What are the best tubes for my DSL100 JCM2000

Paramedic006 · 11-06-2009, 08:27 PM

I have a 2003 JCM2000 DSL100 and it has Svetlana Winged C's in it now. I am not looking for valves with higher gain or gold pins or balanced phase inverter valves. Just looking for really good valves. So help me out brothers.

jcmjmp · 11-06-2009, 08:38 PM

SED =C= is probably the best current production EL34. I like Tung Sols in the preamp.

MartyStrat54 · 11-06-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paramedic006

I have a 2003 JCM2000 DSL100 and it has Svetlana Winged C's in it now. I am not looking for valves with higher gain or gold pins or balanced phase inverter valves. Just looking for really good valves. So help me out brothers.

Okay...Good for you. You are absolutely right. You don't need the gold plated pins and the balanced phase inverter. You can "X" them out.

You don't describe what sort of music you play. What's your main axe and pickups? What type of speakers are in your cab? Do you use a lot of effects?

Why don't you go here first. We can help you out. Leave a post with what I asked above. We will get back to you with info you can use.

Preamp Tubes? - Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How?

Paramedic006 · 11-06-2009, 09:24 PM

My two main guitars are an American Deluxe Strat with ash body and an American Standard with a Floyd and an HSS with a SD Saraceno and 2 stock Fender SC's. I play mostly Old school rock from the late 70's thru the 80's. My sound goes thru a DSL100 to a 1960A cab. Might be putting a JMP-1 in front of the amp if I can find one. Also looking at a BOSS GT-8 or 10. I was looking at some threads and I assumed the SED's were the good ones. I don't want a lot of fluff as far as what they say they can do. I just want good valves. I bought this amp for 600 shipped in excellent shape so I wanna make sure it stays around for awhile.

solarburnDSL50 · 11-07-2009, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paramedic006

I have a 2003 JCM2000 DSL100 and it has Svetlana Winged C's in it now. I am not looking for valves with higher gain or gold pins or balanced phase inverter valves. Just looking for really good valves. So help me out brothers.

I just noticed you wrote Svetlana Winged =C='s and in your other posts on the preamp thread you write SED Winged =C='s. Which ones do you have cause these are 2 different brands/sounding power tubes. The SED's are the ones I've been referring to. I don't like Svetlana EL34's.

LesBalls · 11-07-2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmjmp

SED =C= is probably the best current production EL34. I like Tung Sols in the preamp.

+1 Although I like JJ EL34's a lot as well. All my Marshalls/Marshall type amps have either Winged C or JJ's in the power section and Tung Sol's in the preamp.

Most people will tell you that Winged C's are the best current production EL34. Often times, I prefer the JJ as it has more midrange. The Winged C is a bit smoother all around.

You'd be well served with either one.

As for preamp, I would stay far away from JJ preamp tubes as they sound flat and have no tone IMHO.

Most Marshall users prefer a chinese type preamp tube as these have historically had a little more gain.

I recommend the Tung Sol 12ax7.

wegman · 11-07-2009, 06:28 PM

For pre amp tubes if you want your amp to sound it's best you will want to run vintage pre's. I learned this first hand. I was running Groove Tubes in my Marshall and my amp sounded like ass. I scored some vintage tubes from an old organ and my tone now rocks. I will never stick another CP pre amp tube in my amp again if I can at all help it.

For power tubes I have also heard the the winged C's are really good so another vote there.

jcmjmp · 11-07-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

For pre amp tubes if you want your amp to sound it's best you will want to run vintage pre's. I learned this first hand. I was running Groove Tubes in my Marshall and my amp sounded like ass. I scored some vintage tubes from an old organ and my tone now rocks. I will never stick another CP pre amp tube in my amp again if I can at all help it.

For power tubes I have also heard the the winged C's are really good so another vote there.

Hmmm.... I've tried a lot of current production tubes and also some OLD production tubes and I can't say that the OLD are always better. Current production Tung Sols and Chinese tubes in the preamp are pretty good to get the most out of your Marshall.

The only OLD production tube that I think makes a difference is the 7025.

wegman · 11-07-2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmjmp

Hmmm.... I've tried a lot of current production tubes and also some OLD production tubes and I can't say that the OLD are always better. Current production Tung Sols and Chinese tubes in the preamp are pretty good to get the most out of your Marshall.

