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Mixing output tubes in a Manley Stingray.

I swapped out the JJ EL84 tubes in my Manley Stingray and put back the original EI Yugo EL84 (6BQ5) that came originally with it (now about 3 years of use old). On rebiasing I notice that one of the tubes drifts dramatically and is occasionally glowing red in the metal plate within the tube (sorry for not knowing the proper terminology). Should I Ieave it in or swap one of the JJ tubes in it's place. I ordered new tubes from Kevin Deal (EI Yugo and the "Early Russian 7189/EL-84") but it should be a good week before I receive them.

BTW the EI Yugos sound warmer than the JJ tubes. The JJs sound more lively with a slightly more forward high end. I have't decided which I prefer, for now I am leaning towards the EI but this may be because for now they just sound different.

Is there any harm in mixing tubes of diff brands and age? Are my old EI EL-84s still usable or should I swap out the whole bunch or just replace the defective tube with a new replacement from Kevin and use the other old seven? I did order a full new set of both the EI and the Soviet tubes from Kevin. Any opinon of the JJ vs EI Yugos vs Soviet EL84s? Any other suggestions regarding tubes noting that I don't want to spend a fortune on NOS tubes. I am doing some of this in the interest of experimentation and fun since I am relatively new to tube rolling. I have also briefly tried tube rolliing the 12AT7WA tubes and did buy the Mullard CV4024/12AT7 and Sylvania Gold Brand 6201 from Kevin in the past. I am currently using the Mullards. I have never tried swapping the 6414 tubes which are now about 3-4 years old. I bought this amp used and therefore my estimate of the tubes age may be off a bit.

Any feedback welcome.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

Hany.


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Topic - Mixing output tubes in a Manley Stingray. - haziz 08:29:22 03/19/06 (2)


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