Best Preamp Steel Mod Going...

Steve Feldman · Post by **Steve Feldman** » 13 Jan 2002 1:35 pm

Try swapping out your stock 12ax7 preamp tubes for a couple of Sovtek 5751 tubes. They have ~70% of the gain of standard 12ax7s, no noise, and a clear, bell-like quality. Best $20.00 you'll ever spend on tone.

Tom Gorr · Post by **Tom Gorr** » 13 Jan 2002 4:33 pm

Great idea.

This sounds to me like the "tube" equivalent of swapping out "old-tech" op-amps in solid state amps to improve sound.

There was a study done on the distortion characteristics of different tube amps. It would be interesting to get the "spectrum analysis" of your recommended brand of tunes while distorting.

Steve Feldman · Post by **Steve Feldman** » 19 Jan 2002 7:03 am

Just bumping up to see if anyone has had any experience with these 5751 preamp tubes. I think they're great, and here's a bit of a description from a couple of sites th at I have relied on in the past for info.
http://www.thetubestore.com/12ax7review.html http://www.torresengineering.com/5751jan.html

Any thoughts out there?
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Steve Feldman on 19 January 2002 at 07:05 AM.]</p></FONT>

Dan Tyack · Post by **Dan Tyack** » 22 Jan 2002 9:08 am

I have used them. Also try AU7 tubes or some of the 'hi fi' ax7 types. It really does make a difference. I switch preamp tubes all the time in my Univalve for different sounds.

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www.tyacktunes.com

Bob Knetzger · Post by **Bob Knetzger** » 22 Jan 2002 9:59 am

Also try Sovtek 12AX7LPS.

Very clean and "sweet" sounding!!