheon, TubeDepot. We have done a lot of research to find the top 20 Best Vacuum Tubes For Guitar Amps available.
The average cost is $52.83. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $19.95 to a high of $172.35.
Based on the research we did, we think Tung Sol 12AX7 Preamp Vacuum Tube Single is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Vacuum Tubes For Guitar Amps (20 Sellers)
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Features:
- Performance which surpasses nos original in all areas. big, warm and very musical. superb linearity with a dynamic 3-d sound.
- Preferred by guitar technicians for re-tubing and upgrading. equally well suited for hifi applications.
- Single tube.
$27.95
5.0
Features:
- Eh 7025 preamp valve.
- Eh 7025 preamp valve . this valve was re-introduced in 2020.
Reviewers Noted:
Durable . Easy to put on/take off . Slimness . Doesn’t show dirt . Resists discoloration
Features:
- Continues with the new line of tesla tubes
- Matched triodes and pairs
- Low noise screening
$26.95
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Durable . Easy to put on/take off . Slimness . Doesn’t show dirt . Resists discoloration
Features:
- Dual triode
- Glass tube
- Pure solid tone
$127.43
4.8
Features:
- Base type: octal
- Uf: 5.3 v
- If: ca 1.6 a
$42.59
4.6
Features:
- The svetlana 6l6gc produces a tight clean sound, and has a nice, smooth breakup. this tube is every bit the equal of tone to the winged c. soft, medium, and…
Reviewers Noted:
Durable . Easy to put on/take off . Slimness . Doesn’t show dirt . Resists discoloration
Features:
- Ideal for use on vox amplifiers ac30 and fender pro junior.
- Matched pair to give a better sound and performance to your amplifier!
- Before sending the vacuum tubes, they are tested with an orange valve tester vt-1000 tester!
$30.99
4.7
Features:
- Ultra low noise thanks to unique spiral filament which eliminates cathode-to-filament induced hum (common on amplifiers that use ac on the filaments)
- Best all-around choice & best value
- Single tube
$46.73$42.06
4.8
Features:
- Jj electronic vacuum tube condition
- Tested good on amp tech's bench tester model
- 609722127479 mpn
Features:
- Ecc82(eu) / 12au7(us) tube used in a wide range of musical equipment.
- Durable and with a long life.
- One of the best value tubes available.
Reviewers Noted:
Durability
Features:
- Octal power tube (max plate watts = 30w).
- This slovakian tube has colorful lows, loose/easy-going mid body and a brightly shining chime for the highs.
- In overdrive, it offers a tight and focused bite with crisp, bright and well-defined articulation.
$41.70
4.7
Features:
- Test data on the box.
- Power tubes: checked for shorts, gas and leaks.
$23.95
4.8
Features:
- Type: 12at7/ecc81
- Position: pre-amp
- Quantity: 1
$172.35
4.9
Features:
- Tung sol kt150 power pentode tube
- Made in russia
- A pair of kt150s can allow an amplifier with a power output approaching 300 watts to be built
$22.95
4.9
Features:
- This 12ax7 is a dual triode currenty produced in russia. it is used by fender, ampeg, carvin, and hartke, among others. a great and affordable svotek tube….
$170.00
4.8
Features:
- Tung-sol 6550 with retro-classic looks built with modern technology has excellent dynamics in hifi amps, agressive and full tone in marshalls. tung-sol 6550 is great in ampeg bass amps….
$23.95
4.8
Features:
- Octal power tube (max plate watts = 19w)
- Available in singles, apex matched pairs or apex matched quads – please select from list
$32.00
4.7
Features:
- Improved reissue of the vintage nos tung-sol 12ax7
- Superb linearity with a dynamic 3-d sound
- Preferred by guitar technicians for re-tubing and upgrading, but equally well suited for hifi applications
Features:
- Has shorter plates which will help alleviate microphonics and noise
- Great tube for combo amps where microphonics and noise can be an issue
- Great quality tube
1. Tung Sol 12ax7 Preamp Vacuum Tube Single
Product Details:
Performance which surpasses nos original in all areas. big, warm and very musical. superb linearity with a dynamic 3-d sound. preferred by guitar technicians for re-tubing and upgrading. equally well suited for hifi applications single tube 7025/ecc83 equivalent the 12ax7 tungsol has high gain, ultralow microphonics and superb linearity. the sound of this tube is full and musical.
Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 1 x 1 x 2.75 inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | Original Version |
Reviews:
Overall: Used in all (3) slots in my Marshall Origin 20, and I should also note that at the same time I installed 2x Tung-Sol EL34B power tubes. I couldn't be happier with the sonic definition of both my low gain and high gain sounds. I settled on this tube after watching some videos and reading articles about the quality of these tubes. I'm very happy with my purchase and am very glad I purchased 6 of them. This is my first time using Tung-Sol so I can't comment on their longevity, but based on the sound alone it's an amazing tube.
