Best 12AX7 for 2203 preamp (V1 position)

[Diego Rugiero]

Hi guys, I would like to try something better than the stock groove tubes in the preamp of my JCM 800 2203 Zakk Wylde Edition (regular 2203 with 6550 tubes, FX loop and BLS cosmetics).

I'll put in the V2 a Penta Labs 12AX7 (selected Shuguang 9th) and a Sovtek 12AX7 LPS balanced in V3.

What about V1 position? I've got here to try: new Mullard, NOS Mullard, Tung-Sol and EH Gold pin. I didn't try anything yet.

Sometimes I use the Soldano Hot Mod (goes in the V2 position), so I need to consider that when choosing the V1 tube to get a good balance.

Any experience here from the Marshall users about the best tube for V1 position?

 

[~BURNY~]

I'd say Tung-Sol or Golden Dragon or NOS Mullard. JJ are cool in V2, I dislike them in V1.

 

[Diego Rugiero]

Is the V2 position the cathode follower? I always try to avoid JJ in that position, a chinese tube is safer.

 

[~BURNY~]

I don't know, never had a reliability issue with them, it's just how it "feels".

 

[Rex Rocker]

JJ's are alright in cathode followers, it's Russian tubes that supposedly can't handle the higher voltage.

What kind of tone are you going for? I like JJ ECC83S's when I want to tame a bit of highs and lows and want a squishy feel. I like current Tung Sol 12AX7's when I want more scooped and less compressed. I find Shuguang 12AX7B's to be a good in-betweener. I don't like Electro Harmonix 12AX7EH's because I find they have a bit too loose low-end and harsh high-mids as well as some nasty nasal overtones, but that's just me.

 

[Diego Rugiero]

I tried a lot of tubes recently and like the new Mullard in V1.

 

[guitarguru777]

If you can find em NOS Ei Tubes .... FUCKING LOVE them in V1 !!!!!

 

[Rex Rocker]

I tried a lot of tubes recently and like the new Mullard in V1.

Which of the two? I think there are two models currently.

 

[guitarguru777]

Tonally they are barely different, its really almost inaudable. I have used them both and to me they really make the marshalls shine. I have them in V1 of every amp I own.

 

[Diego Rugiero]

This Mullard reads "Mullard 12AX7/ECC83 - Made In Russia". I did't know there was two of them. The Penta Labs sounds awesome in the V2 and the LPS is the best PI tube IMO.