Best guitar amplifier parts according to redditors

Have that same amp. Swap out the reverb tank for this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BGXW50/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

Costs like $20, is as easy as unplugging a pair of RCA cables, and will drastically improve the quality of the reverb. By far the cheapest, easiest, and most effective modification I've ever made to any of my gear.

First things first, if it were me I would just buy it right off the bat. That said...

1. Reverb tank should be simple pimple. Unless it's some odd setup(which I doubt it is), it would usually be a RCA jack type plug and play. Accutronics has always been my favorite replacement reverb tanks.
   
   
2. Tubes wouldn't be expensive to mess with if you wanted to try others out. I would see what ones they had in there and then just order a couple different brands to see what sounds best to you. A couple [JJ preamp tubes] (https://www.amazon.com/JJ-Electronics-T-12AX7-S-JJ-Electric-Amplifier/dp/B0002M728Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541011028&sr=8-1&keywords=jj+12ax7) and [a matched set of EL84 JJ power tubes] (https://www.amazon.com/JJ-Electronics-Amplifier-Tube-T-EL84-JJ-MP/dp/B003FO89CE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541010458&sr=8-1&keywords=jj+el84+matched+pair) are really cheap and tend to be built well from the years I've been buying them for. I'm thinking only the first two preamp tubes would have anything to do with the tone section as the third one (furthest small tube to the left when looking at the back) could just be the phase inverter and also driving the reverb. I'd have to loom through a schematic first to actually know for sure, though.
   
   
3. Price would be good to me as it's half off new and I'm a cheap bastard that can attempt to fix things if I need to. If it sounds good to you in just replacing a reverb tank and trying out different tubes, tear it up.
   
   I had no idea of these cheap guys being around and may end up getting the little 5w version for fun around home. How cool.

you mean a [JJ] (http://www.amazon.com/JJ-Electronics-T-12AX7-S-JJ-Electric-Amplifier/dp/B0002M728Y) for his vajayjay

FTFY :-)

I'm not very well learned on any of this stuff so forgive me if I'm following your chart incorrectly.

I recently grabbed some AudioTechnica x700 headphones (and I'm loving them) but have static when I plug them in to my PCs sound card. I'd imagine my mic gets the same noise when I speak.

Following your chart, it appears I need a DAC/Amp combo as I also want to hook up my bookshelf speakers and then just plug in my mic/headset as needed. If it helps, I currently have a Muse m50 (https://www.amazon.com/M50-TPA3123-Stereo-Amplifier-option/dp/B016OAP8HY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543452531&sr=8-1&keywords=muse+m50) which I use to hook up some bookshelf speakers. Ideally I'd get something that can sit on my desk, lets me hook my speakers up to my PC, and I could plug my headset/mic as needed.

I'm sure everything you have listed in your chart is amazing, but do I really need to spend $200-$500 to get something to deal with the situation? I'm trying to get something that won't break on me anytime soon, but for my needs spending multiple hundreds seems extreme.

I advise you to change the tubes in case you've bought a used AC15C1: as example JJ Tube Upgrade Kit For VOX AC15C1 Amps EL84 ECC83S ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VVNIIVS ) or any other alternative tubes. Sound will improve dramatically, especially on Top Boost channel.

Re: the heat issue with the Valhalla 2, you could maybe try using tube socket extensions like these or these. They help cool things down a bit, don't affect the sound, and make it easier to extract and attach tubes.

And nice to see love for the Q701. They were my first decent set of cans, and I still listen to them from time to time.

Nothing fancy just in case someone gets sticky fingers;

Amp
Headphones
Audio Cable
Tube Upgrade

This is my opinion, so take it as just that:

Are they hard to replace. No. Hell no. At least with a common lightbulb, there's screwing. Pull out. Push in. That's it.

AC15 particular tubes. Can't speak for certain, ain't got her. Just chuck in another set of what, el84s? hold on, googling. edit: indeed, el84s. So, if you're stateside...try:
https://www.amazon.com/Tube-Complement-Vox-AC15-brand/dp/B00AOA6FXC

Not from amazon directly, but you can return it and eat the return shipping cost if it doesn't...alter anything. Or, ask around your buddies, maybe there's a nerd like me that has buckets of tubes lying around.

Match vs. unmatch refers to power section, handy when biasing. I'm an oddball that prefers unmatched tubes in the power section for harmonic effect, trust me, anything you read about here, the effect is going to be quite minimal.

A brief read:
http://www.fenderforum.com/forum.html?db=&topic_number=714229
Expensive tubes worth it? No, not really. You'd see a bigger difference swapping out your speaker, or pickups. Tube changes make for pretty light if any noticeable sounds.

tldr; replace them :P

Super easy. Remove some screws, unplug the leads, screw in the new unit, plug in the leads. I searched around and found that the tank is commonly known to be cheaply sourced and prone to being weak sauce. Prevailing scuttlebutt was that this one was a marked improvement. For that cost, I figured what the hay, give it a shot. Totally worth it and then some. I can hear the reverb more clearly across the volume range as well as reverb setting levels. Check out Amplifiedparts.com directly if you want to find one for your model. They've got tons of goodness.