I had heard that the Tung-sol 12AX7 tube would enhance the sound quality of the new ART Tube MP preamp I had recently purchased from Musician's Friend. The original tube is one that comes with the unit and, although not bad, does not have the kind of warmth I wanted in this unit. So I purchased the Tung-sol 12AX7, replacing the original tube, and could hear the difference immediately! Opening the unit can be a little difficult because the Philips screws are so tight. Pressing down firmly, while being careful not to strip the screws, works just time. Use a proper-fitting Philips screwdriver with a robust handle that gets fairly close to the unit. This will provide you with the control you need without stripping the screws. But be careful! I found that just a drop or two of WD-40 on each of the four screws worked wonders eventually getting them loose. Let the WD-40 sit for awhile before you try to untighten the screws. If they don't come off right away, hit them with another drop or two, wait for five or ten minutes and then try again. They should gradually come loose as a steady pressure is applied. Your efforts will be well-rewarded I assure you.Paul, the recordist
Overall: I’ve tried many many 12ax7 tubes in V1 of my 50 watt 5150iii head and these are hands down the best sounding tubes for the V1 slot. The first sentence in the description says it perfectly. “ The Ultimate 12AX7 — it's big, warm, and musical with High Gain, ultra-low microphonics, and superb linearity with a dynamic 3-D sound.” The only thing I would add is to say that it is neither a dark sounding or bright sounding too. It just has more of everything on the whole spectrum. Another thing is they remain tight and sound even sweeter when you turn up the volume. Even if you have the best power tubes in your amp, some 12ax7 preamp tubes can either get brittle or fuzzy/flubby on the low end. Not these! They just give you more tonal goodness when you crank your amp. I’ve used these in 2 Marshall’s and a Boogie I had prior and they performed the same in those amps. Perfectly!Mark
2. Vacuum Tube – 7025, Electro-Harmonix
Product Details:
Electro-harmonix has released a low noise, low microphonic version of the 12ax7 that meets all specifications required for the tube to be designated 7025. the original 7025 tube was a 12ax7 that was tested and selected for the lowest noise and microphonics for use in the critical first preamp stages of amplifiers where noise and microphonics could be an issue. in order to ensure that the 7025 specification is consistently met, electro-harmonix has redesigned the structure of the 12ax7 and has implemented construction techniques to ensure the absolute lowest noise and microphonics possible. in all samples tested, noise and microphonics could not be detected. the electro-harmonix 7025eh has a mid-range that gives clarity and definition to the sound and a smooth top end for warmth and balance. with these characteristics, along with the exceptionally low noise and low microphonics, the electro-harmonix 7025eh will work equally well in vintage and modern high-gain guitar amplifiers, as well as sensitive phono preamps.
Specifications:
| Weight (Packaging) | 0.04 lbs. |
Reviews:
Bought the EH 7025 preamp tubes to go with the EH 12AT7 drivers and EH 6CA7 power tubes in my amp. The EH 7025s brought everything together and honestly it sounds magical. This is the best combination of tubes I have found in tube rolling with my Jolida 3502S integrated amp. Amazing detail, balanced sound across the spectrum, huge sound stage and awesome 3D. Excellent tube combo.Robert
3. Jj Electronics 12ax7 / Ecc83 Preamp Vacuum Tube
Product Details:
Ecc83s/12ax7 jj electronic preamp tube, the best value valve. ecc83s/12ax7 jj electronic preamp tube the jj electronic 12ax7 / ecc83 has quickly become a modern classic in preamp tubes. its rugged design and rich harmonics make this tube an obvious choice for musicians who need a reliable and high quality tube at a reasonable price. the balanced tone of the jj 12ax7 works well in any amp. this versatile tube sounds excellent in clean amps offering an amazing dynamic response while also proving itself in high gain amps with its low noise and noticeably less microphonic issues than other tubes. the warm highs and transparent lows make it a great choice for any position in a tube amp. the jj 12ax7 is the go-to tube of many amp builders and touring musicians.
