I think I will make this my first tube amp. I have a couple of questions:(1) How long do the tubes last? (2) Do you recommend switching out the tubes?
1114495
The tubes can last for many years, well over a decade in most cases. I did replace the tubes. The kind of sound (tone and clarity or distortion) you want the amp to produce on it's own will determine which tubes you could try. I use pedals for overdrive so general higher quality tubes to give more "head room" (clearer tones at higher volumes) are what I used. Just Google 'replacing the tubes in a VHT Special 6' and you'll see a lot of discussions about which tube combos will make the tube either clearer. more distorted, warmer, sharper, louder, quieter or whatever. One great thing is, even if you do NOTHING with the tubes this amp will still sound wonderful. I love mine. The tubes can last for many years, well over a decade in most cases. I did replace the tubes. The kind of sound (tone and clarity or distortion) you want the amp to produce on it's own will determine which tubes you could try. I use pedals for overdrive so general higher quality tubes to give more "head room" (clearer tones at higher volumes) are what I used. Just Google 'replacing the tubes in a VHT Special 6' and you'll see a lot of discussions about which tube combos will make the tube either clearer. more distorted, warmer, sharper, louder, quieter or whatever. One... » Read More The tubes can last for many years, well over a decade in most cases. I did replace the tubes. The kind of sound (tone and clarity or distortion) you want the amp to produce on it's own will determine which tubes you could try. I use pedals for overdrive so general higher quality tubes to give more "head room" (clearer tones at higher volumes) are what I used. Just Google 'replacing the tubes in a VHT Special 6' and you'll see a lot of discussions about which tube combos will make the tube either clearer. more distorted, warmer, sharper, louder, quieter or whatever. One great thing is, even if you do NOTHING with the tubes this amp will still sound wonderful. I love mine. « Show Less
1114496
This is a perfect 1st tube amp! The tubes will last awhile - most people recommend a year or so, unless you play a TON, in which case less. Good news: tubes are (relatively) cheap. I own this amp and swapped the tubes out for Ruby tubes, and I would recommend it (although the stock tubes aren't terrible for your first tube amp). The beauty of this amp is that it's very easy to change tubes - literally anyone can do it. Just search and you will find instructions on how. You'll need a 12ax7 and 6v6 type tube. The 12ax7 you can trade out for many different kinds for many different tones. The 6v6 can also be swapped, but requires an adapter for smaller EL84 tubes.
1114497
This is a perfect 1st tube amp! The tubes will last awhile - most people recommend a year or so, unless you play a TON, in which case less. Good news: tubes are (relatively) cheap. I own this amp and swapped the tubes out for Ruby tubes, and I would recommend it (although the stock tubes aren't terrible for your first tube amp). The beauty of this amp is that it's very easy to change tubes - literally anyone can do it. Just search and you will find instructions on how. You'll need a 12ax7 and 6v6 type tube. The 12ax7 you can trade out for many different kinds for many different tones. The 6v6 can also be swapped, but requires an adapter for smaller EL84 tubes. This is a perfect 1st tube amp! The tubes will last awhile - most people recommend a year or so, unless you play a TON, in which case less. Good news: tubes are (relatively) cheap. I own this amp and swapped the tubes out for Ruby tubes, and I would recommend it (although the stock tubes aren't terrible for your first tube amp). The beauty of this amp is that it's very easy to change tubes - literally anyone can do it. Just search and you will find instructions on how. You'll need a 12ax7 and 6v6 type tube. The 12ax7 you can trade out for many different kinds for many different tones. The... » Read More This is a perfect 1st tube amp! The tubes will last awhile - most people recommend a year or so, unless you play a TON, in which case less. Good news: tubes are (relatively) cheap. I own this amp and swapped the tubes out for Ruby tubes, and I would recommend it (although the stock tubes aren't terrible for your first tube amp). The beauty of this amp is that it's very easy to change tubes - literally anyone can do it. Just search and you will find instructions on how. You'll need a 12ax7 and 6v6 type tube. The 12ax7 you can trade out for many different kinds for many different tones. The 6v6 can also be swapped, but requires an adapter for smaller EL84 tubes. « Show Less
1114498
They'll last a few hundred hours at peak performance but you'll g4t more. Yes you should get a better power tube (6L6) and you can leave the 12ax7 in or switch it out. But get a well reviewed tube , read the bogs. Ruby and JJ are pretty reliable and mid priced. But yes, the power tube can make a huge difference, in tone and low noise. PS, these VST amps are fantastic, I have the bigger brother and both of then are amazing sounding and well made.
