Expensive Tubes In a Cheap Amp! - Is It Worth It?

Is upgrading the tubes in your amp worth the expense?
Today I test out some popular tubes in my cheap $200 tube amp!
If you found this video helpful, be sure to like and subscribe :)
T-SHIRT STORE:
teespring.com/stores/darrell-...
TAB STORE:
Songs, Lesson Worksheets, and Guitar Techniques!
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/DarrellB...
DARRELL'S GUITARS & GEAR LIST!
imp.i114863.net/vM09j
MY AMPS:
H&K Grand Meister Deluxe 40 - imp.i114863.net/Na1gV
Mesa Boogie - imp.i114863.net/xdVB1
PATREON:
Become a Patron to be eligible for exclusive monthly Gear Give-Aways and Lesson TABs!
www.patreon.com/DarrellBraunGuitar
ALBUM:
iTunes:
itunes.apple.com/ca/album/cel...
SUPPORT:
If you want to give back to help keep the channel going, you can help me out here:
www.paypal.me/DarrellBraunGuitar
INSTAGRAM:
/ darrellbraunguitar
DARRELL'S FAVOURITE GEAR:
*Obsidian Wire Solderless Kits - obsidianwire.com?aff=5
*Guitar Parts & Build Kits - www.solomusicgear.com?ref=1931
*Journey Guitars - journeyinstruments.com/refer/...
Part 1- Tube/Amp Walkthrough
Part 2 - Tone Test: 4:34
Part 3: - Final thoughts: 9:55
Soli Deo Gloria!

[@suhaibawad4479]

Really informative channel. So glad I subscribed Great video by the way

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

I know a lot of you guys were waiting for this one! Enjoy :)

[@zorafauna8925]

Darrell Braun Guitar bruh Jayne I should do this to my amp, maybe make it sound better

[@joshuatreat8106]

Darrell, you're a true man of the people. ✊

[@jacktowers7533]

I have a half dozen Bugera amp heads and they all cost below $700usd (333XL, 1990, 1960, 6260, 6262 & trirec) and they all sound so very very close to the amps they clone, however once I put in $150 worth of new tubes in each amp it went into another level of awesomeness. It put them on par if not better than their Marshall/Mesa/Peavey counter parts. Good pick on the Tungsol tubes btw, I exclusively use Russian Tubes, namely the brands owned by EHX/New sensor corp. The preamp tube i use almost exclusively is the Sovtek 12ax7lps, it's unbelievable how amazing those little bastards are

[@MyButtsBeenWiped]

Great Show, Darrell ! 🎸

[@anthonypryor2852]

Darrell Braun Guitar Like to see a speaker comparison with this amp too. 200.00 amp good tubes and the right speaker would be worth it to me. I have some good gear but ALWAYS change tubes and speakers. I don’t care about the brand name just tones. Looking at the low price point of this amp o could see myself buying two of them and tweaking one for metal and one for cleaner tones. I have never had one tube amp cover the spread of metal to clean sparkly tones to the level I would really like. You always have great common sense videos that are geared toward relative information. Keep it up please. I watch every video you do. I look forward to many more. Thanks brother

[@joemama32100]

I actually bought this amp because of your first video. It sounds great stock, I don't feel the need to mod it.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Congratulations! Hopefully you're enjoying it :)

[@ReignitedAuto]

I bought one for the same reason. I'm not a sound snob so I think it sounds amazing, really happy with it!

[@joemama32100]

It's a great sounding amp. I even bought it not knowing it has a external speaker output. A very nice feature.

[@DMSProduktions]

TRUST me, at least a better speaker, it WILL sound better!

[@davidhollyfield5148]

The after market tubes were definitely a slight improvement but really, the stock tubes sound great, I wouldn't f**k around with them until they need replacing :)

[@FraterAlex]

As an "amp guy", I recommend changing out the cathode capacitor to a different value. The result will be more dramatic than changing the tubes. I do agree that changing the "first" tube (preamp tube-usually a 12AX7 variety) in the circuit will make almost all the change, a tube swap will make. (provided the other tubes are in decent shape) A capacitor, located on the "other side" of the tone knob cuts treble and can be removed, or value changed, this is often a round, ceramic capacitor. Resistors in the tone circuits move the response, they work with the tone knob's resistance values. Old resistors often can be found at different values, from degrading over many years. All of these are covered in many videos so, please obtain the schematic for your amp, and if your not sure contact a local tech!

[@adrianmierzwa3238]

I like paralleling V1 cathode bypass cap to a total value of around 10uF. When this tube is shared between clean and drive channel, I like to mimic the higher frequency shelf response of 820 or 680 nf cathode bypass cap like Marshall by bypassing attenuator resistor with 220-470pF - to obtain mid-treble boost/bypass. Often LT Spice simulation on PC is helpful to know what to expect, we can even pass Fourier Transform to check for good even/odd harmonics combo... Then with 10uF I have fendery bassy cleans and full but tight drive channel. Beside that I sometimes solder 390-470pF caps across plate resistor to kill unwanted trebles. Sometimes decouple signal with 180-220pF caps between stages. The next thing is the speaker. Sometimes the circuit is developed around bad speaker with restricted treble response. This is pain when You want to use better speaker with such a circuit. All of the sudden everything is trebly and ear-hurting. This is because trebles are not micromanaged - rolled off across gain stages and a good speaker will sound awful. However adding some "snubbers" across plate resistors smoothens the tone properly. Rolling of trebles before cold clipping stage or higher gain clipping warm stage will roll of unmusical treble and make place for overtones created at the next stage. This will give You very nice, tight, full and musical drive tone.