Specifications:
| Body Height | 49.2 mm |
| Cathode Current (Ik) | ≤ 8 mA |
| Filament Current (If) | 300 / 150 mA |
| Filament Voltage (Uf) | 6.3 / 12.6 V |
| Gain (μ) | 100 |
| Heater to cathode voltage (Uk/f) | ≤ 180 V |
| Internal Resistance (Ri) | 62.5 kΩ |
| Item Diameter | 22 mm |
| Item Height | 56.3 mm |
| Plate Current (Ia) | 1.2 mA |
| Plate Dissipation (Wa) | ≤ 1 W |
| Plate Voltage (Ua) | ≤ 300 V, 250 V typical |
Reviews:
Given the scarcity of tubes on the market, I was very excited to get my hands on these JJ 12AX7 preamp tubes. I installed them in my Fender Blues Junior, conducted a burn, then hooked up my Telecaster to give it a go. A marked difference in sound quality, very rich tones and allowed my Eventide H9 to sound better than ever. There are better, premium tubes out there, if you can find them, but these performed beyond my expectations. Additionally, delivery and customer service was top-notch. I cannot comment on durability yet, since I have only had these for a short time, but I suspect I will not be displeased. Highly recommend.BP
2 weeks ago: Went in to the San Diego store to buy a new set of tubes for my VOX AC10 and was helped by Daniel in guitars. I wasn't exactly sure what tubes I needed but Daniel recommended JJ's…he quickly looked it up and found two 12AX7's in stock and the two EL84's ordered to ship directly to my house for free! Daniel also got me a price match as what I found online was priced lower than what was in the store. Thanks for you time and extra effort Daniel! You rock bro!!!VOX Addict
4. Jj 5751 Preamp Vacuum Tube
Product Details:
The jj 5751 preamp tube can be used in most 12ax7 circuits to achieve more headroom. the jj 5751 was designed as a ruggedised high mu, dual triode tube with similar specifications to the 12ax7. with 30% reduced gain, the 5751 is a fantastic way to tame a distortion stage and tone shape an amp. they and are often used to quiet down guitar amps that have too much gain. these short plate 5751s utilise a short plate design and the tubes have great compression and harmonic complexity, they are perfectly suited for creating articulate mid-range and warmer high end response.
Specifications:
| Finish | Clear Glass |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Slovakia |
Reviews:
Given the scarcity of tubes on the market, I was very excited to get my hands on these JJ 12AX7 preamp tubes. I installed them in my Fender Blues Junior, conducted a burn, then hooked up my Telecaster to give it a go. A marked difference in sound quality, very rich tones and allowed my Eventide H9 to sound better than ever. There are better, premium tubes out there, if you can find them, but these performed beyond my expectations. Additionally, delivery and customer service was top-notch. I cannot comment on durability yet, since I have only had these for a short time, but I suspect I will not be displeased. Highly recommend.BP
2 weeks ago: Went in to the San Diego store to buy a new set of tubes for my VOX AC10 and was helped by Daniel in guitars. I wasn't exactly sure what tubes I needed but Daniel recommended JJ's…he quickly looked it up and found two 12AX7's in stock and the two EL84's ordered to ship directly to my house for free! Daniel also got me a price match as what I found online was priced lower than what was in the store. Thanks for you time and extra effort Daniel! You rock bro!!!VOX Addict
5. Jj Electronics Amplifier Tube (T-Kt88-Jj)
Product Details:
T-kt88-jj vacuum tube, single, kt88, jj electronics the jj electronic kt88 is a sonically faithful reproduction of the original tubes with a robust construction encased in a thick glass envelope. the jj kt88 delivers a powerful 42 watts with plenty of headroom to spare. this tube has a tone that is warm and lively with a detailed and balance response. the jj kt88 is an excellent choice for hi-fi stereo equipment as well as guitar amplifiers. it can be used in place of 6550 tubes.
Specifications:
6. Vacuum Tube – 6l6gc, Svetlana – Single
Product Details:
The svetlana 6l6gc produces a tight clean sound, and has a nice, smooth breakup. this tube is every bit the equal of tone to the winged c. soft, medium, and hard style descriptions refer to break up modes of the tube for an overdriven guitar signal. soft-rated tubes break up easier and have the least headroom, yielding a heavier, harder distortion. in comparison, hard-rated tubes must be driven harder to yield a distortion which typically ends up being thinner and warmer sounding distortion, while medium-rated tubes fall in between.
Specifications:
| Single or matched | single; Matched Pair; Matched Quad |
| Single version | T-6L6GC-SV |
Reviews:
These tubes came fairly well packed from M.F. I tested them on my own testors and they Test New and matched. Tight bases. They went into a Mullard 5-20 power amp and sound EXCELLENT from the get go. Listening done on a Marantz Sa 8004. I have maybe 30 hours on them and they have not changed at all. Compared to the tungsol el-34b, I prefer the svets- The Tungsols are similar in bass extension and feel, but the mids have more air in the svets. Also, the highs are maybe a tad softer and sweeter with the svets. The tungsols are great tubes, and I could easily listen to them in my system, but the svets edge them out in mids. That said, The T.S. wins in a plexi reissue. A bit more headroom and a tad scooped in the mids. I compared the svets construction to the TS and the obvious diffrences lie in the plate construction- the TS are welded, while the svets are crimped. Mica spacers are diffrent too. Ive read that there are internal diffrences and I do believe there are. The two tubes do have a similar 'House sound" with subtle diffrences in the areas noted above. I have compared them with kt-88 and 6550 but those are diffrent animals. El-34 will smoke these tubes in the Mids, and overall sound better. The trade off is some soundstage,top end extension and power. I have found that quality el-34 will go as low as any big beemer tube, it just wont sound quite as big. My next comparison will be with the Mullard reissue. ( when the freindly Musician guys put a pair on stupid status).