The only OLD production tube that I think makes a difference is the 7025.

I haven't tried alot of CP tubes but my amp came with Chinese tubes and when it was retubed the tech used GT's which are most likely chinese and the vintage tubes I am using smoke both. I mean it is no contest, and I am not using the really great vintage type tubes but the difference is huge.

Hey at the same time I will be the first to say if something is working for you all the power to you.

jcmjmp · 11-07-2009, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

I haven't tried alot of CP tubes but my amp came with Chinese tubes and when it was retubed the tech used GT's which are most likely chinese and the vintage tubes I am using smoke both. I mean it is no contest, and I am not using the really great vintage type tubes but the difference is huge.

Hey at the same time I will be the first to say if something is working for you all the power to you.

Yeah.... I tried an OLD mullard 12AX7 and it sounded good, but I can't say that the difference was mind blowing. I've also tried some old GEs, Sylvanias, Rogers, Maganavox (re-branded) and a bunch of others.

I guess what I'm saying is that I wouldn't go out of my way to get OLD or NOS 12AX7s because the current production 12AX7s seem to do a good enough job for my needs.

solarburnDSL50 · 11-07-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmjmp

Yeah.... I tried an OLD mullard 12AX7 and it sounded good, but I can't say that the difference was mind blowing. I've also tried some old GEs, Sylvanias, Rogers, Maganavox (re-branded) and a bunch of others.

I guess what I'm saying is that I wouldn't go out of my way to get OLD or NOS 12AX7s because the current production 12AX7s seem to do a good enough job for my needs.

I notice more of a difference when I play blues to midgain rock stuff. I notice the differences alot less when I am into high gain stuff that doesn't focus on dynamics, touch sensitivity(guitar roll off, picking dynamics)but is balls out. I like a looser, warmer feel/sound with rounder notes. It seems the CP tubes are a bit more compressed or tight IME. Not as organic. I could be imagining all this too...

That being said I will use what ever I'm stuck with if budget dictates my choices. After all its about being able to play.

My preferences are clearly for certain NOS 12AX7's though.

wegman · 11-07-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarburnDSL50

I notice more of a difference when I play blues to midgain rock stuff. I notice the differences alot less when I am into high gain stuff that doesn't focus on dynamics, touch sensitivity(guitar roll off, picking dynamics)but is balls out. I like a looser, warmer feel/sound with rounder notes. It seems the CP tubes are a bit more compressed or tight IME. Not as organic. I could be imagining all this too...

That being said I will use what ever I'm stuck with if budget dictates my choices. After all its about being able to play.

My preferences are clearly for certain NOS 12AX7's though.

Now that's funny because I play super high gain and I notice the difference immediately between the vintage and CP tubes. The CP tubes I have played are harsh, loose and have no dynamics. The vintage tubes are tight, responsive and crystal clear. I play pretty fast and I need gain with clarity and the vintage tubes fit the bill for me perfectly. Like I said I will be hard pressed to use a CP tube if I can help it.

If CP works for other people outstanding, they just don't work for me.

solarburnDSL50 · 11-07-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

Now that's funny because I play super high gain and I notice the difference immediately between the vintage and CP tubes. The CP tubes I have played are harsh, loose and have no dynamics. The vintage tubes are tight, responsive and crystal clear. I play pretty fast and I need gain with clarity and the vintage tubes fit the bill for me perfectly. Like I said I will be hard pressed to use a CP tube if I can help it.

If CP works for other people outstanding, they just don't work for me.

That's a pretty good description of CP tubes. I just hear more of the nuances when playing midgain and under stuff but that doesn't mean there isn't a diff with high gain. Clear and articulate too. When I say looser I don't mean muddy or flubby. I actually like some sag but the DSL doesn't have alot of it anyways. Sometimes I just can't find the right words to describe the tones and feel.

I'm just not a tight high gain player. You know what I have found helps with articulation when playing fast is a nice set of power tubes. I think when opening the amp up a little is where the preamp's strengths and weaknesses are revealed. Low volume playing can be really deceiving while moving that gain knob up and down.

wegman · 11-07-2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarburnDSL50

I'm just not a tight high gain player. You know what I have found helps with articulation when playing fast is a nice set of power tubes. I think when opening the amp up a little is where the preamp's strengths and weaknesses are revealed. Low volume playing can be really deceiving while moving that gain knob up and down.

