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I currently have an AVT150 half stack (as shown in signature).

I'm told that changing the one preamp tube will greatly improve its overall sound, but I don't have a clue as to which brand/model to get seeing as I never deal with tubes. I was hoping I could get some recommendations that will give me a better high-gain sound; one that is able to push me more towards a Recto-like Tone.

--Watroba

Generally changing the first preamp tube V1- will have the most effect on your tone. Im not really sure about the AVT's tube layout so I can't tell you which tube is V1 . In most cases, it's the one closest to your input.

There is only one preamp tube in the Valvestate.

The rest is all Solid-State.

Ok, cool, I'm not familier with the Marshall hybreds.(I'm one of those all tube guys) as far as which model of tube to use, it depends on what type of sound you are looking for. hard to make a recommendation. not only can you change model of tubes, but values also.

There is no one tube that will give you that kind of sound, unfortunately; and getting a Marshall hybrid to sounds like an all-tube Mesa ...? I don't think it can be done.

If you want to increase the gain, you should use a modern tube, not something like a Mullard clone. The Chinese Groove Tubes are good for that purpose. (It has a quot;Cquot; in the name of the tube, like 12AX7C.)


Originally Posted by WatrobaThere is only one preamp tube in the Valvestate.

The rest is all Solid-State.

This is Correct. I doubt Changing the ECC83 in there with help you get closer to a Recto tone? You could try putting a higher gain 12AX7C ,Or what ever the highest gain 12AX7 is out there now? But Again, I don't think you'll hear a
major difference.


Originally Posted by kmcguitarsThis is Correct. I doubt Changing the ECC83 in there with help you get closer to a Recto tone? You could try putting a higher gain 12AX7C ,Or what ever the highest gain 12AX7 is out there now? But Again, I don't think you'll hear a
major difference.

I've thought about this..

I know it won't be major. While the Valvestates are labeled quot;hybrid,quot; they really aren't. Most of the sound comes from the circuitry, while the one preamp tube is mostly a sales gimmick. However, I'm willing to give it a try for fifteen dollars.

As far as achieving a Recto tone out of this thing, I'm not really trying. I was just giving a reference tone so recommendations would be easier. In the near future I'll need to get a new amplifier, but as for right now I'll have to try the tube replacement.

Any more recommendations aside from the Chinese GT 12AX7C?

Check these two links for good reviews of various 12AX7's. They'll tell you what the different models sound like.

TubeDepot.com

Watford Valves

The best thing about 12AX7's is that they are cheap (provided you're not looking for original NOS Mullards). Once you understand what various models sound like, you can usually find them cheap on eBay. Buy a few and experiment.

since the preamp tubes do not cost too terribly much, you could buy two or three of them and see which ones do it for you.

The newish JJ ecc803S is a SWEET tube!