Very nice sounding EL34s – and reliable too. These were bought as a spare quad – for the quad bought from the same dealer Im running now. Dunno if some other iteration of these valves would sound better? But Im quite happy with the sound Ive got from these – and for a very fair and modest priceaudiochef55
I bought these for a 70's model B15N Ampeg amp. I had used other Russian 5881s and they worked well. I was completely delighted after installing these Svetlana green 6L6's. They Sounded very warm and gave the overall bass a tighter and clearer tone. I believe that these tubes are well matched and will work great for this amp. I would recommend these for any bass amp using 6L6 tubes ie Bassman, Ampeg.Axe of Kindness
7. Jj Electronics T El84 Mp Power Vacuum Tube Matched Pair
Product Details:
With the jj el84 get a combination of both great tone and reliability. this tube is characterized by sparkling highs, good mids, and a solid bottom end. quality construction and a low failure rate make this tube a terrific choice for any amp requiring el84 tubes.choose single or matched pair. age group: adult.
Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 3.7 x 2 x 1 inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | Matched Pair |
| Compatible Devices | Guitar |
| Output Wattage | 80 Watts |
Reviews:
Given the scarcity of tubes on the market, I was very excited to get my hands on these JJ 12AX7 preamp tubes. I installed them in my Fender Blues Junior, conducted a burn, then hooked up my Telecaster to give it a go. A marked difference in sound quality, very rich tones and allowed my Eventide H9 to sound better than ever. There are better, premium tubes out there, if you can find them, but these performed beyond my expectations. Additionally, delivery and customer service was top-notch. I cannot comment on durability yet, since I have only had these for a short time, but I suspect I will not be displeased. Highly recommend.BP
2 weeks ago: Went in to the San Diego store to buy a new set of tubes for my VOX AC10 and was helped by Daniel in guitars. I wasn't exactly sure what tubes I needed but Daniel recommended JJ's…he quickly looked it up and found two 12AX7's in stock and the two EL84's ordered to ship directly to my house for free! Daniel also got me a price match as what I found online was priced lower than what was in the store. Thanks for you time and extra effort Daniel! You rock bro!!!VOX Addict
8. Electro-Harmonix 12ax7eh Preamp Vacuum Tube, Single
Product Details:
Specifications:
| Finish | Clear |
| Year | 2010s |
Reviews:
I recently re tubed a 1963 Fender "Concert Amp" for a client. I performed a blind test for several guitarists, I rolled 5 different tube brands thru the 1st stage of the pre amp (clean). The consensus was the Sovtec sounded like mush and was horrible in this amp. The Tungsol Reissue sounded nice but was not quite as warm as the EH. Old stock RCA were not quite as warm as the Tungsol. The JJ had a nice bite and edge the other tubes did not have. Everyone agreed, the warm sound of EH was the clear winner. Second place went to the JJ brand. Bottom line, I suggest using different brands of tubes and try "rolling" them thru the 1st stage of your pre amp.KenkeniJun
I have tried a number of 12AX7 tubes over the years, and the EH version is by far my favorite. I especially like the clarity and detail of these tubes. I recently purchased a custom built hand-wired Fender replica amp. Although it sounded OK, it was missing the sparkle and clarity of the old Fenders I remember. I installed EH12AX7's in all of the 12AX7 slots, and the difference was like night and day. As an added bonus, these tubes are very quite, and not prone to microphonics due to the short, spiraled filament design. I have replaced the tubes in all of my amps with these, and every one improved. I play all clean styles of traditional music, including country, jazz, pop standards, big band, etc.Bob
For a Fender Deluxe Reverb, Out of a full set of Electro Harmonix tubes, just pulled out the last bad one. Out of 5 tubes, 2 12AT7's and 3 12AX7's, every single one was bad. The first shot, 2 extremely microphonic 12AX7's, since they were in the return period, AES sent replacements. The 12AT7 reverb driver blew out last week (probably less than 25 hours runtime), replaced that, then this week one side of the phase inverter dropped gain suddenly. Since they are now out of warranty, I had to replace 3 bad tubes out of pocket. Until Electro Harmonix fixes their quality problems, I would not recommend their 12AX7's or 12AT7's.Mike
9. Jj Electronics T-6ca7-Jj Vacuum Tube Pentode
Product Details:
The jj electronic 6ca7 is a true to form reproduction of a classic tube that will work in most el34 amps. the 6ca7 is often considered the american cousin to the british el34. sonically, this tube is closer to a 6l6 than an el34 but without the sometimes harsh high end of the 6l6. the jj 6ca7 offers warm highs with punchy articulate mids and tight lows. wielding even more power than a kt77, this tube is a great choice for people looking for a change in their el34 amp’s tone or want to push their levels that much further.
