Yet another tube question

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Neo Fender
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Yet another tube question

Post by Neo Fender » Wed Jan 26, 2011 11:39 am

I have a Triple XXX 212 Combo but for this discussion, it is probably irrelevant.

Power tubes: Previous owner installed two Groove Tube EL34s and two JJ E34L (Not a typo, they’re actually labeled E34L, not EL34…) Anyway, the two GTs are side-by-side at one end and the two JJs are at the other end. Now, I don’t know if brand mixing is acceptable but if so, shouldn’t the pairs be installed either on the inside or outside? Does it matter?

Also, the bias test points measure 38.7 VDC in Stand by, 39.4 VDC in On, with all controls set at 0. Yes, the Bias Switch was set for EL34. With the recent discussion on setting bias by ear, I don’t trust myself to do this and I’d rather use my multimeter, at least from a starting point. I’m guessing that ~ 39 VDC is a little low? Please let me know. The Clean channel on this amp is great. Clean and Ultra = "meh" to my ears.

Thanks.

Classic30inCincy
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Re: Yet another tube question

Post by Classic30inCincy » Wed Jan 26, 2011 11:47 am

Great Gooogeley Mooogeley (Term By Frank Zappa)....

Time to startover and recommend matched quad set.

Believe EL34L are different spec from standard EL34

AND

Pairs are as you are thinking XOOX ----> outside and inside.

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Neo Fender
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Re: Yet another tube question

Post by Neo Fender » Wed Jan 26, 2011 11:49 am

Right,

They are currently XXOO. I think they should be XOOX or OXXO. Unless the E34Ls don't belong...
Classic30inCincy wrote:Great Gooogeley Mooogeley (Term By Frank Zappa)....

Time to startover and recommend matched quad set.

Believe EL34L are different spec from standard EL34

AND

Pairs are as you are thinking XOOX ----> outside and inside.

Classic30inCincy
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Re: Yet another tube question

Post by Classic30inCincy » Wed Jan 26, 2011 11:52 am

Don't mix the two would be my gut feeling.

Maybe you should call Tube Depot, Doug's Tubes, or The Tube Store regarding difference in spec standard EL34 versus EL34L.

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Neo Fender
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Re: Yet another tube question

Post by Neo Fender » Wed Jan 26, 2011 11:56 am

Will do. Would like to go back and try 6L6s as originally delivered.
Classic30inCincy wrote:Don't mix the two would be my gut feeling.

Maybe you should call Tube Depot, Doug's Tubes, or The Tube Store regarding difference in spec standard EL34 versus EL34L.

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Re: Yet another tube question

Post by Classic30inCincy » Wed Jan 26, 2011 11:57 am

Good price on matched Quad Set Sovtek 6L6WXT+ @ Tube Depot

Power tubes I prefer in ULTRA 60 8) :wink:

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XloydtilldeathX666
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Re: Yet another tube question

Post by XloydtilldeathX666 » Wed Jan 26, 2011 12:09 pm

I second the 6l6wxt+ recommendation.

If the different tubes were positioned in their proper pairs I'd say it couldn't hurt anything, but I may be wrong. I'd asked peavey about this for my ultra plus since I usually use it in half power mode. If the same applies to this amp it would be fine.
ultra plus
xxl head
vtm 60
412 ms


past -
bastardized 410 cab
rock master preamp
supreme 160
valveking royal 8
revolution head
vtm 120

clutch71
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Re: Yet another tube question

Post by clutch71 » Wed Jan 26, 2011 12:20 pm

Neo Fender wrote:Right,

They are currently XXOO. I think they should be XOOX or OXXO. Unless the E34Ls don't belong...
Classic30inCincy wrote:Great Gooogeley Mooogeley (Term By Frank Zappa)....

Time to startover and recommend matched quad set.

Believe EL34L are different spec from standard EL34

AND

Pairs are as you are thinking XOOX ----> outside and inside.
L's stands for extended lows. Willing to be the GT's are rebranded JJ EL34Ls if the bottle size and plate structure are identical. You should be fine. I like the grit of an EL34. I say stick with them if there are no bass or volume issues.
Peavey Amps: VTM 120, VTM 60 EL34 moddified, BRAVO Peavey Cabs: (2) 5150 Straight


Classic30inCincy
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Re: Yet another tube question

Post by Classic30inCincy » Wed Jan 26, 2011 12:23 pm

Good Point......

Groove Tubes can be "GT Private Label" JJ's.

Same JJ tube with different name and # assigned By GT.

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