Members Joeytpg Posted July 22, 2006 Members Share Posted July 22, 2006 Hi guys, i own a Marshall VS100 and after having this amp for 9 years, i just realized that it's got a Tube Preamp. So i've been told that Tubes should be changed every two to three years and mine's got 9 with the same tube. Can someone explain to me how to change my amp tube? it's a combo and the tube is not visibly shown that's why after 9 years i hadn't seen it. Any VS100 owners around here that can help me out here? Another question: How can the sound improve after changing the tube? i really like the Clean sound of my amp, but honestly the OD is not that great......i guess it's got that crunchy Marshall sound, but i'm kind of tired of it. My next purchase will be a Mesa/Boogie. thanks. rock on! -Joey- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Soulcrusher_X Posted July 22, 2006 Members Share Posted July 22, 2006 On my head, there was a metal plate with 4 screws holding it down and the tube was in there. I'm sure where it is on the combo though. Look for a small metal plate that kinda looks like the side of a small transformer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Joeytpg Posted July 22, 2006 Author Members Share Posted July 22, 2006 cool, thanks a lot dude.....i believe i PM you just went to www.thetubestore.com and ordered a Electro Harmonix tube......i've read they're great tubes. let's wait and see! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Soulcrusher_X Posted July 22, 2006 Members Share Posted July 22, 2006 I have a Marshall AVT50H head now, and the tube was actually an Electro Harmonix tube. I'm not sure if it was factory or not though. Open, your amp up and see what's in there. I would try one of the new Tung-Sol reissue tubes. I like those in all of my amps. They sound GREAT in my Mesa Boogie! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sahlomonic Posted July 22, 2006 Members Share Posted July 22, 2006 Depending on what tube you replace it with, will alter your tone slightly. May "un-muddy" the tone a bit, but with that particular Marshall, it may not do much for you to be honest. I've played that head and liked the crunch a lot, but sounded almost identical to my solid state Marshall G30R-CD (non-tube preamp) - so I didn't buy the head. Remember, with the preamp tube, you just pull it straight out and install the new one reverse of that. Really easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Joeytpg Posted July 22, 2006 Author Members Share Posted July 22, 2006 actually, now that you mention it....i've never changed a tube before.......is it really that easy?...pull the tube and push in the other one in the same position de former was? no need to "screw or unscrew? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members gabi Posted July 22, 2006 Members Share Posted July 22, 2006 i thought only power tubes needed to be changed??im a tube noob btw, i had the vs100 combo and i never changed the tube, i sold it newaysim curuious now if it wouldve made a difference on my amp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Joeytpg Posted July 22, 2006 Author Members Share Posted July 22, 2006 well i read somewhere that the tubes on an amp should be changed every 2 to 3 years....i dunno if it's true or not, BUT in MY case it's been 9 years, i believe the amp could use a new tube anyways! hehe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ruger270man Posted July 22, 2006 Members Share Posted July 22, 2006 preamp tubes dont need to be changed as often.. however, I'd definitely recommend a set of Tung Sols for your valvestate.. I have an amp that is like a valvestate.. tube preamp, SS poweramp.. and after changing from GT 12ax7's to the Tung Sol's, it sounds so much better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ruger270man Posted July 22, 2006 Members Share Posted July 22, 2006 Originally posted by Joeytpg well i read somewhere that the tubes on an amp should be changed every 2 to 3 years....i dunno if it's true or not, BUT in MY case it's been 9 years, i believe the amp could use a new tube anyways! hehe I'm assuming theyre 12ax7's.. and theyre pretty cheap, like $15 a piece.. and with preamp tubes, you dont need to rebias them like power amp tubes, so you just take the old ones out, put the new ones in. http://www.thetubestore.com/tungsol12ax7.html after a quick google search, sounds like you only have one tube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ruger270man Posted July 22, 2006 Members Share Posted July 22, 2006 I suppose i should read the thread before posting.. I see you ordered an EH.. good choice as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Joeytpg Posted July 22, 2006 Author Members Share Posted July 22, 2006 hehe thanks a lot ruger270man i guess I should've researched more before ordering the tubes...... i guess i could order one Tungsol and try 'em both out..... have you tried the Electro-Harmonix tube? it seems to have great Reviews. Another question....... Will i notice a big difference in sound??? what kind of difference will i really notice?... more clarity in the sound?....less muddy? what? thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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