Specifications:
Reviews:
I purchased this tube (GZ34S) in for use in a Dynaco ST-70 I rebuilt. It worked great for about 5 weeks then I accidentally hot switched the amp and the rectifier promptly flashed over internally. Yes, this is my fault but upon examination of the tube under the magnifier the cathode and plate connections on one side were just too close to each other. I rated the tube a 3-star for product construction, perhaps this is too harsh but darn it… On the other hand, I am very happy this was only a $15.00 tube! I would buy it again, especially for trying out new constructions and first time power up.NoSpark
I always buy Russian tubes over Chinese. Although the Sovtek sourced tubes are NOS of varying vintages (usually 2000-2005) Ive found them to be of much better quality and longer lasting for daily service vs. Chinese tubes… which are just ok for light use IMO. Older US-made tubes from the 50's & 60's & 70's are fine for radio/gear restoration, but not ideal for daily/continuous duty in modern studio equipment. Plus, you're paying almost the same or higher price for a 50 year old product of unknown condition.capitalgold680
Big, full-bodied tone; like an EL34, but with more headroom and full, tight bottom end. The highs are punchy but not piercing. I put them in my Diezel Paul 45 watt head…they're stock in many Diezel amps, and it's a great fit. I'll have to try them in my Marshalls one of these days.karl
10. Jj Electronics 12au7 / Ecc82 Preamp Vacuum Tube
Product Details:
Jj electronics 12au7/ecc82 preamp tube | pre-ownedthe jj 12au7 is a very open and smooth sounding tube built in the same fashion as the legendary 12ax7 jj. solid construction and extreme attention to detail make this tube one of the best preamp tubes in production today. the jj 12au7 is a very open and smooth sounding tube built in the same fashion as the legendary 12ax7 jj. solid construction and extreme attention to detail make this tube one of the best preamp tubes in production today.
Specifications:
| Pin type | Gold; Regular |
| Filament Voltage (U f ) | 6.3 / 12.6 V |
| Internal Resistance (R i ) | 7.7 kΩ |
| Item Diameter | 22.2 mm |
| Regular version | T-12AU7-JJ |
Reviews:
I replaced the stock 12AX7 in my BK Butler Tube Driver with this JJ 12AU7 and it gave the Tube Driver a whole new life. The lower output means that I have a larger "usable" Drive Knob range – from subtle tube warmth to a nice gritty crunch, sweeping the entire range. Before it was like 3 clicks of tube warmth and then – BAM – gritty tube crunch with no in between. If you're looking to tame your Tube Driver this is the one! I am now completely in love with a pedal that used to frustrate me. Rock on!!Gilmour Academy
I used this to tame an all tube practice amp. The amp I installed it into had very little headroom and for 5 watts would wake the neighbors. I installed this and I get great cleans with the gain zero to noon, break up at 1pm to 2pm, and metal distortion 3pm and above. It cut the overall output about 40%. This tube did what I needed it to. Great value!Chrispy
11. Jj Electronics 6l6gc Power Vacuum Tube Matched Pair
Product Details:
Jj 6l6 power tube matched pairthis slovakian tube has colorful lows, loose/easygoing mid body, and a brightly shining chime for the highs. in overdrive, it offers a tight and focused bite with crisp, bright, and well-defined articulation. get your amp some healthy tubes and revel in the warmth of great tone! features:significant upgrade to the tonality of your ampbetter feel and increased dynamic responsedat warmth!
Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 4.6 x 3.2 x 1.6 inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | Matched Pair |
Reviews:
This was a matched pair of 6L6GC tubes, at a low price but the plastic key was broken off one of the tubes, this was clearly shown in the pictures. So I was a little Leary since this generally indicates rough handling, but for the price I thought I'd give it a try. Both tubes arrived quickly an we're well packed, no other damage was evident. Long story short, they worked great, so this was a good value.jken6547
Needed a new 6l6gc for my vintage PA head guitar amp. The 'vintage NOS' tube I had sourced was microphonic and causing some uncool sounds. Figured I get everything else from MF, so why not? Had it in my hand 2 days later, nicely protected in the box. Put it in the amp and it worked a treat. I am completely satisfied. Made the amp sound way better.Myxlplyx
I replaced the stock Sovtek 5881WXT tubes with a matched pair of these in my ‘92ish Blues DeVille and I really like them. The Sovteks had a harsh high end and muddy low end that was hard to dial out. These seem to fit the sound I want and put that tone closer to the middle of my dial settings.TVK
12. Electro-Harmonix 12at7 Eh Vacuum Tube
Product Details:
A very well built tube, the 12at7eh will excel in any guitar application as well as in hi-fi applications. the very dynamic and deep low end response of the long plate eh 12at7 tube makes it an excellent choice in reverb driver and phase inverter stages. however, use in high gain preamp stages is not recommended due to potential microphonics. compare with other tubes here.
Specifications:
| Matching | Single |
| Tube Type | Preamp Tubes |
Reviews:
Out of three 12AT7s, specifically purchased for phase inverter duties in two Fender amps (DRRI and Super Sonic 60 combo), this one is the winner. The other two, a JAN 12at7wc and JJat7, worked fine, just not as clear and strong the EHX. The amps seem to be louder and sound better. Of course, YMMV. Peace, Tim DTim
I placed it in preamp position 1 for my hotrod deluxe. Worked like a charm to smooth out the volume knob.Jacob
Refurbished Firestone “Air Chief” AM/FM tube radio circa 1950. AM worked (kinda), but FM was dead. Replaced paper capacitors with Mylar and a couple of burned up carbon resistors. Tested tubes, and many were bad or weak, so I replaced all tubes from TubesAndMore. Now works great.John
13. Vacuum Tube – El34b, Tung-Sol Reissue
Product Details:
Tung-sol el34 electron tube el34b tung premium high-voltage power pentode, featuring improved materials and workmanship over the original el34b. higher impedance design with increased touch responsiveness. unique clipping characteristic with a hint of 6l6 sound velvety-smooth in hifi applications, full & rich-sounding in guitar amps 6ca7 equivalent strongly committed to quality manufacturing, tung-sol tubes have always been known for their reliability and great tone. today's new production tung-sol tubes are constructed with the same commitment to quality and reliability. tung-sol tubes reflect the best in vintage tung-sol construction with unsurpassed tone and reliability.
Specifications:
| Single or matched | single; Apex Matched Pair; Apex Matched Quad |
| Bulb Temperature | 250°C |
| Specification Sheet | All Models |
Reviews:
The matched EL-34 tubes got my amp back up and sounding great.GARY
Tutto perfetto imballaggio favoloso ma prodotti di grande prestigio nella tradizione musicale.
14. Electro-Harmonix 12at7 Vacuum Tube
Product Details:
Preamp tube reverb driver / phase splitter, or low gain variant in various tube amplifiers as fender. eh gold tubes are all new designs and are of excellent quality. many oems use relabeled eh gold vacuum tubes in their amplifiers. if you want great sounding tubes at a very reasonable price, then electro-harmonix tubes should be on your list.
Specifications:
| Watchers | 0 |
Reviews:
Out of three 12AT7s, specifically purchased for phase inverter duties in two Fender amps (DRRI and Super Sonic 60 combo), this one is the winner. The other two, a JAN 12at7wc and JJat7, worked fine, just not as clear and strong the EHX. The amps seem to be louder and sound better. Of course, YMMV. Peace, Tim DTim
I placed it in preamp position 1 for my hotrod deluxe. Worked like a charm to smooth out the volume knob.Jacob
Refurbished Firestone “Air Chief” AM/FM tube radio circa 1950. AM worked (kinda), but FM was dead. Replaced paper capacitors with Mylar and a couple of burned up carbon resistors. Tested tubes, and many were bad or weak, so I replaced all tubes from TubesAndMore. Now works great.John
15. Tung-Sol Kt150 Vacuum Tube
Product Details:
Made in russia. a pair of kt150s can allow an amplifier with a power output approaching 300 watts to be built. the tung-sol kt150 glass envelope is a special egg shaped balloon that was developed to improve thermal dissipation and maintain a superior vacuum for the best sound. the fact that the glass envelope has no flat sides means the tung-sol kt150 has no problems with microphonics.
