Best Guitar Amplifier Tubes in 2022

Last update: December 25, 2022

Are Chinese vacuum tubes any good?

Yes, Chinese vacuum tubes are any good. In fact, they are often better than the more expensive American-made tubes. The reason for this is that the Chinese manufacturers have access to better quality control and higher-grade materials.

Do all tubes fit all amps?

Not all tubes fit all amps. There are different types of tubes for different types of amps. The most common type of tube is the 12AX7. This tube is used in most amps. The next most common type of tube is the 12AT7. This tube is used in some amps. The last type of tube is the 12AU7. This tube is used in some amps.

Do amplifiers deteriorate with age?

No, amplifiers do not deteriorate with age. They may become less accurate due to changes in the components, but they will not deteriorate.

Do they still make tubes for amps?

Yes, tubes are still made for amps. There are many different types and sizes of tubes, so there is a lot of variation in the market. You can find new tubes for sale online and in music stores.


JJ 12AX7 / ECC83 Preamp Vacuum Tubes (Three Pack) Review:


These tubes arrived in the mail just yesterday, and I immediately inserted them in the preamp portion of my Jet City 20w combo amp (JCA2112). The prior amplifier used 12ax7R tubes that were stamped "manufactured in China," which I believe must be the same as ax7s due to their inclination for rather high gain. I chose the JJ's based on the product support man at Jet City's advice and several favorable reviews from other musicians.Although I've only had the tubes in for approximately 36 hours, I gave them around 3 hours of performance time last night, and they sounded fantastic. The product description provided by Amazon is very accurate; these tubes effectively boost clean headroom. The stock china tubes cracked very immediately, which was fun for heavy rock but left me unsatisfied with the amp's inability to produce clean tones. The JJs significantly altered all of that. I'll reserve my final verdict until after they've played for another 10 hours in a few weeks, but here are the things I've already observed:Great headroom, highly melodic, luscious breakdown, creamy, bluesy drive, tight lows, prominent mids, and a beautiful, chimey high-end that isn't at all brittle.Even with the preamp gain turned up all the way, lead runs and hammer-on pull-of stuff have a wonderful, clear quality to them that allows notes to pierce through the breakdown in a really cool, vintage-sounding way. This is due to the higher headroom's fantastic note separation.I suppose I should also mention that even though this 3-pack is not eligible for Prime, the package still arrived in 3 days and was very well packaged. I would suggest the JJs, especially if your amplifier is equipped with Chinese tubes as standard. These genuinely alter the tone of a sentence.



Electro-Harmonix 12AU7 EH Vacuum Tube Review:


I purchased this to compare with the stock tube in my Bravo Audio Ocean amplifier. I burned in the stock tube for around 40 hours before I felt comfortable using it. I have already invested almost 120 hours into this EH tube. Overall, the quality is good. The lows are considerably less obvious in compared to the stock tube (which is good because they were almost overpowering with the factory tube), and the lower-mids to mids clarity is much better. The highs are undoubtedly present. Although it is tough to judge because I have not burned in the stock tube as much as this, overall clarity (such as instrument separation in the mix) looks somewhat better than with the factory tube. Personally, neither tube made any noise, but it seems as whether a tube is damaged or not determines if you experience noise problems or not.From what I know and have seen, this is a fairly well-rounded tube in general (not harsh or overbearing in any particular frequency range). However, the distinction from the stock tube is not as drastic as some would have you believe. That said, some musical genres that I don't listen to might have more pronounced disparities between the tubes. I experimented with jazz, advanced metal, classical music, and acoustic tunes through this tube. Because it seems to fit most genres well, this tube seems like a solid option.Even if you just want another tube to substitute in and out according to desire, the purchase is worthwhile given the price.



Mullard 12AX7 Preamp Vacuum Tube, Single Review:


