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I want to retube my HRDlx. It's still got the factory Groove Tubes from two or three years ago (I got it used). Three 12AX7s, two 6L6s. V1 is clean channel, V2 is OD channels, and V3 is phase inverter. I like my cleans to be punchy and articulate, and my OD to be fairly transparent and punchy. I'm pretty happy with the cleans, but it could always improve. Any suggestions? I'm not very familiar with different tubes. Thanks

Aaron

do you want to replace both the poweramp and preamp tubes?? Usually poweramp tubes go before the preamp tubes do. If its just poweramp i'd suggest either EL34 or EL84 tubes for your poweramp. You'll probably have to get your amp rebiased so that the new tubes will work properly

I would replace all of them, if I were you. I used to own the Hot Rod Deluxe.

I'm not really up on 6L6 type power tubes, but JJ's are always a good choice. I thought the PT's in the HR were a little harsh myself. You could always go with Groove Tubes, and get the softest rating they carry, that will give you a little smoother breakup.

For pre-amp tubes, I think the stock Sovteks have to go. JJ's are also a nice tube there, because they're warmer and smoother. However, I think you'll probably be happier just experimenting. I would pick up a JJ, one of the new GT-M Mullard copies, and EH, a Tungsol ect. Also, something to think about are a couple of NOS tubes. The RCA blackplate tubes give wonderful rich clean tones. Find out which brand you like in which slot.

The cool thing about pre-amp tubes is it's easy to experiment yourself, and relatively cheap.

I liked the rusults of putting JJ 6V6s and ECC83Ss in mine. It's supposed to lower it to 30 watts. As far as what we hear, droping 10 watts off of the amp didn't really lower the volume much at all, but it does cause the amp to breakup earlier. It cleaned up the drive channel abit but I still prefer pedals over the HRDx O/D. It takes even better to pedals now than before. But if your looking for the most clean headroom possible this isn't the way to go. I got a matched pair of JJ 6V6s and ECC83Ss for around $55 shipped from Bob at Eurotubes. Give him a call or e-mail him, he is always very helpful and knows alot about the Hot Rod series.

Thanks for the suggestions! I don't really want to change the style of tubes in it, I'm pretty sure I'm sticking with 12AX7s and 6V6s. I may have to get several different pre tubes like you suggested, Jeff. I'm not really replacing the tubes because they're going bad, I just want a better sound. Course, it's about time for those tubes to go anyhow, I'll keep em around for... back-backups.

Any more suggestions? I probably will get several different pre tubes, I'd just like to know what direction to head for my sound. Thanks

Aaron