Specifications:
| Fabrication | Russie |
Reviews:
About $250-300 less than the popular online tube stores, for 2 quads to power my Quicksilver V4 monoblocks amps.xxyelloriderxx
16. Sovtek 12ax7-Wa Preamp Vacuum Tube
Product Details:
Specifications:
| Matching | Single |
| Tube Type | Preamp Tubes |
Reviews:
My Yaqin MS-23B phono preamp sounds WAY better with these Sovtek 12AX7LPS tubes than the stock Chinese 12AX7B tubes! The mid range just comes to life. The high frequencies are more detailed, still nice and smooth sounding. Bass has more authority. Very nice 3D sound stage! Higher gain, don't have to turn the volume as high. Highly recommend the Sovtek 12AX7-LPS tubes for a phono preamp! Viva Tubes puts stickers with the test readings on each of the tubes on the box, so you know your getting a nice matched pair! Excellent service!thortd-160
real nice swap out for my vox ac15h1tv. i bought the amp used and it came with 2 chinese and 1 marshall 12ax7's. after putting the sovteks in v1-3, i would describe the sound as more rounded than the tubes that came with the amp. this is in combination with tungsol ef806 SG and sovtek el84s. i can't say it sounds better than what i had in the past, but it does sound different, clear and full in a good way.James K
17. Tungsol 6550 Vacuum Tube, Matched Pair
Product Details:
Specifications:
| Configuration | Matched Pair |
| Package Includes | 2 x TungSol 6550 |
Reviews:
I have used seneral power tubes in my 20 year old JoLida 502A, and have found the Tung Sol 6550 to be the best sounding and performing tube yet. Powerful, musical, very earning their 5 stars. Maybe a 4.5, as they don't seem to last as long as I'd like, sometimes they have failed after 6 months, but usually a year or so. When they go, it's spectacular, a loud buzz, with a spectacular light show bwefore the fuse blows. Fun, but I wish they would last a bit longer. They run hot, however, and the gaps are pretty small between the elements, probably a bit of sagging, then ZAP!. They are a great sounding tube, tho.
Great sounding tubes I keep coming back to the re issues Tung Sol's tubes, as they have more then exceeded my expectation in quality build, clarity and details of their sound and their longevity. I have replaced the stock Chinese KT-88 on my Yaqin MC-100B integrated Amplifier, adjusted the bias to 0.55 v and voila: they sound amazing . I also did change all the pre tubes to Tung sol's new production (6sn7 and 12 ax's). The amplifier now sounds a like a truly Hi-Fi one, warm and strong, clear sound, very detailed, with strong base and floating highs !. Very well deserving for their price. It sounds similar to my Dialog HP Prima Luna amp now at 1/5th of the price, re-tubed, seriously. I should say the pre amp tubes make up for a large part of the improvement in the sound of the amplifier, but those 6550's power tubes complement the change and sustain it resulting a super elegant sound. Get them, they are definitely worth the price. PS: Be patient, they need a good 100 + hours of burn in to sound optimal. Tube depot delivered nicely, as usual. TyPaul
18. Jj Electronics T-7591-S-Jj-Mq Vacuum Tube Beam Power Amplifier Matched Quad
Product Details:
Specifications:
Reviews:
I purchased this tube (GZ34S) in for use in a Dynaco ST-70 I rebuilt. It worked great for about 5 weeks then I accidentally hot switched the amp and the rectifier promptly flashed over internally. Yes, this is my fault but upon examination of the tube under the magnifier the cathode and plate connections on one side were just too close to each other. I rated the tube a 3-star for product construction, perhaps this is too harsh but darn it… On the other hand, I am very happy this was only a $15.00 tube! I would buy it again, especially for trying out new constructions and first time power up.NoSpark
I always buy Russian tubes over Chinese. Although the Sovtek sourced tubes are NOS of varying vintages (usually 2000-2005) Ive found them to be of much better quality and longer lasting for daily service vs. Chinese tubes… which are just ok for light use IMO. Older US-made tubes from the 50's & 60's & 70's are fine for radio/gear restoration, but not ideal for daily/continuous duty in modern studio equipment. Plus, you're paying almost the same or higher price for a 50 year old product of unknown condition.capitalgold680
Big, full-bodied tone; like an EL34, but with more headroom and full, tight bottom end. The highs are punchy but not piercing. I put them in my Diezel Paul 45 watt head…they're stock in many Diezel amps, and it's a great fit. I'll have to try them in my Marshalls one of these days.karl
19. Vacuum Tube – 12ax7, Tung-Sol Reissue Pin Type: Gold
Product Details:
Specifications:
| Year | 2021 |
Reviews:
Overall: Used in all (3) slots in my Marshall Origin 20, and I should also note that at the same time I installed 2x Tung-Sol EL34B power tubes. I couldn't be happier with the sonic definition of both my low gain and high gain sounds. I settled on this tube after watching some videos and reading articles about the quality of these tubes. I'm very happy with my purchase and am very glad I purchased 6 of them. This is my first time using Tung-Sol so I can't comment on their longevity, but based on the sound alone it's an amazing tube.