As a stereo set, I'm using two Heathkit model A-9B mono blocks. I chose these Mullard preamp to replace the corroded antique RCA 12ax7 and 12AU7 tubes I had in these amplifiers after doing much research. At the same time, I switched out the Sovtek 6L6GC output tubes for Tung-Sol 7581A tubes now in production. Wow! I'm in awe. These amplifiers are powering a pair of Boston A-360 speakers to fill my room with beautifully clear and spectacular sounding music, despite their 20 watts RMS RMS rating. Whether the notes are from Steely Dan's snappy clean style, Chicago's flowing melodic approach, or Yes with that unique Rickenbacher/rotosound mix, the bass response is forceful and clear, revealing all of the qualities of the notes. The Chicago horn section sounds just amazing in the mids and highs thanks to these tubes, and the superb guitarists who are playing trippy riffs with wa-wa pedals and electric leads have a distinct and lovely presence in the sound stage. Without a hint of roughness and without a single piercing note, the sound is energetic and delightful to listen to (you know, that occasional high note that feels like an ice pick to your set drum.) The sound of these pair of Heathkit amplifiers has suddenly gone from being pretty darn decent to fantastic in ways that very, very few amplifiers could ever match. We are in that fidelity range if you've ever heard a Marantz or McIntosh with tubes.Because they were criticized by reviewers for being too clean in a guitar amplifier, I decided to use these Tung Sol 7581A power tubes for this application. I would concur given the outstanding performance in my High Fidelity system; these tubes don't produce any audible distortion, which would make them undesirable in most guitar amplifiers but makes them AMAZING in a home audio!Based on comparable studies, where the Mullards were critiqued as being too clean for guitar amp duty but praised for a beautiful guitar amp tone, I chose the Mullards for the 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes.These Heathkit A-9B amplifiers were specified to have a flat response curve from 6 Hz to 50 kHz, less than 1% intermodulation distortion, and a -70dB signal to noise ratio at the authorized 20 watt RMS output. I have no doubt that these amplifiers are performing as well as or better than their excellent specs using these tubes. Never before has 20 watts rms sounded so intense or stirring!I definitely advise this combination if you're thinking about getting a high-fidelity retube.



JJ Electronics Amplifier Tube (T-6L6GC-JJ-MP) Review:


Remember, kids: It may be best to have your amp biased/checked for proper plate voltage settings by a skilled service technician before replacing your Power Output Tubes (such as these)!Although it may sound wonderful with too-hot settings, your tubes' lifespan will be significantly shortened.If you play too low, your sound could be sterile or brittle and lack the oomph and balls you prefer.I've played professionally for almost 27 years and own 9 Fender Pro Tube amps.When deciding between 6L6s and EL34s, I usually choose the 6L6s since their sound is less "woody" than the English overdriven tube sound and has a more "American" sounding bottom end. With 6L6s, the bottom end sounds sharper and more distinct, but the EL34s are also really impressive!Identical to how Dell, Gateway, HP, Compaq, and other computer manufacturers don't really make computers, JJ's instead tests and rates tubes before coupling them up according to similar tolerances and voltages. If your amplifier employs two of them, this is crucial. This will make sure that before any biasing or modifications, both sides of the amp output stage are as equal and balanced as feasible.The chemical that is burned upon first initial firing and consumes any remaining oxygen or air inside the vacuum tube is known as the "burnt silver/black" inside the tube.excellent pricing, better than most other online retailers!Hope this is useful!



Matched Pair (2x) Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 tube (ECC83) Review:


Really happy I made the investment in these. In the phono stage of my old Harman Kardon A-300 amplifier, I had gone through a few other 12AX7s, including JJ, Tung Sol, and EHX, before settling on the Tung Sol. The sound quality was also pretty darn good. But I couldn't help but feel that something was lacking. I couldn't stop adjusting the tone knobs and moving the Klipsch Forte II speakers from the 1990s. Everything sounded good, even above average. But I couldn't help but feel a little let down. Simply said, it wasn't ready yet.In order to get a matching pair of these Gold Lions, I spent a bit more money than I usually would, and BOOM. That's it. These tubes sound like a million dollars even before they have had a chance to burn in. Absolutely no complaints. They filled in my missing lows (the bass control is finally set to flat, no boost), positioned my mids perfectly (quite natural, neither too brown nor too boxy), and produced clear, warm, distinct highs devoid of any harshness. Even at background listening volume, the soundstage is larger and more interesting.Before placing my order, I did a ton of research and read a ton of reviews and perspectives. Online reviews that were simple to uncover essentially depicted the Gold Lions as snake oil that was sold under the rebranded EHX name for three times the price. NOPE! I adore EHX. In my guitar amplifiers, I like their tubes above several other, more expensive substitutes. But when comparing the new Gold Lion to a barely broken-in EHX in the same amplifier, I found that it easily outperforms the latter without even having had a chance to fully open up. It's a tie.I'm quite impressed. Definitely worth the money, and I hope they keep the quality at this level until I need to replace my preamp tubes again.



Behringer Tube Ultragain MIC100 Audiophile Vacuum Tube Preamplifier with Limiter Review:


This tiny jewel successfully served its intended function. At local open mic/jam sessions, I perform with friends on the harp (harmonica). Most of the music is classic rock, southern rock, blues, and a little bit of country. I used to use the "house" PA, but after realizing how constrained it could be in some aspects, I decided to invest in a small, 20W instrument amp to give me a little more creative freedom. Well, the small amp struggles to keep up with the more potent guitar amps without being overdriven, which causes distortion and muffled sound. I thought I'd try this pre-amp to prevent pushing the main amp too hard because I didn't want to go with a bigger, more powerful amp because I don't want to have to drag around big, heavy equipment.I tested it at home, however I haven't used it "live" yet. I had the three EQ settings at their highest settings and the main amp volume set to 8 or 9 without the pre-amp. The weak 8 "That all changed when I plugged this pre-amp in between the mic and the amp; with the pre-amp gain control set to almost the minimum setting, and the "output" (volume level) set to the 9 o'clock position, I get more sound out of the main amp with its settings at 5 than I did with just the main amp set to 8-9, and the sound is SO much cleaner.The fact that this device can accept either a balanced XLR or a 1/4 "A true bonus is TS (unbalanced) or a mix of the two. The other controls are all extremely helpful, but the 20dB mute and the 48V phantom power are particularly helpful. Not features one would anticipate from a product at this price range. The gadget produces very little noise unless the gain is set up all the way, and the vintage knobs provide fast tactile feedback in a dark space. The LED signal level meter also functions as a tube-warmup countdown timer; the LEDs gradually dim (from R to L) until they are all off. The tubing is likely warmed up by that point. Given the lack of an on/off switch, this is a nice function.I did open up the device to assess how simple or complex changing tubes would be, and the design and build quality impressed me. Since I work as an electronics technician, I have high standards for those products. This unit is superbly manufactured, bar none. The power plug didn't seem to have a propensity to come free at all. The ONLY complaint I have about the entire thing is the cheap plastic clip next to the port that is supposed to hold the power wire, but it is essentially worthless. Additionally, it is tiny enough to fit in my little canvas bag beside my harp box, cords, and microphones.I anticipate having a lot of fun using this small gadget.UPDATE: A few sessions later, I'm still having fun with this unit. Driving the gain up and managing any feedback with the volume control allows me to achieve a very great "Chicago Blues" tone. I can easily compete with the loud drums and guitar amps thanks to my little amp. a good one.



Mullard Reissue EL34 Power Vacuum Tube; Matched Quad Review:


These were purchased in a matching quad for an ST-70 Custom amplifier. Naturally, only two components of the original Dynaco ST-70 are used in this amplifier, which is based on it. The other parts, such as the chassis, the larger power transformer, and the higher value PS capacitors, are all new. Those two are the output transformers (OPTs). Instead of being connected pentode, the 6EJ7 input tubes are triode. Each EL34 output tube is independently biased. Connectors are all on the back panel. It powers a set of Klipschorns that I just recently recapped. CDs and streaming 320 are the main sources.JJ's EL34s, which were shipped with the amp, experienced issues. I could hear sound with my ears 3 to 4 inches from the speakers, which I attributed to the cornerhorns' extraordinarily high sensitivity (often referred to as efficiency).Then I swapped out the JJs for these Soviet Mullard reissues (whose history is unclear but whose four guidepins were broken off). Wow! My surroundings are now black, and there is no sound, not even when I press my ear against the grill cloth. The JJs seem buried in comparison, giving them a deeper sound, and the mids are considerably more clearly defined. Crisp and clear highs. The mids and absence of noise in particular make this sound more like it now.Keep in mind that this is an unreliable set of JJs, making the comparison unfair. I'll continue to read these reissues because they seem to merit the Mullard moniker. I've placed another quad order.



JJ Electronics Amplifier Tube (T-EL84-JJ-MP) Review:


I was looking for replacements rather diligently when my dependable Russian-made Electro-Harmonix EL84EH tubes, which came with the Cayin HA-1 headphone amp, finally failed. If I had the choice, I probably would have chosen KT77 amplifiers (especially the Gold Lion ones), but sadly, my Cayin HA-1 only works with EL84s. As a result, after much investigation, I chose JJ Electronics EL84s for a few reasons. The benefits and drawbacks I found are listed below:Positives: Very good, high-quality product Came in a "Matched" set after being tested and passing quality. Unique IDs on the box; one of the finest prices on the market right now; claimed to last longer; break-in process not as 'long' as other tubes; and, when used with decent, capable headphones, breath-taking, richer low-end characteristics. In comparison to other tubes I own, the mid-range (voice) is (nearly) equally noticeable and pleasant.Cons: - The treble sounds a bit depressed. Not sure if those are features of tubes. Although it doesn't explicitly state the warranty period anywhere, presumably it will open up after some break-in time. But with Amazon, the return period appears to be 60 days; despite this, I still favor Gold Lion KT77 luxuriant mid-range.Other things to think about: Genalex Gold Lion EL84. For my other tube amp, I use their KT77, and I adore how musical they are. can be priceyEL84 Mullard. other reasonably priced options. Although I personally have never used it, I have only heard positive things. A little bit more costly than the JJs.EL84 Amperex Bugle Boy. I've read positive reviews from other people. However, I didn't want to spend so much money right away because they are very pricey.My audio equipment for headphones is as follows:For the homeGeek Pulse DAC, firstA Cayin HA-1 headphone amplifier (now with JJ EL84 vacuum tubes)AKG Q-701, HiFiMan HE-400S, and Sennheiser HD-6504) Pangea Audio Premier SE USB Cable, AudioQuest Evergreen RCA Cable5) Lossless music files in FLAC, ALAC, WAV, and DSD6) The J River Media Center application1) AudioQuest Dragonfly Black and Geek Out DAC for travel and exercise2) Apple Airpods, 1More Triple Driver, and Final Audio Design E3000MP3 and AAC lossy music files; iPhone 6; andThe Mullard's EL84s would have been nice to have as well, so I could compare them side by side. As I previously stated, I am ready to take a chance and give these JJ tubes the complete test because I still have over 60 days to try them out. I was initially a little disappointed with their high frequency responses right out of the box, but I'm so far really satisfied with their performance. But I'm hoping that they'll start to open up eventually. Because they are simply unbeatable for the price.