[@TheBoomtown4]

Just change the first tube (farthest from el84’s) to a Mesa spax7 and save yourself the money and hassle. All problems solved for $20

[@graphicartdude]

@@TheBoomtown4 Does this apply to any amp? I have a Bugera V22 and find it to lack bottom end. It’s quite chimy. I don’t know what tubes or upgrades to make. There are some forum posts on the amp but not much info about how to achieve what I’m wanting. I’d like to achieve more of an early Pearl Jam tone if possible. Currently it sounds more like a 70’s rock tone (ex: Boston). Thanks for any input you can share.

[@TheBoomtown4]

graphicartdude changing the preamp tube in v1 position can really change how the amp acts and behaves, I feel. Those Mesa spax7 tubes are rebranded tubes of a different maker (up to 3 I believe) but whatever ones they use, I found it really made my gain smoother and warmed up the mids, etc. There are charts for different 12ax7 tube characteristics that you can find online but the Mesa spax7’s I bought, whichever manufacturer they used, worked great. You could also put a GE-7 eq pedal in the chain etc. That amp is voxy by nature I believe.

[@texasnewt]

@@adrianmierzwa3238 Great info!

[@calenmoerman]

Darrell is always so enthusiastic and cheerful. This is yet another excellent video where we could hear shockingly subtle tone differences only because we heard exact samples back to back. Still so many videos out there where someone riffs for 2 min and then plays 2 min of other riffs on the other piece of equipment and there's no hope of picking out a difference even when a great difference exists. This channel delivers real results.

[@MyButtsBeenWiped]

I did notice that the more expensive replacement tubes made for a better sound, in that at the end of the sound bites, I could acrually hear more notes from the last chord a bit more clearly. To me, it would be worth it to replace the stock tubes with the better replacement tubes and just keep the stock tubes for emergency situations ! Great Show, Darrell ! Thanks, For All That You Do !

[@johnnaighley9252]

You'd better blow that tube money on booze...

[@RickGreyson]

I just received mine, direct from Monoprice. $279.00 + tax, free shipping. Ordered 3/1/22 and received 3/7/22 via Fedex. Came double boxed and unharmed. I had ordered from Amazon for $9.99 (while waiting for the amp) and received a set of Kaish vintage "aged white" chicken head knobs to replace the amazing CHEAP-ASS plastic knobs that came on the amp. HUGE improvement in quality, and they look great!! The amp came with 3 JJ 12AX7 preamp tubes and two "no-name" EL84 power tubes. I ordered 2 JJ EL84's to replace them. As a 71 year old ex-rocker turned blues player, I enjoy the sound of this amp. I may replace the speaker eventually, but for now, it sounds fine to old tired ears!

[@rayschoch5882]

Thanks, Darrell! For a hobbyist like me, the cost / gain issue is an important one. The differences between tones with different tube sets are there, but not dramatic enough (for me) to justify the cost of a full set of replacements.

[@louiscyfer6944]

these are not really great tubes. i take these tubes and replace them with old telefunken or rca black tubes. big difference.

[@ironfossil9963]

That stock clean tone is just sick. This seems like a really great pedal platform with that effects loop.

[@jeffplatzer4271]

The Monoprice 15 amp I recently bought, which was made in 10/2020, now comes with JJ tubes, ECC83S and EL 84s. Can't say for sure that Darrell was responsible for this improvement, but we all know he was.

[@BladeDoomer86]

And the damn thing is sold out for the next trillion years lol

[@Ma-Sa-666]

@@BladeDoomer86 think its available now, I just ordered mine on ebay from monoprice.

[@BladeDoomer86]

@@Ma-Sa-666 I did manage to get it a few months ago thx! Terrific amp, amazing tones..

[@taborturtle]

Bought mine on Reverb. And the former owner upgraded the speaker and was very nice to not switch it back before selling it! So all I needed to do was change the tubes and now I have a great sounding amp! And I didn't spend a ton more money than if I were to have waited to find it on the Monoprice site or Amazon. It was around the new price plus a little shipping. But with a much better sounding speaker! They are back up on Amazon if you really wanted to grab one.

[@ryandesain5090]

Mine can with JJ tubes as well from 8/20

[@1980bwc]

Glad you finally made this one. Ive been waiting for someone to do it. Thanks Buddy!

