Valves

Don't forget the rectifier valve image

Don’t forget the rectifier valve

Many amps have a valve rectifier valve. Typical types are EZ81, 5Y3, GZ34/5AR4 and 5U4.  There are variations on the letters at the end of the part number but the basic part number product will do the job. The alternative is to use solid state diodes. So why have a less reliable valve/tube rectifier than modern diodes? rectifier is just the old name for a diode. How do you know when your rectifier valve needs […]

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Find the valves you need quick and easy

Find the valves you need quick and easy

Find the valves you need quick and easy We have added new categories to make it easier  finding valves/ tubes . If you go to the ” Categories “ menu at the top of the page you find instant links  to common types. The idea being to find stuff faster. If you are looking for more unusual  pre-amps such as the 12DW7 or ECC99 they are still there just look in the “preamp valves” section

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Sovtek 12AX7 WA WB WC image

De-Mystifying Sovtek 12AX7 WA WB WC Variants

De-Mystifying Sovtek 12AX7 WA WB WC Variants I thought it worth the time De-Mystifying Sovtek 12AX7 WA WB WC Variants. Why are there three versions of the Sovtek 12AX7 and what use one versus the other? One common characteristic of all three types is that they are very low in microphonics.  The “W” in the part number is there to tell us its a ruggedised valve.  Ruggedised valves are made to withstand more vibration than a

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Things Learned about Valve Amps in 2018

Here are Things learned about Valve Amps in 2018 . They are in no particular order. Perhaps some useful info about your amp. I thought I would share them before they faded out of my head Loudness of your amp Your ears respond to sound like a compressor.  So when you ears hear the sound from a 10 watt amp and a 100 watt amp, you don’t hear an amp that is ten times louder.

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Electro Harmonix 12AX7

Valve Faults

Have you ever wondered why amplifier valves wear out or why they dont last as long as solid state stuff? Why do the big amp manufacturers give you three years warranty on the amp and 90 days on the guitar amp valves? Valves are very old technology.  The popular 6L6 output valve came to market in 1937 and our little friend the 12AX7 ( ECC83) was first introduced by RCA way back in 1947. The

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EL34 II JJ Matched Quad Image

Upgraded JJ EL34 Valve kits

We have now upgraded all our JJ EL34 valve kits.  Our kits now include the JJ EL34 II. The reason? The JJ standard EL34 does not sound nearly as good as the EL34 II .  The standard EL34 is known for sounding “thin” whereas the EL34 II has much stronger low end and mids making for a much fatter solid tone. All the EL34 kits on the drop down menu when selecting ” Make” and

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Svetlana website new image

Svetlana Winged C Valves

There is a lot of confusion in the market on Svetlana and Winged C Valves.   A number of UK suppliers claiming they are selling current production Winged C valves which are made in the St Petersburg factory in Russia. By the way, the “C” is the Russian letter for “S” so it is the logo for the brand using the company name first letter. Here is a cut and paste from a well known valve reseller

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