Eurotubes Bias Probe for Octal Base Power Tubes. Review:


and top-notch components and equipment.Eddie has been really patient and cool in helping me sort out some problems that, to someone with his extensive expertise and experience in this, I'm sure are minor. Even though I've bought tubes and parts from numerous companies over the years, Eurotubes will now exclusively receive my business. I strongly advise you to follow suit.Here is a brief narrative. Some of the best tube amps in the US were custom-built for many years by a good friend of mine. We lost touch after he retired from it a number of years ago. Since my amp seemed to be experiencing a few minor problems, I bought this Bias Probe from ET to start testing things myself as I tried to get in touch with him. When the amplifier was built about 12 years ago, some of my tubes were new/old stock, and some were now unlabeled. This was part of the problem. To cut a long tale short, I discussed the concerns with the amp's "sound" with Eddie at Eurotubes and sent him pictures of the amp's interior.I eventually heard back from my old friend Dr. J. while he was investigating the problems and deciding which tubes I should switch to for more clear headroom. Did I add that he was the department head for electrical engineering at the Los Alamos lab? Yes, his amps rocked because he has more knowledge of high-end electronics than the majority of people alive today. Additionally, his amps were constructed entirely of Mil-Spec components, which are significantly superior to anything commercially available in any age because he had privileged access to parts for all those years. Dr. J devised a new lineup of tube types that would get me where I needed to go, while most of them were not at all what I had anticipated. Furthermore, they weren't the tube sets that other tube companies had encouraged me to get. My point is? A day or two later, Eddie from Eurotubes contacted me and suggested that I try utilizing the SAME set of tubes in the SAME areas that my friend Dr. J suggested. What does that tell you about Eurotubes and Eddie now? It is uncommon for us to come across "experts" in any profession who are real experts outside of their own minds. One such guy is Eddie, and Eurotubes undoubtedly fits this description.


Do tube amplifiers really sound better?

No definitive answer exists to this question as it is largely subjective. Some people believe that tube amplifiers offer a warmer, more natural sound than solid state amplifiers. Others find solid state amplifiers to be more accurate and transparent. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Try listening to both types of amplifiers and see which you prefer.

How do I choose amp tubes?

When shopping for amp tubes, it is important to consider the type of music you want to play, the size of the amplifier, and your budget. There are many different types of amp tubes available on the market, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase. If you are a metalhead, you will want to look for a tube that can provide you with a lot of distortion. If you are a country fan, you will want a tube that can give you a clean sound. There are many different types of amp tubes available, so it is important to

How do I know if my guitar amp tubes are bad?

If your guitar amp tubes are bad, you'll probably notice a decrease in sound quality. The amp may sound distorted, or there may be a loss of volume. In some cases, the amp may even make a popping or crackling sound. If you notice any of these problems, it's a good idea to check your tubes.

How long do amp tubes last?

How long do amp tubes last? This is a great question that does not have one easy answer. Depending on the type of tube, how often it is used, and other factors, an amp tube can last anywhere from a few months to many years. If you are using your amp regularly, it is a good idea to check the tubes every few months to make sure they are still in good working condition. If you notice any changes in sound quality or volume, it is time to replace the tubes.

How long does it take to burn in tubes?

Tube amplifiers require a process called "burning in" before they reach their full potential. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, and is often done by leaving the amplifier on at a low volume for extended periods of time. Some manufacturers even recommend playing music through the amplifier during this process. While there is no set time frame for how long it takes to burn in tubes, most experts agree that it is a necessary step in order to get the best sound quality from your amplifier.

How long should a guitar amp last?

A guitar amp is a key piece of equipment for any serious guitarist. They can be used to practice at home, play live shows, and record albums. But how long should a guitar amp last? Ideally, a guitar amp should last for many years. With proper care and maintenance, it is not uncommon for a guitar amp to last for decades. However, there are a number of factors that can shorten the lifespan of a guitar amp, such as: -Playing the amp at high volume levels for extended periods of time. -Leaving the amp on