[@leaflungbud1609]

Man, When I was about 10 or 12 I would go play and roam in the woods. There was an abandoned house so my freind and I went into this small basement area and we see these things having no idea what they are so what do we do? Smash em' in a parking lot! :( two boxes full of different tubes. 15 I start playing guitar, now 27 . The kool plumes of vapor they made when smashed now make me cringe, I destroyed the housing of so many souls of tone.... I Repent!

[@AprilFools1993]

😂🤣

[@lovethesideways8]

Oooop

[@1980bwc]

Just tell yourself that they were only tv tubes.

[@bigjimbo820]

@@1980bwc Some of the best sounds I get out of the amps I make are old TV Tubes.

[@JSchroederee]

I’m an electrical engineer, one of my coworkers got a few boxes of tubes from one of our retirees, he picked out the tubes that fit in his amp and threw the rest in the trash... I cringed but then again, if it were me they would have just wasted space in my basement until they were accidentally broken or trashed by a family member.

[@montauta]

Hi Darrell, I'm from Colombia and i love your videos, direct to the point, and very informative, i learn a lot, thanx again

[@spacepodi]

I believe it is vital to ensure you never touch the sockets on the amp that the tubes insert into as they can carry LETHAL voltages even when the amp is unplugged. So take care folks.

[@paulnormandin5267]

I had a question from the original video when I saw you handling the tubes bare handed but you answered it right away in this video. Thank you, I have been looking for something like this little beauty!

[@yodhanhunter]

Finally, someone who uses the exact same audio for a shoot out. Thank you! O have always wondered why people don’t do this with a simple looper pedal or reamping for pedal and amp shootouts. It keeps the control and makes the outcome much more accurate.

[@DBSG1976]

Fascinating video as always. I was told to buy a tube amp when I first started playing and I got lucky with my Fender '68!

[@ivanbrasla]

Next step: Upgrade the speaker

[@rajamcraja]

a greenback would fit nicely

[@georgelackey622]

First step, upgrade the speaker!

[@ivanbrasla]

@arse Been there, done that. Can confirm this is the right answer

[@oshikiri999]

@@sup8534 lol

[@bradnewport7896]

Speaker upgrade for sure. I was in the market for something with a little more clean volume and pulled the trigger on one of these after the first video. It sounds soooooo much better through my Randall v30 1x12. I'm honestly probably just gonna convert it to a head and use the 70/80 speaker to replace the 8in speaker in my old repurposed organ Leslie.

[@charlesbell6099]

I really enjoy your channel. I began playing in 1962 but I quit playing about 3 years ago. Watching your channel has helped me to want to start playing again. Thank you.

[@ginoames]

Great video. Fun little FYI- Electro Harmonix owns the New Sensor tube factory

[@ThunderBassistJay]

Very clear explanation and comparison, as usual. Back in the day I designed and built transmitters using tubes. Just for fun I also built an amp. The quality of the tubes really contributes to sound quality as well as longevity. Using tubes in push-pull configuration requires them being well matched. In the seventies there was still a variety of tube manufacturers, like Siemens and Philips.

[@daakmon4292]

Thats why I love your channel, I always learn something

[@davesmith9451]

That was a great comparison that provided excellent, fair and informed advice on the worth of the possible tube mods. Thanks very much!

[@Scottocaster6668]

Yes, I found it helpful. Thanks for the good work. I like this channel, you actually present details on what we want to upgrade on our equipment and if its worth doing it. Kudos!👍

[@MrAndersonmm]

The thing people often get wrong is worrying about how good their gigging amp sounds. The drunks at your local club/bar/whatever you're playing at don't care if you've got name brand aftermarket tubes/speakers/etc, and even say a 15-25% improvement in tone will go largely unnoticed, and the last thing you want it so haul your $2000 Fender/Marshall amp to a gig and have it get ruined. Save those bad-boys for the studio and find a workhorse amp that's cheap to replace. The real question to ask yourself is would you rather spend $220 on this amp or like $400 on a Bugera/Blackstar/cheap Fender. Maybe you can find a 2nd hand one of those for the same price, but unless you know what to test and the right questions to ask about 2nd hand gear I don't recommend it. Amp sounds really good for the price. I may end up with one of them myself for gigging in the future.

[@scottparker7918]

I asked Darrell if he had a comparison video of Tube vs. Solid State, my ear is not the best and maybe I shouldn't even attempt to even try & get better with guitar, but I can't agree more about your statement with the bar/club crowd. I have heard so many people claiming how great this or that particular bar band is when I think, really, are you deaf? I did promotional work for a band and they were very good and very tight, but I saw a drunk girl sit on the edge of the stage, fall over and knocked over his $2,000 Les Paul which took a crack to where the neck meets the headstock. SMH! Great comment you are so right!

[@MrAndersonmm]

Scott Parker Yes I’ve heard similar horror stories. I’m rebuilding my rig now (had a family, sold a lot of gear for money and space years ago) and buying Mexican made gear, cheap Les Pauls, stuff like that. My gigging rig total will be like $1500 when I’m said and done. If someone really wants to risk their LP Standards and hand-wired amps on a $10 cover gig that’s their prerogative.

