bert asked:
I just bought a vintage amps and 3 Mullard EL34 's but is missing the fourth. I read that if I get a quarter and don 't get the combination that will compete against the existing pipes. Finally I want to get tied quarter pipe and the other 3 test but I want to turn the amps to make sure that is working properly while it is before the investment in new pipes. Is it right to play with it in low volumes with just the 3 tubes and / or can get away with putting in an inexpensive EL34 in the empty slot to play for a little while before getting the fourth combined Mullard?
I just bought a vintage amps and 3 Mullard EL34 's but is missing the fourth. I read that if I get a quarter and don 't get the combination that will compete against the existing pipes. Finally I want to get tied quarter pipe and the other 3 test but I want to turn the amps to make sure that is working properly while it is before the investment in new pipes. Is it right to play with it in low volumes with just the 3 tubes and / or can get away with putting in an inexpensive EL34 in the empty slot to play for a little while before getting the fourth combined Mullard?
get the correct tube, maybe at swapmeets, online somewhere.
Just match it.
Good electronic hygeine.
you can try putting in a different tube, but i deffinately wouldnt advise it as it can cause long term damage to the amp. just invest the fourth tube, because seriously if something is wrong with the amp, a tube is going to be the least of your worries.
Most high end audio products using tubes require matched tubes for two reasons:
1. Sound quality
2. Electronic reasons.
The best case scenario – the mismatched tube will be relatively close to the installed tubes, and you’ll have some distortion and poor sound quality.
Worst case scenario – the mismatched tube will be so far out of spec with the other tubes that it will lead to a lot of distortion, feedback, etc, and it will permanently damage some of the other electronic components in the amp.
Best advice – see if there is someone local who has a spare set of tubes that you can borrow to do your initial tests, then invest in a set of matched tubes afterwards.
If you really want to cheap out and not buy all four tubes, at least buy matched pair, and replace two of them. They are generally used in pairs – but you will need a schematic and someone with experience to tell you which two are paired with each other.