I could not agree with you more there. Unless you have the amp cranked you have no idea about the actual tone or response the pre section is really going to give you. Also I have been swapping back and forth between a set of GT's and set a Svetlana's in the power section. The amp is biased for the GT's but the Svetlana's actually sound better. My point. I definetly agree with you that the power tubes is where the final tone resides.

I cranked my amp today and with the vintage pre amp tubes in it the louder I turned it the better it got. I had the complete opposite with the CP tubes. The more I cranked the thinner it got. Now I have to score some good power tubes and I think I will be in tone Nirvana.

solarburnDSL50 · 11-07-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

I could not agree with you more there. Unless you have the amp cranked you have no idea about the actual tone or response the pre section is really going to give you. Also I have been swapping back and forth between a set of GT's and set a Svetlana's in the power section. The amp is biased for the GT's but the Svetlana's actually sound better. My point. I definetly agree with you that the power tubes is where the final tone resides.

I cranked my amp today and with the vintage pre amp tubes in it the louder I turned it the better it got. I had the complete opposite with the CP tubes. The more I cranked the thinner it got. Now I have to score some good power tubes and I think I will be in tone Nirvana.

You know its been so long since I had CP preamp tubes only in my amp I don't remember how big of a diff there is. Maybe for shits and giggles I'll put them in and relive the sterile, harsher side of things again...

solarburnDSL50 · 11-07-2009, 10:21 PM

I think we lost the OP on this one hehe...

wegman · 11-07-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarburnDSL50

You know its been so long since I had CP preamp tubes only in my amp I don't remember how big of a diff there is. Maybe for shits and giggles I'll put them in and relive the sterile, harsher side of things again...

I did that very thing just to see if I was imagining things. With the CPs in I wanted to sell my gear again it was that bad.

solarburnDSL50 · 11-07-2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wegman

I did that very thing just to see if I was imagining things. With the CPs in I wanted to sell my gear again it was that bad.

Paramedic006 · 11-08-2009, 12:36 PM

Ok, I took everyones advice and ordered new valves. My line up is 4 SED Winged =c= EL34's and 2 tung sol reissues and 2 mullards for the preamp stage. I gotta admit you guys totally lost me in the valve talk. I am a relatively new guitarist. I have been a drummer for the last 27 years and wanted to try guitar playing. I will let you guys know what the outcome is. Thanks for your help guys and any other ideas or advice would be great.

ken361 · 11-08-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paramedic006

Ok, I took everyones advice and ordered new valves. My line up is 4 SED Winged =c= EL34's and 2 tung sol reissues and 2 mullards for the preamp stage. I gotta admit you guys totally lost me in the valve talk. I am a relatively new guitarist. I have been a drummer for the last 27 years and wanted to try guitar playing. I will let you guys know what the outcome is. Thanks for your help guys and any other ideas or advice would be great.

I played drums for many yrs but always guitar also, now on guitar more now. you try a RFT nos or a mullard or marty will help you out. The v1 is biggest part of your tone then v2

wegman · 11-08-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paramedic006

Ok, I took everyones advice and ordered new valves. My line up is 4 SED Winged =c= EL34's and 2 tung sol reissues and 2 mullards for the preamp stage. I gotta admit you guys totally lost me in the valve talk. I am a relatively new guitarist. I have been a drummer for the last 27 years and wanted to try guitar playing. I will let you guys know what the outcome is. Thanks for your help guys and any other ideas or advice would be great.

Different valves will play and sound differently. If you haven't been playing that long you probably really wouldn't notice that much of difference from valve to valve. Once your playing a while you will find that each valve has a different dynamic as far as pick attack, clarity and tone. For some one like myself that plays shredder style and runs scales I need a great deal of gain but I also need clarity. Also I need there to be a spacing between the fast notes and that will differ from valve to valve as well.

The difference between valves is there, it's not imagined. This is why players will spend a great deal of time trying different pre amp valves in different positions in the amp (rolling valves) in order to come up with the best combination for playability and tone. In my experience vintage tubes are far superiour to CP valves. Others may not agree and that is fine, but for me and my amp it is Vintage all the way. I just became convert by the way. Up until recently I thought a valves a valve.

