I've been running a tubeless solid-state analog 1/2-stack rig for a while, and recently bought a used Mesa V-Twin Pedal because I was starting to miss the warmth and body of a tube preamp (plus, I needed a preamp with some knobs, dammit). It's been a real asset to my sound so far, but I know I'm going to want to change out its preamp tubes eventually, since the stock Russian 12AX7-As it has in it now are a bit generic and low-grade, and too loud and gainy on the solo and blues channels (I run a booster pedal at the start of the chain).

I've never bothered with this sort of shit before, and have only been researching the subject for a couple of days now. So far I'm leaning towards the Sovtek 12AX7LPS for the clean slot (because it's quiet in AC-powered units, and mine has a very subtle a hiss right now) and maybe a lower-gain 12AT7EH or ECC38 (the latter reputed as "musical," whatever that means) for the solo/blues channel, since it would cut down on the noise level and make things a little less painful. I haven't made up my mind yet; and if I sound like I don't know what I'm talking about here, then it's probably because I don't; so this is me asking for suggestions and advice from the wiser and more experienced. I write a lot of fast and technical C- and B-tuned death metal, and I lean towards a bottom-heavy sound that doesn't sacrifice highs and articulation (i.e. punch, not mud). I'm getting enough of that sort of tone now, but I know I can squeeze a little bit more out of it with a tube change.

So please, help a neophyte tube-o-phile out. I wanna get this right the first time, dammit.

i dont see any problem with replacing the tubes no

__________________

can't go wrong with a pair of jj ecc83s's or tung sol reissue 12ax7's

__________________

thanks for the replies.

what do the Tung Sol's have going for them that other 12AX7s don't? I heard Tung Sol's are being Russian-produced now, and I'm sort of trying to stay away from Russian 12AX7s (being as they're infamous for dull tone and all). I think I may go for a GT-12AX7-M, being as Mullards and reissues thereof are supposed to be the shit, but I'm wondering if it would be good for a DM tone.

also, 83s and 12AX7s are supposed to be higher gain, aren't they? suggestions for lower-gain tubes would be much appreciated.

you can't categorize tubes like that. "russian" doesnt mean it's got dull tone.

the tung sol's are high gain, but with low noise and alot of clarity. the jj's are very dark and aggressive sounding. i use a combo of both.

__________________

i'd take jj's and eh's

after some research, i think i've narrowed it down to: Tung-Sol 12AX7 reissue, JJ ECC83, JJ ECC83-S (less compressed than the normal ECC83 when overdriven/distorted), and maybe the 12AT7EH for stuff requiring less gain. i'd only be loading two at a time, but it seems like a versatile set.