KVR Audio

funky lime · Post by **funky lime** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 6:36 pm

Please bear with me as I basically have no knowledge of circuitry/tubes/etc.

I have an ART Tube MP Project Series preamp which I can only assume has some kind of lackluster 12AX7 (given that I got it for $50). I was wondering if it would be worth my while to replace the tube with, say, something from GrooveTubes or ElectroHarmonix. Is there some kind of limitation in the circuitry (or something like that) that would prevent me from taking full advantage of a nicer tube? Basically, is it even worth buying a better tube, or should I just deal with the one I have?
I use it mostly for guitar, and occasionally vocals on a 58 or an M-Audio Nova condenser. If I do upgrade the tube, are there any recommendations?

Thanks in advance

shamann · Post by **shamann** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 6:50 pm

I wouldn't dick with it too much if you have no knowledge about how it works.

It's very likely that the valves used in the ART preamp aren't the most influential component in the sound of the device, so upgrading valves is likely not going to do much for you.

Muzik 4 Machines · Post by **Muzik 4 Machines** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 6:59 pm

the tubes in those devices run at 9 volts instead of 350 plate so it won't make a difference really, it's always in the maximum distortion phase of the function at those voltages
mostly tubes are there for gimmick in those less expensive devices (i think the behringer ones don't even pass signal through the tube

funky lime · Post by **funky lime** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 2:09 am

cool, thanks for talking some sense into me, i appreciate the replies! unfortunately that's what i was afraid of...

thanks guys!

soundchaser59 · Post by **soundchaser59** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 2:07 am

If you dig just a little bit deeper, and do a handful of test recordings to compare side by side, you'll find out that the change in sound quality is noticeable.

It may not be a huge, mind bending change, and yes the "starved plate" designs are not ideal, but you CAN hear the difference.

The question is not "GT vs EHX" with tubes, the question is "Russian or Chinese"??

There are basically only 2 brands made in Russian factories: Sovtek and Svetlana. The EHX, Winged C, and JJ's are rebranded tubes produced in one of those two factories. For example, a lot of times EHX tubes will say Electro-Harmonix on them, but the box will have a small sticker that says "Sovtek".

Everything else is Chinese. GT, Ruby, etc. if it's not one of the 4 or 5 mentioned above, then it's a Chinese tube. And you CAN DEFINITELY hear the difference between the Russian and the Chinese tubes. Personally, I will never buy Chinese tubes again, just as I will never buy another Chinese condensor mic again.

The best sound, however, is from the NOS made in the USA tubes. I had some NOS RCA and some Sylvanias that were a good cut above all the others. Probably not worth all the extra money though......

xoxos · Post by **xoxos** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 2:28 am

i was once given a simple mod for the art tube pre to avail the "tube tone.." ~97 on a joy electric mailing list or forum.. :p probably impossible to find, maybe there's similar material out there..

Scoops · Post by **Scoops** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 12:39 pm

I would suggest that you tinker with differnt tubes. You wont do any harm to the circuit because of voltage mismatches, or anything like that. Just be careful when you are replacing the tubes. The pins on those can sometimes get bent, and you could mess it up a bit

Not only do you have the choice of of using a 12ax7, you could use a 12at7, ar a 12au7. These tubes should all work in the device. They just have differnt gain characteristics

My personal fav's are old Telefunkens. They are so smooth. But as mentioned above, because they are operating at 9V, you probably wont hear to much sonic difference.

-Scps

question about tubes!