1114499
The stock tubes are China generic but sound fine right out of the box - and if this is your first tube amp you won't really notice the difference until you have been using the amp for a while. The stock tubes will last for years unless you are running the amp flat out every day. Having said that, I replaced the stock tubes in my amp with a JJ 803s preamp and JJ 6V6 power and I can honestly say the bass tightened up significantly and the top end was sweetened significantly. I have tried several other tube combos and always go back to those - your ears may not agree and the only way to get your personal sweet spot is to experiment - something this amp was designed for. The stock tubes are China generic but sound fine right out of the box - and if this is your first tube amp you won't really notice the difference until you have been using the amp for a while. The stock tubes will last for years unless you are running the amp flat out every day. Having said that, I replaced the stock tubes in my amp with a JJ 803s preamp and JJ 6V6 power and I can honestly say the bass tightened up significantly and the top end was sweetened significantly. I have tried several other tube combos and always go back to those - your ears may not agree and the only... » Read More The stock tubes are China generic but sound fine right out of the box - and if this is your first tube amp you won't really notice the difference until you have been using the amp for a while. The stock tubes will last for years unless you are running the amp flat out every day. Having said that, I replaced the stock tubes in my amp with a JJ 803s preamp and JJ 6V6 power and I can honestly say the bass tightened up significantly and the top end was sweetened significantly. I have tried several other tube combos and always go back to those - your ears may not agree and the only way to get your personal sweet spot is to experiment - something this amp was designed for. « Show Less
511881
Absolutly! This is a fantastic amp. I have 3 of them, and by far this is the best one :)
1860805
Tube amps offer the warm classic traditional sounds of the 50's and 60's. When pushed into distortion, tubes and solid state amps sound quite different. Tube amps generally cost more, and weigh more. They sell because people love the sound. I own about 7 tube amps... they need routine maintenance based on hours used... as the vacuum tubes will wear out.. Usually it's 2-10 years when the tubes need changed for the average home player.
1691723
This amp uses a 6922 tube, which can be replaced easily. Mine came with an Electro Harmonix 6922EH, and it sounds great. IMO, unless you have the spare cash to do a Pepsi challenge and buy several tubes for comparison, have at it. Otherwise, I don't see there being a point since it's pretty 'warm' as it is. It sounds great with the stock tube and the differences between them are pretty subtle. Just IMO, though.Sidenote: A lot of people say the 6922 is interchangeable with 6DJ8 tubes. However, this is not the case here, so don't buy them. The 6922 tubes can replace 6DJ8's, but not the other way around, so if you use 6DJ8 in a circuit designed for 6922's, bad things could happen. This amp uses a 6922 tube, which can be replaced easily. Mine came with an Electro Harmonix 6922EH, and it sounds great. IMO, unless you have the spare cash to do a Pepsi challenge and buy several tubes for comparison, have at it. Otherwise, I don't see there being a point since it's pretty 'warm' as it is. It sounds great with the stock tube and the differences between them are pretty subtle. Just IMO, though.Sidenote: A lot of people say the 6922 is interchangeable with 6DJ8 tubes. However, this is not the case here, so don't buy them. The 6922 tubes can replace 6DJ8's, but... » Read More This amp uses a 6922 tube, which can be replaced easily. Mine came with an Electro Harmonix 6922EH, and it sounds great. IMO, unless you have the spare cash to do a Pepsi challenge and buy several tubes for comparison, have at it. Otherwise, I don't see there being a point since it's pretty 'warm' as it is. It sounds great with the stock tube and the differences between them are pretty subtle. Just IMO, though.Sidenote: A lot of people say the 6922 is interchangeable with 6DJ8 tubes. However, this is not the case here, so don't buy them. The 6922 tubes can replace 6DJ8's, but not the other way around, so if you use 6DJ8 in a circuit designed for 6922's, bad things could happen. « Show Less
2100786
well....Russian tubes are supposed to be very well made.....Dont know....haven't sed mine in awhile....it developed scratchy sounds...and it wasn't the volume control.....am using a different headphone amp now.