[@phoneme52xxx6]

Absolutely right. I’ve got a 1988 USA Stratocaster which I dare not take out to a gig! Instead, I take a SX VTG series Telecaster and a 1992 Rockwood Les Paul. I bang the rig through a Kustom head and cabinet together with a decent set of pedals that I have gathered over the years. The Les Paul copy has taken a bit of battering over the years but I swapped out pick ups etc and I can run with the best of them. The gigs we play are small, pubs and the like. Play a bit of classic rock and everyone loves us...no need for state of the art expensive equipment. Play for fun and enjoyment. An expensive rig is not gonna make you or your band better. Back in the days, two of us used to play through one cheap amp when we were teenagers at the annual youth club dance. No one cared....

[@rodsmolter5046]

Very true, the difference is more for the player's satisfaction than the audience.

[@jamesjewkiller1630]

It's completely idiotic! The Chinese tubes after there broken in are clear as a bell like the RCAs of old! And last 10 times as much as the Russian ones!

[@xander4644]

The jj power amp on the highest gain one actually sounded like a really nice useable crunch tone for more alternative stuff.

[@norvillerodgersspeaks]

Good channel you got here. No fluff, no marketing puffery, a decent sense of empiricism. Good for you m8.

[@brayanmorales313]

Haven’t seen the video yet but Thank You. I was just thinking about this and video magically popped up on my feed. Your the best by the way.

[@HellcatCustoms]

Speaker type will have a much greater impact on tone than tube brands. That's a sweet little amp for the money.

[@charveljackson6346]

@gillan64 that's because it's a Peavey!

[@charveljackson6346]

@gillan64 ya confused! Nothing will help a Peavey better!

[@guitareMTL]

@gillan64 I also tried many speakers in my hot rod, classic 30, traynor, and guess what? Nothing was better then the stock speaker! Go figure! I think speaker swap is WAY overrated...

[@cookieman876]

I’m a fan of Celestion

[@misterknightowlandco]

@@guitareMTL when I buy any guitar product i leave it stock. They get paid to know better than me 😆. Btw peavey amps are awesome. Love my old 80s solo series 65 bandit.

[@ArtyShat]

New tubes give more volume and slightly more warm, but stock one are absolutely fine

[@musicfreak3536]

Great review and great information! Did not realize that tubes are really just made in one of three locations. Very informative! Also, really noticeable difference between the stock and the aftermarket tubes.

[@bryanmchugh1307]

That was awesome! I have upgraded Celestion speakers in my 3 tube combo amps. That alone made a big difference for the better. I am now going to change out the tubes in all 3. Excellent information about where the tubes are actually made.

[@ourbackyardwildlife]

I purchase both the 5W and 15W Versions of this amp from monoprice and i have to say I’m really happy. the 15W I initially received had microphonic issues with the tubes I contacted their support and immediately got an RMA.The replacement is perfect couldn't be happier.

[@rodsmolter5046]

I have both aslo. The 5W is a clean amp but will get some tasty, bluesy dirt if played loud enough to break up the tubes. It really shines with an over drive pedal. The 15W is more of a gainy rock amp that needs an EQ boost pedal to get a louder clean tone. Very different amps but both are great. The 15W is just pure classic hard rock tone in spades, love it! It would be really cool if monoprice made a 2 channel tube amp.

[@noahballou6350]

You’re always so happy I feel like you could be the next blues clues host

[@aaronm.1998]

His eyes look sad.

[@DorGreen1]

Informative and respectful of my time, keep on the great work!

[@elgarci26]

Darrell, thank you for alway putting quality content with relevant Information and always enjoyable to watch and listen. I would love you to include your DIY guitars, like that Classic Vibe! I love what you did with that one. Thanks!!

[@MartinCliffe]

Difference was mostly noticeable on the high gain tones, and I felt the power tubes made the more significant difference than V1. But I agree, unless you actually have bad, noisy tubes, replacing them on an amp like this makes little sense.

[@wonderkind08]

Love to hear a Vintage 30 in this. I'm betting that would be the biggest single mod that makes the biggest difference. Seriously pondering getting one of these although I have no need for one, or space for that matter.

[@i3oosted]

My man, been watching your vids for awhile. They are CONSISTENTLY great.

[@MsCatdograt]

Been waiting for this,thanks mate.

[@michaelbasich5970]

Your the most genuine kind human, you’re always smiling.

[@zwz.zdenek]

Is that a sarcasm?

[@alexcorona]

Getting paid to play guitar, what's not to smile about?

[@IlNeige]

Mine shipped with a dead tube in the V1 slot, so I wound up having to upgrade just to get it to work. Thanks for the demo!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Glad to help! What tube did you end up putting in yours?

[@IlNeige]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar Same Tung Sol you used here. I just grabbed what GC had in stock.

[@darkcity7060]

Really great vid. I have a Fender super champ, and changing the stock tubes into vintage ones really helped warm it up.

[@futuredirected]

Good work, Darrell! Very useful information. Thank You!

