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First tube roll: Which to change?

Incredibly enjoying my first integrated tube amp, so of course I want to begin messing with it.
The tube compliment is as follows:
4 x 5881
2 x 12AX7
2 x 6922
2 x 12AU7
So which should I swap out?
Let the gates open, I await your suggestions.
rhanechak
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I'd recommend the preamp tubes first (12AX7, 6922). The 12AU7's may also be used in the preamp section, though they could be used as drivers too. I've found that changing the preamp tubes of a tube integrated amp affects the sound more than changing driver or power tubes.

Cheers,
John
oneobgyn
410 posts
 
The best bang for your buck is the 12AX7 as this is the first tube that the signal sees
larryrx7's avatar
larryrx7
137 posts
 
I am guessing you have an Onix sp3. I found also that the 12ax7 position has the most effect on you tonal balance and flavor of the sound. The sp 3 has enough gain to sub a 5751 in this position and some of these really sound nice. I really like the GE black plates in this tube. In the 12ax7, I like the Groove Tube 12ax7m, but these are really hard to get. These bring back some of the classic tube sound to the amp. Also, get yourself a quad of Valve Art 350B. These babies make this a different amp entirely.
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