I have not tried them but I think you will be very happy with the winged =C='s

MartyStrat54 · 11-08-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarburnDSL50

I think we lost the OP on this one hehe...

Joe...you've been a naughty boy again...bumping not allowed.

MajorNut1967 · 11-08-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

Joe...you've been a naughty boy again...bumping not allowed.

thank god theres a Marty.

MajorNut1967 · 11-08-2009, 01:20 PM

Hey Solar calm down or we'll have to do the nutcracker suite on your particulars!

solarburnDSL50 · 11-08-2009, 05:25 PM

Alright you guyz sneeking up on me when I'm looking elsewhere...

And my particulars are sweet. At least that's what my right hand thinks...

solarburnDSL50 · 11-08-2009, 05:29 PM

Alright everyone back over to either the preamp or power tube thread before we have tubes coming out our...well you know.

11-06-2009, 08:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Paramedic006 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180	What are the best tubes for my DSL100 JCM2000 I have a 2003 JCM2000 DSL100 and it has Svetlana Winged C's in it now. I am not looking for valves with higher gain or gold pins or balanced phase inverter valves. Just looking for really good valves. So help me out brothers.

11-06-2009, 08:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
jcmjmp Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2,719	Re: What are the best tubes for my DSL100 JCM2000 SED =C= is probably the best current production EL34. I like Tung Sols in the preamp.

11-06-2009, 09:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
Paramedic006 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180	Re: What are the best tubes for my DSL100 JCM2000 My two main guitars are an American Deluxe Strat with ash body and an American Standard with a Floyd and an HSS with a SD Saraceno and 2 stock Fender SC's. I play mostly Old school rock from the late 70's thru the 80's. My sound goes thru a DSL100 to a 1960A cab. Might be putting a JMP-1 in front of the amp if I can find one. Also looking at a BOSS GT-8 or 10. I was looking at some threads and I assumed the SED's were the good ones. I don't want a lot of fluff as far as what they say they can do. I just want good valves. I bought this amp for 600 shipped in excellent shape so I wanna make sure it stays around for awhile.

11-07-2009, 06:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
wegman Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Not far frome the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field Posts: 334	Re: What are the best tubes for my DSL100 JCM2000 For pre amp tubes if you want your amp to sound it's best you will want to run vintage pre's. I learned this first hand. I was running Groove Tubes in my Marshall and my amp sounded like ass. I scored some vintage tubes from an old organ and my tone now rocks. I will never stick another CP pre amp tube in my amp again if I can at all help it. For power tubes I have also heard the the winged C's are really good so another vote there. __________________ Ian St Ian says "If your not playing Gibson and Marshall your a wanker!" Marshall JCM 800 2210 (1989) Marshall MG CD10 (hi guys!) Gibson Les Paul Custom (1981) Mackie 24x8 mixing console Alesis ADAT HD 24 digital recorder Shure KSM 27 Visit me and check out my tunes at Acid Planet! http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp...=286989&T=2378

11-08-2009, 12:36 PM	#19 (permalink)
Paramedic006 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 180	Re: What are the best tubes for my DSL100 JCM2000 Ok, I took everyones advice and ordered new valves. My line up is 4 SED Winged =c= EL34's and 2 tung sol reissues and 2 mullards for the preamp stage. I gotta admit you guys totally lost me in the valve talk. I am a relatively new guitarist. I have been a drummer for the last 27 years and wanted to try guitar playing. I will let you guys know what the outcome is. Thanks for your help guys and any other ideas or advice would be great.

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11-08-2009, 01:20 PM	#24 (permalink)
MajorNut1967 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South Pacific Posts: 1,041	Re: What are the best tubes for my DSL100 JCM2000 Hey Solar calm down or we'll have to do the nutcracker suite on your particulars! __________________ MJN1967 aka BA (Bad Attitude) 1958 Fender 5E3 Deluxe 1968 model 1987 50watt. A Baby Major (Half-Power) I built from the ground up. JTM 45 Clone combo Ground up build. JCM 800 Clone Ground up build, with Wilder Mods. Custom Built Warmoth Strat 75' Fender Tele-Deluxe '70 style strat custom build w/Custom Shop 69's PU's

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