[@davidshearer567]

I agree with your assessment - just change the V1 tube. I actually liked the stock tubes better when you played the chords in all phases of your testing. Changing V1 tube made the individual notes ring clearer, but didn't seem to take away the "dirtier" growl of the power chords. Great video!

[@RByrne]

I liked the stock tubes better myself.

[@dontderockmeriz4546]

I agree. The amp sounds great stock!

[@raibard8886]

Great video! On studio speakers, the change in all the tubes made a very significant difference. Just changing the output speakers seemed to make a big difference the more gain applied.

[@raysmith7543]

I really enjoy your videos Darrell. Thank you very much for your time and efforts!

[@Jaysteenn]

I thought this video was "Tubular" and very cool. I went on a tube quest myself and found out the V1 preamp tube makes the biggest difference when changing tubes, especially if you go from something like a 12ax7 to a 12au7.

[@goodun6081]

Which isn't surprising, because there is a substantial difference in gain between a 12Au 7 and a 12Ax7. 12Ax7 has a voltage gain of 100, while the 12AU7 voltage gain is more like 30 or 40 something if I remember correctly. Try a 5751 tube, it's pin out compatible with the 12AX7 and has a voltage gain of about 70.

[@Jaysteenn]

@@goodun6081 Cool. I never tried 5751.

[@JM-wm6bn]

Very informative video again Darrell! As expected from you. Keep it up and more powers! Atleast I didn’t wasted 11min of my life on something else 🤣

[@RenatinhoStauros]

Great video man!!!

[@3kil0w4tt]

I've now watched a few of your vids, but hadn't subbed yet, but I did today on the strength of this one. That's not to say that the others weren't great also, but I'm cautious to keep myself from being overloaded with information. Yours are awesome and I thank you for them all.

[@jorgejnoguera1941]

I bought a Monoprice 15W and I am happy with it as delivered, it's all I need for now and I don't predict any additional needs by me in the immediate future. At 63 this amp will no doubt outlive me, my grandson will inherit it along with all my standard and strange instruments. It's a good buy, a solid piece of equipment. It's affordable and actually performs really well. This an excellent video, and it does take headphones to hear the difference in performance. But in my opinion the difference is minimal, only an advanced player or extreme connoisseur could detect it. I won't spend more money just to gild a lily. I am glad I took the chance and bought one, $226 is a minimal investment for an excellent return.

[@tammycoates7816]

Another helpful video Darrell👌 you know you said tubes 64 times lol

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

😂😂😂 Thanks TC!

[@Roomfulofgear]

Yeah, was about to suggest a drinking game based on how many times Darren said "tubes".

[@DMSProduktions]

VALVES damn you!!!

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

I can't believe you actually counted Tammy! You must be a math rocker!

[@DMSProduktions]

I think Tammy is just SMART! (Along with being cute! DEADLY combo!)

[@m7alan7johnson7]

Very clear difference. I'm seriously contemplating buying this amp and switching out the one tube. Thnx!

[@pedrolorenzo231]

This guy is amazing,I love all of his video every time i watch I feel so relax and everything

[@tspicks4360]

I could definitely hear the difference in the blind tests, it was pretty clear which sounds were the aftermarket tubes. I think you're right though - the smart, cost-effective thing to do is just replace the 1st preamp tube. Makes a difference for not much money. Nice video!

[@jeshuabenson12]

I really really love your channel! Very informative! God bless!

[@trevormaye7984]

JAT Rock Martin WELCOME TO CANADA YE HOSIER!! IrishVampyre Studios Ltd ^'.."^ Spot the irony oh I’m sorry I forgot Americans do not compute Oh I do apologise this is a comment was meant for somebody else for the down the line seem to find it using the word emergency lunch anyway rock on this Martin you looking good in your work in the last few days and again

[@trevormaye7984]

Robin and next time you’re over in Dublin and where are you canJam out in IVStudio’s Location love you like it

[@bigfootingermany]

Hey Darrell, very good video! It's amazing how much difference you'll get with different tubes. Here in Germany, I have access to inexpensive Telefunken NOS tubes. When I got my Hot Rod dlx, the thing that has always plagued them is the volume knob. on 1 you can barely hear it, and on 2 it's peeling paint from the walls it's so freaking loud. I had to replace the Power amp tubes because they were originals from 1996 and had gone microphonic. But I did the George Benson mod to the V1 tube with a 12AU7 instead of the AX7. WOW!! what a difference. Not only did it smooth out the volume issues, but even made the Fender gain sounds much more useable. When I switched out the rest of the Pre-amp tubes with Telefunken 12AX7's it just improved all of the characteristics of the amp. Reverb, gain stages, EQ. it turned into a really good amp. Then swapped out the Original Fender Jensen with a Eminence George Alessandro 12 inch speaker, and it went from really good to awesome great!! I have too many amps, but the only ones that get played are the HRDx and a DV Mark Gen 15 Silver that I had done the same tube mod too. The DV Mark is a great pedal platform and can be just as clean and chimey as the Fender (they even dress it up in the standard Fender silver grill cloth and black chicken knobs ;) wink wink). So you know the tone they were going after. But in the overdrive department straight from the amp, it is much much more useable and pleasing to the ear than Fender typical. Anyway, I definitely suggest people swap tubes out with the best quality they can afford over the stock stuff, especially if the tubes in it are old. Sometimes it will make dramatic changes with the characteristics of your amp. Bob in Germany

[@allenmartin6536]

When returning my Excelsior Pro I did get a substantial improvement, but I also am lucky to have my own private stash of U. S. tubes and a great collection of Rayovac 7025's. The best result was replacing the V1 12AX7 with a 12AT7. There is a drop in gain, but less bite in the high end. I just crank volume up all the way and use the guitar volume knob for control. No problem.

