Recommendations for JCM-800 preamp tubes?

[Night Owl]

My '86 2204 has been acting up. Any other JCM-800 owners out there that can recommend preamp tubes for someone looking for thick bottom end, creamy but powerful distortion, and decent articulation on the high end? Currently have GTs in the preamp stage with Sovteks in the power stage. Sound was very good, but the amp could use just a bit more oompf for the style of music I play. I do a lot with feedback as well.

Was thinking of going full Sovtek...

[gazza285]

There’s only three tube factories left I recall, and I have never noticed any difference in sound. I’ll put the least microphonic tube in V1 and that’s it.

As for the sound, there’s a reason just about everyone that uses a 2204 pushes the front end with a Tube Screamer or a Super Overdrive. I’ve used a graphic pedal as well, boosting the mids into the amp.

When you say it is playing up, what exactly do you mean? It’s forty years old now, and stuff other than valves may be the issue. Preamp valves are not temperamental items, the problem is likely to be elsewhere.

[Robertb]

Watford Valves gave me good advice years ago when I revalved my ‘80s JCM 800 2212.

It’s a noisy thing and I stopped gigging it as it’s too loud for venues and sounded thin unless I could run the power stage high.

Maybe a load box would help.

[Nico Adie]

JJs

[gazza285]

Nico Adie said:

JJs

Depending on what Groove Tube preamp tubes he has they might already be JJs, on the other hand they might already be Sovteks.

https://www.thetubestore.com/tube-brands/groove-tu...

[oddball1313]

They all sound the same, its a total myth tubes changing your tone. If you want a different sound change your speakers….Greenback G12M every time

[Yahonza]

Buy a 2203, that is the business.
Faffing about with valves / rectifiers won't turn a 2204 into one, or an earlier 2204.

[gazza285]

Yahonza said:

Buy a 2203, that is the business.
Faffing about with valves / rectifiers won't turn a 2204 into one, or an earlier 2204.

Or, buy both. The 2203 drives the bottom cabs, and the 2204 drives the tops.

[Yahonza]

To answer the question though, another vote for Watford Valves who do full upgrade kits.

[gazza285]

Might be better recommending Banzai Music, they have a good range of valves, and are German based.

Massive amounts of cork sniffing going on in the valve world though, you can spend a lot of money for no perceivable gain (no pun intended). I have yet to try a preamp valve and notice any discernible difference.

Preamp valve stash.

Edited by gazza285 on Saturday 24th January 21:14

[Nico Adie]

Night Owl said:

My '86 2204 has been acting up. Any other JCM-800 owners out there that can recommend preamp tubes for someone looking for thick bottom end, creamy but powerful distortion, and decent articulation on the high end? Currently have GTs in the preamp stage with Sovteks in the power stage. Sound was very good, but the amp could use just a bit more oompf for the style of music I play. I do a lot with feedback as well.

Was thinking of going full Sovtek...

When did you last have it serviced? A 40yr old amp will certainly be due for some new filter caps amongst other things...