I had heard that the Tung-sol 12AX7 tube would enhance the sound quality of the new ART Tube MP preamp I had recently purchased from Musician's Friend. The original tube is one that comes with the unit and, although not bad, does not have the kind of warmth I wanted in this unit. So I purchased the Tung-sol 12AX7, replacing the original tube, and could hear the difference immediately! Opening the unit can be a little difficult because the Philips screws are so tight. Pressing down firmly, while being careful not to strip the screws, works just time. Use a proper-fitting Philips screwdriver with a robust handle that gets fairly close to the unit. This will provide you with the control you need without stripping the screws. But be careful! I found that just a drop or two of WD-40 on each of the four screws worked wonders eventually getting them loose. Let the WD-40 sit for awhile before you try to untighten the screws. If they don't come off right away, hit them with another drop or two, wait for five or ten minutes and then try again. They should gradually come loose as a steady pressure is applied. Your efforts will be well-rewarded I assure you.Paul, the recordist
Overall: I’ve tried many many 12ax7 tubes in V1 of my 50 watt 5150iii head and these are hands down the best sounding tubes for the V1 slot. The first sentence in the description says it perfectly. “ The Ultimate 12AX7 — it's big, warm, and musical with High Gain, ultra-low microphonics, and superb linearity with a dynamic 3-D sound.” The only thing I would add is to say that it is neither a dark sounding or bright sounding too. It just has more of everything on the whole spectrum. Another thing is they remain tight and sound even sweeter when you turn up the volume. Even if you have the best power tubes in your amp, some 12ax7 preamp tubes can either get brittle or fuzzy/flubby on the low end. Not these! They just give you more tonal goodness when you crank your amp. I’ve used these in 2 Marshall’s and a Boogie I had prior and they performed the same in those amps. Perfectly!Mark
20. Mullard 12ax7 / Cv4004 Tube
Product Details:
This new production mullard 12ax7 tube is manufactured at their xpo-pul factory (also known as reflektor) in saratov, russia. this new production mullard 12ax7 tube is manufactured at their xpo-pul factory (also known as reflektor) in saratov, russia. one other note about the construction of these tubes is they have filaments that are almost completely encased in the plate structure. they often don't "light up" when working properly. this is not a problem, it's normal for the reissue mullard 12ax7 / ecc83.
Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 1 x 1 x 3 inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Reviews:
The gain is just ok with these tubes but they lend them self or better suited for amps that have a harsh bite or like a champ/princeton that is just too crunchy, these will definitely take the edge off. If you are a Jazz guitarist then these are going to give you the softer edge with good definition. I prefer the Matched Gain JJ's for a better bite and gain, but the best tube IMHO is the Genalex Gold Lion Matched Gain, across the board. They cost almost twice as much, and they deliver. For Marshall amps and rocking a JCM 800 the Matched Gain JJ's are the ticket. They deliver in the 800s and give a bit more bite than the Genalex. But Keep in mind that the Preamps are critical for the sound of your guitar or bass. If you have a crappy pair of Power tubes then you are really wasting your time. Cheerscagraphics56
Pro- best in V1 slot. Chime for days. If you have a 4 preamp tube amp put this in V1 ad a GT12ax7 to the V4 and try a JJ5751 in the V3. for a V2 us a GT 12ax7 or 12ay7. Oh yeh toss out the Celestion 70/80 if you have it and put in the Celestion cream 90 it will run an extra $275 on E-bay but you will bring the amp alive. Now you got a great set up. (I have a Marshall DSL 40C). Buy a GT 12AY7 %70 tube for a reference in V1 for fun and see what you think. Rely on your favorite distortion pedal for the front end drive and let the amp do the rest (Channel 1&2). You are gonna love this tube. You will love the reverb with this set up as well. Con- just a bit thin on the bottom end but only if you have single coils on your guitar (Strat sw position 1), (turn up the amp bass knob). Swap between the Mullard 12ax7 and a GT 12ax7 and see which one you prefer in V1/V4. the Grove Tube is a bit tighter on the bottom end but not as much chime as the Mullard so try both in V1 / V4 see witch you prefer. I still give the edge to the Mullard for chime.splitflier
I always thought TS 12AX7 was the stuff but up until this lockdown bit took hold, only did I swap tubes out boredom not necessity. Putting JJs, TS, GTs, in V1 of my EVH 5153 Stealth wasn't the greatest of tones. Out of the 3 the JJs were more tolerable but not quite what I wanted. So outta that boredom I tried for the Mullard Russian and holy guacamole I love the tone. I went so for in ordering another one for my EVH 5153 50 watt head and secured the same result but the catch is I put a Bugera ECC83B in the V2 of both EVH amps – awesome sauce. I'm set on keeping that arrangement. The amps sound great in cleans and OD. There's an actual noticeable difference in that setup of preamp tubes. I may just order more for my Randall Diavlo and other tube amps.Iam Az