[@RickHavok]

I watched this purely out of curiosity and I like the original tubes a little better, they have a nice dirty tone. That's not to say changing tubes is a bad idea in every case. I have heard huge differences in Marshalls when Groove Tubes were used in the preamp socxkets, but again, I like the stock ones in this amp. Nice find for the price!

[@JoseHenrique-xg1lp]

Darrell Braun: More gain! *CS Guitars has joined the chat*

[@mvyper]

Scoop those meeds!

[@ZaneDalton]

@@mvyper MEHTALL ZONE!!!

[@cemsarioglu5947]

Thank you Darrell. I liked the modded sound of the amp much more. Cheers!

[@MuffDiver71]

Very interesting video. V1 swap with the JJs in power section for sure. The V1 swap was very well rounded.

[@stevieflax]

Splitting hairs, stock seemed just as good.

[@TANTRUMGASM]

lol....not even close 7:15

[@johnnaighley9252]

Yep, that's what is is. In the band playing interaction you even won't hear any difference... So what?.

[@PurpleLightning6was9]

TANTRUMGASM I need some of what you’re smoking

[@Corvette.Ronnie]

I have a pretty good ear and the difference in tone is negligible; the difference in volume is noticeable, but not glaring.

[@martinportelance138]

Yep - the difference is much thiner that I thought it to be... I have a good ear, and absolutely trips on musical gear's tone and stuff, yet here the impact is quite minor, maybe even insignificant in the context of a band. New strings, on the other hand...

[@stevenpsmitty]

good video - I agree with the conclusion - marginally worthwhile replacing the v1 tube

[@jayceburns8246]

In this video I agree. IRL changing tubes made a massive difference!

[@zwz.zdenek]

@@jayceburns8246 Guitar amps are inherently expected to distort the sound which makes it almost pointless to look for better quality. But try employing a Hi-Fi stereo tube amplifier and the difference is much more significant.

[@kevinloesch7568]

@@jayceburns8246 Changing the tubes completely change my amp. I guess I had a bad batch.

[@paramediccpo]

How do you keep creating new amazing ideas - I’m addicted to this channel

[@jodysanders1111]

Very informative video. I learned alot. Knowledge is the key to success. Thanks again.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

Once again, well done Darrell. The sound differences are so subtle that they really just underline what a great value that Monoprice amp represents!

[@GuitarExpress]

Did you have to adjust the bias when changing the tubes? Thank you! Great video as usual

[@samwalker2344]

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this upload! Already liked it and I haven’t even watched it

[@rickbearden6041]

Thanks Darrell just ordered mine from Monoprice last night because of your earlier video! Subscriber BTW.

[@stevesalinas9508]

Funny, I followed you all the way to the results, where I absolutely would change out those Chinese power tubes. In fact I've done so in mine but put in some vintage Russian tubes (1970s) that make the amp so sweet. To my ear the stock power tubes sound tinny in clean mode and the Russian tubes smooth out that tone.

[@tonybowen455]

This. Stock tubes unpleasant to listen to. Makes me cringe. Surprised that the new tubes made it pleasant to listen to. Gets that sweet tube sound. Prob a small diff on paper, but it crosses the line from unpleasant to pleasant to me. Prob easier to hear in real life.

[@jefflazare924]

I really only noticed a bit of a difference in volume. I retubed mine, more for reliability since I gig with it.

[@davidhamilton8984]

Retubed mine first day with full set of tung sols, gold plated terminals on the preamps. Yes immediately less tinny buzz and warmer louder tone. Haven't fed it through the variac yet tho.... ;o)

[@danieltrickey9285]

I love your comparison vids. Saves me a lot of time and money.

[@hellsnake37]

Really enjoy your channel. Super informative.

[@lazygamer6948]

Can you do a comparison between this tube amp with stock tubes vs a comparably priced solid state for those of us who are unfamiliar with the direct sound difference?

[@freddycookjr.2164]

TUBE AMP CRANKED HITS YOU IN THE CHEST AND RUMBLES YOUR SOUL SOLIDSTATE JUST POKES YOUR EARS 40 YRS EXP

[@joopjansen9102]

@@freddycookjr.2164 No need to shout there, old chap. I say it's a fairly good idea to do just what LazyGamer suggests, as not everyone of us has your (fred cook's) extended experience.

