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Hey guys,
My VHT Ultralead just arrived, but I don't know whether it needs a tube change. It's a 100/120W head but I'm cranking it to two o'clock on the poweramp and 11 o'clock on the preamp volume in my bedroom. Sure my furniture shaked a bit, but still not even the Powerball could be cranked this far. It's still got the original KT88 tubes from 1997 in it, but it's only been played maybe half a dozen times in the last 5 years. The amp also seems to have less gain than I had expected (enough nonetheless), but I do want to get the most out of this amp.

Anyway if I do need a tube change, would changing the preamp tubes also improve my sound on the different channels? Like for example using the Sovteks GJ reviewed best high gain tubes for the rhythm and another brand for the clean channel? I don't know how good these VHT tubes are. Is there by any chance a website explaining the differences in KT88 tube brands?

Thanks a lot!

I take it it's a used amp?

If it hasn't been played much in 5 years, it might need a good cleaning(oxidation!)...a 100w amp at 2 o'clock SHOULD knock you outof the bedroom!

I put KT88s in my Hiwatt amp; that thing sounded HUGE.....If it was mine, just for peace of mind, I'd take it to a tech for a good check up, new tubes amp; rebias....that way, you know you're set for a long LONG time!

Rock on Brutha....those amps KILL !!!!

BTW I put Sovtek 12AX7LPSs in my VHT amp; they SMOKE!!!!!

Thanks a lot man , yeah it probably needs a fresh set of tubes, I bought it off ebay germany. I've heard of a guy that rebiases and replaces tubes in amps around the corner so maybe I'll give him a call. What exactly do you mean by a good cleaning?

Another good review on the Sovteks huh? Well maybe I'll give 'em a go then

Still I believe there was a site where we could read about the difference in tube brands. I know JJs are darker sounding, but that's pretty much all I know

By good cleaning, I mean oxidation builds up on the pots amp; whatnots inside, especially if it sits idle for a while....who knows, the previous owner may have let it sit in the garage for 5 years. Here in South Florida, that heat is a killer!

I'd have all the pots, the jacks, everything sprayed with contact cleaner...cleaned up...fresh tubes amp; rebias....an all around check up to make sure it's running properly for years to come.A few bucks spent now might save ya' some money in the long run

Check The Tube Doctor, Eurotubes, Guitar Amplifier Blueprinting for astart on the different tubes.
from : localhost/has one of the most extensive libraries of tube reviews on the web. Check there to compare KT88s.

Also the JJ KT 88's sound fantastic and are a great quality tube as far as i know. I got them in my ENGL Savage 120 after lots of shopping around, and Bob at hooked me up with them along with a bunch of other JJ's, but they are great tubes at a great price!

Yeah I've heard lots of good things about JJs, unfortunately the VHT has a fat sound so I'm afraid that if I put JJs in it, it might turn muddy. Thanks for the info guys