Recommendations for retubing 400+

blueyedmule · Tadpole Joined: 18 Mar 2004 Posts: 15

I've got standard Boogie-issue tubes in mine now, I'd like to try something else. Any recommendations?

mule

HOTPUPPET · Not So Newbie Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 9

The "sting" with Boogie is that you are pretty much forced to buy their tubes since they are already matched and biased to suit their amps. Also, they are individually tested and have a warranty for 6 months in case they fail. This, they say, is why they cost more.
In practice it means that you'll get perfect tubes every time, keeping your Boogie sounding great.

I've read thet people buy non-Boogie tubes such as Sovtek and Svetlana 6L6's to put in their amps, and although these are great tubes, how the hell do they manage to bias them on a head with no biasing capabilities? Unbiased tubes will reduce the output volume and sound quality, and also burn out the tubes faster. This is false economy in my book.
Whilst dishing out the extra cash for Boogie tubes is a con, and although they know they've got you "over the barrel", there isn't much choice.

Ampeg have got it right with their all tube amps such as the SVT 2 PRO and the SVT CL. They have self biasing controls and LED's that show you precisely when each tube is biased perfectly, allowing you to use whichever tubes you like.
In summary then, stick to the Boogie tubes. You've probably spent a lot of cash on your amp. Treat it like a Ferrari - you wouldn't put Ford parts in it would you???!!
Happy playin'!

bazzanderson