[@rscarawa]

I would like to hear that comparison too. after market tubes sounded only slightly better. Maybe it is a KZbin compression think keeping me from appreciating the difference.

[@HBSuccess]

@@freddycookjr.2164 I disagree. It's great to gig with tube amps if you can afford the hassles - I've had bassmans, boogies, a Vox or two, a couple Ampegs and a Marshall.. All were unreliable and expensive to deal with - often costing me more than the gig paid. I had to carry spare tubes...and a spare amp (a solid state amp). I finally gave up and went to full-on solid state relatively cheap Peavey two-channel amps - had an LA 400 and a couple of bandits... they were cheap to buy, sounded great both clean and dirty, and never cost another dime to operate. Would I record with them? No. But for bar gigs and the like - good enough.

[@joeyoung1498]

@@HBSuccess that sucks you've had bad luck with tubes. My dad just gave me his old silvertone guitar with amp built into the case and the original tubes still sound great. He also has old fender and ampeg amps with original tubes and they all still sound amazing.

[@Michael-jv2cn]

That's like all light bulbs including growing lights HPS and MH bulbs come from 3 main manufacturer's no matter what the name on them are. A guy from Sylvania told me that.

[@TANTRUMGASM]

eyeglasses...something like 80% of all eyeglasses are made by Luxottica

[@mrredritehand]

Darrell you are the man, keeping it real as always.

[@hammerjohnson4892]

Great vid! Love all your stuff but this one really learned me good!

[@onefatstratcat]

Slight improvement but something that could also be achieved with a eq and/or line driver pedal

[@JohnShalamskas]

Yep, just a little more gain.

[@ShaneGelven]

I think the most notable change to sound quality is an upgrade to the cabinet, if you just use this amp as a head and had an Orange PPC 112 you will be blown away

[@ibberman]

Can you have both at the same time?

[@sagespane7617]

Great video! I really love your honest and wholesome attitude.

[@Syko_Myko]

Thanks, Darrell. Great comparison. Very well done video.

[@Lost-xl6im]

"better" is in the ear of the beholder ; changing any tube will alter the tone slightly ; but once you are accustomed to it .. you won't be able to tell the difference

[@josearaujo8616]

Bad tubes are just bad tubes.. Quality control is the main issue with bad tubes

[@DMSProduktions]

Very good test Daz. The differences were there, but they WERE subtle! MORE improvement would be made by a speaker replacement. MORE difference valve-wise might be IF, you replace all the pres with low gain valves, like AU or AT7s! Also, wouldn't the bias need some adjustment when you changed those EL84s? As far as I know this amp is Class A/B not class A cathode biased. Cheers!

[@AXPena]

Yes, I also thought you needed to adjust the bias when changing tubes?

[@DMSProduktions]

That's what I thought as different valves will always have a slightly different current draw, and it would need to be readjusted to the correct spec.

[@anthonydratnal1870]

Great video, Darrell! In most cases, I think that the last preamp tube (the phase inverter) actually makes more of a difference to the sound than the first - it's driven by all the preceding gain, and is actually responsible for most of what's usually thought to be power tube distortion. You may notice a bigger change in tone by swapping out V3.

[@10000rambos]

Cool...I’ve been waiting for this 👍🏻

[@cooperray9879]

Hey Darrel. Love your videos. What are your opinions on the Boss Katana? I’m thinking of getting one 🤷‍♂️

[@ryanthelion7472]

I have the boss katana 50 model and it is probably one of the best solid state amps I have ever played. If you are a beginner and trying to find your tone it’s probably going to be awesome do to its versatility, however if you have already found your style of playing I would go to a guitar Center and play many different amps. Like I said I love this amp and would recommend it 100%. I hope you end up getting it, cheers.

[@willputh]

Ryan Dane I agree with you. I have some really expensive boutique amps. Does the Katana sound as good? No, but it comes pretty close for the price and ease of solid state. It’s a fantastic choice for beginners who are getting a taste of their style or someone who wants a practice amp that won’t burn up their NOS tubes.

[@ijamsum]