1606407
Well, I'm not THE specialist but considering my short experience with this tubes I would say it won't make any audible diference, but they have a good price tho. Most people that don't have a measuring equipment buy lots of these inexpensive tubes and just go trying them on. But I would consider buy a NOS tube or at least those ones with the golden terminals. As I said, if you are a audiophile and have equipments to mesure distortions and noise at low/hi levels you'll see diference. And try to buy the balanced ones to use as a set. Go for the New Old Stock.
1402637
Get this one. Check out my recording using this amp at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akIqDi5ZWjc
718161
Im intermediate and i think its great. Four amp models- clean, crunch, metal and insane - really do allow me to switch from straight rock to say, blues. And its plenty powerful. Amp snobs prefer tube amps, but i dont see myself outgrowing this for awhile.Sorry, i havent used that squier model.
728086
It sounds great for the price. Compared to most $99 practice amps, this one is way more versatile, and has some decent tones. Its versatility is fun to play with too.
1327099
I have 2 and only running 3000 watt amp and they sound pretty good and hit hard, I would say for the price they are a great deal.
1775195
George and John were both using Vox amps in that period. This is just my opinion, but I think the Super Champ x2 isn't that great. And the 10" speaker isn't enough to cut through in a band situation. This is just my opinion and you should by all means check this out for yourself, but I think the Fender Mustang is a better amp. The Mustang III has a ton of good models plus all effects, it will sound great in your practice room as well as with a full band. It has a 12" speaker so it has more depth and with Fender Fuse if you're handy with a computer you can download your own custom amp models. It's fairly light and is cheaper than the Super Champ. And you can find find a really good deal on a used one with a little effort. The Mustang II is a pretty good amp but the Mustang III is easier to use and at 100 watts it has plenty of power for rehearsal or gigs. I know the Mustang is not a tube amp but solid state has come a long way in the last few years. Good luck and happy picking!
1598428
Yes you could! This sub will go great with anyrhing!, I honestly can say that. But I do recommend that since you are pushing a class d amp don't have the gain turned all they up until you play for at least 40 hours. But all that will be in the instruction manual.
2143905
I use a Bellari VP 130 Tube Phono Preamp...but used a different tube than the one that came with the amp. Sounds great.
2026859
IMO if you putting these on a aftermarket amp get some 4 ohm speakers to be more amp friendly. These are 2 ohm and probably best for factory replacements. As far as what amp to get i am guessing you are going low budget. MBQuart and hifonics make cheap good 4ch amps. Stay away from the wally world stuff and don't forget high level inputs or a line out converter. PAC SNI-35 great budget LOC
1405665
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I had the unit packed up in a storage unit but I brought it out today. I'm sure i'm to late with this info for you but maybe it will help someone else. It's Amps used are 4.6 I set it up today, the bedroom upstairs was 86 inside. After about 2 hours it had dropped down to a comfortable 73. I'm sure by bedtime it will be in the upper 60's which is where I like to keep it if I can.
2145914
Make sure you have high capacity alternator, 4gauge wire or bigger, and that your subs can be wired to 1ohm. I have mines running 2 alpine type-x 12's at 1ohm fine all day long. Great amp for the price. Best money I've ever spent on an amp.
177428
When I got mine it worked great for about 15 minutes. Then out of the blue the right channel quit working. So I tapped on it cranked it wide open and nothing. So I turned it off and waited for a bit, turned it back on and the same thing. So I sent it back. And got stuck with the shipping. I've also got 2 of the PTA1000 and 1 of the PTA1200. They all work great. And they are all basically the same amp. Only the output transfomer is different. Including the 1400. All 3. So I have no idea other than u got bad one too. Sorry