The preamp 12ax7 tube brands all have a different EQ and breakup differences and will make the biggest difference below volume 8.5 after that power tube breakup occurs and this is a much more important tone because of the tremendous harmonics that are there depending on the amp & speaker of course ! However who can cut up a tube amp anymore unless its 15 watts ? The big 100 watt amps are rarely needed anymore until you play really big venues ! I collected a case of the most vintage colorful toned 12ax7 tubes which cost me a lot ! The RCA long black plate 12ax7 is the most colorful tone of all tubes but lacks overdrive tone but has a silky smokey sweetness and slightly pushed is very good for notes to convey feeling and the sound is awesome classic blues or jazz ! Sylvania long black plate tube pushed into breakup is smooth Deep Purple tones that I swear is what Richie Blackmore used or sounds just like it in most any amp with a gain control ! The Ei 12ax7 from Yugoslavia has great gain crunch like few tubes have and bottom end is big too , but use in heads not combos or they go microphonic easily ! The best Phase inverter in the milky way galaxy for OD tones in the Sovtek long plate 12ax7Lps tube with matched triodes $20 The Tungsram 12ax7 from Hungray is a tube with no bad notes ever slightly pushed into breakup and slide blues players will love this tube with the best sounding silky highs with zero harshness but oddly extended highs ! Reissue Tungsol 12ax7 has near perfect OD tones of most other tubes , the EQ is spot on ! JJ 12ax7 tubes are best in my FX loop that is tube powered , high gain in a FX loop is bad for tone on all amps ive tried ! The JJ can be good in other positions like EQ recovery also ! The old Phillips 12ax7 long plate is a crunch monster also like the Ei tubes with excess gain and depth ! El 84 tubes now made have differences in tone and price so for good sounding tubes that hold up I have good luck with quality matched Russia tubes like GT and Sovtek offer ! Gold Lion EL84 tubes are the best sounding perhaps and there Sovtek made for new sensor ! JJ are cheapest but do not sound good very long ! They do hold up and rarely fail which is a good thing and are safe ! The over priced TAD EL84 tubes are tested yet I cannot use there Sovtek tubes at such high prices since I have never had one fail as yet without the bias way too high ! I redplated several el84 with my bias changing by going too high as the trim pots are fragil and vibrations and heating and cooling changes the bias easily so I check the bias every 2 months ! Do not put Tungsol el84 tubes in a blues Jr. as the bias is too high for them ! The Tungsol tubes are smooth and bluesy pushed at high volume but keep the bias just under normal by the Weber bias calculator that is online ! Spend wisely and get quality at the best price you can as the same tube has many prices I found out ! I found 6v6 tubes expencive so I have some JJ 6v6 tubes because they hold up well !

[@MrTjwaters]

Great info! Thanks!

[@forcedtothink]

You're very knowledgeable. Thank you for sharing.

[@keithsmith9889]

Man i have been waiting for this video. Just realized i didn't have notifications on...cool video

[@Bulletman426]

That was great! Replacing just the V1 tube was the ticket. It smoothed out a pretty good amount. Like to see a demo of this amp using the FX loop with some good pedals in the mix. I bet it comes to life even more

[@NYALLIKA101]

Who said "mother Russia?" Here we are! Россияне, ставим лайки! :) Darrell, please, please, pleeeeeeeeeeaseeeeeee, try to make any Russian gear video, it gotta be so cool! We've got Yerasov, AMT e.t.c, and there is a lot of great things to review including the amps (300$ ones are so-so, but there are a lot of great amps and combos over 500$) and pedals. If you try to whrite to them, I'm sure, they will cooperate with you. Thanks.

[@ilyamayhem]

Ставим, но нас тут мало)

[@bryanhatch6688]

Russian tubes are the best. Period

[@alextheguitarist7282]

Педаль Эффект-1, наверное самая лучшая педаль тремоло-Wah-фуз. Класс вещь. En: Effect-1 Trem-Wah-Fuzz all in one. Great thing!!!

[@victorribeiro2431]

Could understand you Nikolai.

[@scottcachopo5632]

I just picked up one of these used for $75 and am thinking of building a solid wood cabinet as a fun little project 😬. What do you think about that?

[@nellawell4976]

Go for it Bro!

[@bipbipletucha]

Do it!

[@MintStiles]

Make sure you use use (very) seasoned wood, as in pine off of an old house or something, else probabaly better off with a good quality baltic birch ply.

[@grooviefan]

I would go w Baltic birch myself.

[@Hennu_TRM]

That was a really well done test; it was controlled so that we can actually hear the differences that the tubes make. I bought this amp because I am trying to get more into electric guitar (up until recently I've just been an acoustic player) and I think the tone is really nice. I certainly don't feel the need to get new tubes.

[@Hennu_TRM]

Now this is funny because the tube in the V1 slot on my amp died and I ended up replacing it with a Tung-Sol. I gotta say, I think I notice the change and am enjoying it a bit... Or maybe I'm just happy my amp is back and rockin. Also to potentially disagree with my previous comment again, I think it's possible that the difference in tone will be more noticeable and more important in a less controlled environment. When you are listening to the sound as you play and making slight changes to your playing to make the noise you want to hear, you may end up playing into your setup a bit more. This how it would be in a "real life" situation anyway. I know I'm always listening to my playing and trying to make it sound a little better...

[@kerigregory7664]

Realy like the great info. Never knew any of that. Thank you very much. You rock bro.

[@RGMDG]

On the 2nd test, I preferred the sound of the stock tubes.

[@rangerdoc1029]

I tried several different sets in my Monoprice & didn't hear a meaningful difference.

[@davidmoullet6646]

Try some American made tubes from the seventies or earlier. Japanese tubes from radio shack from the seventies are also much better than Soviet or China junk.... And they will last for a long long time

[@StevenParente]

Great job. Very good information and presentation. I bought this amp, mainly from information off your first video and follow up research!

[@lucrosen]

I really enjoyed this video. Changing the V1 tube seemed to have the biggest effect. I wish I had saw this prior to buying my Vox ac10