My amp does the same thing, pretty common. Instead of messing around w/ the sockets (dat aint it), hit the note to get the rattle sound. You can use a looper to make this easier. Then use a washcloth (they're hot!) and apply slight pressure to each tube to see which one is ringing the worst and verify which tubes it rings on. Now that you know which tubes are ringing/rattling, you can order the number of tube dampers you want from Amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/Eurotubes-EuroDamper-Damper-Triode-Preamp/dp/B019P7KA1C

They're a lil pricey for what they are but they work to eliminated about 75% of the noise. I'm cheap, so I ghetto-rigged something similar involving toothpicks and rubber bands lol. I'd recommend a damper though :) dont be like me

These look to be the recommended upgrades https://www.amazon.com/Electro-Harmonix-12AX7EH-Preamp-Vacuum-Single/dp/B0002M72JS/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1484263520&sr=1-1&keywords=EH+12AX7

Have a quick google, lots of info on the phono stage and which upgrades sound best.

I can think of a few options, depending on budget and size of your venue.

A personal portable amplifier will work pretty well for smaller venues, and have the added benefit the microphone is attached to you allowing you to move freely rather than be transfixed to a single point on stage. I don't know that I recommend the linked model specifically, I just grabbed one from Amazon quick. I'd do some research.

If you're doing medium sized or larger venues you're going to need something larger, like u/Ebackes88 says. I'd consider how many of these gigs you're doing versus the cost of renting. If it's a small amount, renting is probably the way to go, but obviously there will be a point when purchasing is cheaper.

One thing I'd keep in mind if you purchase is that you don't need a PA with sixteen channels (or ports) like a band might. I can't imagine you needing more than two (one for voice and one for music, if you have any. Something like this would probably do the trick. Yes it's got four channels, it's nice in case one breaks or if you find you'd like having more than two, plus it's tricky to find systems with less. This one also comes with a very crappy microphone, which you're probably going to want to upgrade right away. The downside here as opposed to the other option I suggested is that going wireless without sacrificing quality will cost you.

I haven't had the time to open the chassis and verify this schematic for myself (found afterward), but the one I linked to should be the exact same amp. I measured the transformer output voltage a while ago before finding it... now that I think about it, probably improperly (and somehow didn't kill myself).

As for retesting plate voltage, would this work? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019PAVXPG

It's designed for measuring plate current, but I should be able to use it for voltage by connecting the red probe to a multimeter and covering the black probe... right? It would certainly save me a lot of time opening the amp again.

Would this be ok to use? https://www.amazon.com/Eurotubes-Bias-Probe-Octal-Tubes/dp/B019PAVXPG I remember seeing a youtube video years ago on biasing that used this. When I was looking into it recently, everyone only said about using a multimeter. I'm assuming I just put it under each tube, power on and adjust. Is there anything else I'm missing or should know about?

I think I see the resistor you are talking about (it looks discolored). Is this something I could and should replace? I'm not too experienced soldering.

Sold: A Peavy Vypyr 15 watt amp. I replaced it with a real tube amp. I wouldn't buy this amp again... it was kinda crap.
Bought: A new set of tubes for my amp, plus a set of Seymour Duncan P-Rails.
GAS: Still a PureSalem Woodsoul, but that's not going to happen.

I just meant for a Vox. Are they all about the same then?

Something like this would be fine?

If the screw locations are non standard you're not going to find a case that it'll just fit, grab a drill and put new holes in where required, or if you're unlikely to need to take it out often, you could use adhesive standoffs if it's only a couple of holes that don't line up https://www.amazon.com/Standoff-0-18-Adhesive-Package-Quantity/dp/B01MG5SLUZ/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1491950547&sr=8-19&keywords=standoff+adhesive

Hi, I have the Bravo v3 and was wondering if there is a better tube for this thing. Any suggestions?

edit: Found two that I may want to try. Electro Harmonix or Sovtek...

HEY. Just by the way, I decided on this https://www.amazon.com/Little-Dot-6JI-standard-Headphone/dp/B00A2QM5O6 while tube-rolling with https://www.amazon.com/Voskhod-6J1P-EV-6ZH1P-EV-Matched-Pair/dp/B071H78DHZ. After I tube roll that, I'll tube roll this: https://www.amazon.com/Riverstone-Audio-Fully-Tested-Amplifier-Electron/dp/B01BFJDTW0

A tube buffer is OK, but for the real tube sound I'd go, and do go, with a fully tube pre. It's over your budget by $20, but the Little Bear T11 has been very good for me. If I was in your shoes and wanted something for right around the $200 mark, I'd go with the Little Bear T2 and roll out the stock 6N2 tubes with a pair of Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7's.

https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Little-Vacuum-Preamplifier-Turntable/dp/B074GXGSNY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1539167685&sr=8-4&keywords=little+bear+t7

https://www.amazon.com/Genalex-Gold-Lion-12AX7-tube/dp/B00CEOPL36/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_0_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00CEOPL36&pd_rd_r=3VVVBFABJ8BG8EDGHM98&pd_rd_w=tkMlx&pd_rd_wg=dT1bK&pf_rd_i=desktop-rhf&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=ba66fe13-e1c6-4bb5-8d37-ef9a637b33d1&pf_rd_r=3VVVBFABJ8BG8EDGHM98&pf_rd_s=desktop-rhf&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=3VVVBFABJ8BG8EDGHM98

This comes to $10 over your budget, but it will give you a great pure tube phono preamp.

This has all 5 of them:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AOA6FXC/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2/188-6137407-2567854?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=0915A8DDT6FXC2YQEM8N&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1944687562&pf_rd_i=B00VVNIIVS

This is just the power amp section:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FO89CE/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1/188-6137407-2567854?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=0915A8DDT6FXC2YQEM8N&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1944687562&pf_rd_i=B00VVNIIVS

And this is just the pre-amp section:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005F5TP6U/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3/188-6137407-2567854?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=0915A8DDT6FXC2YQEM8N&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1944687562&pf_rd_i=B00VVNIIVS


You could also google something like "VOX AC15 tube replacement kit" to compare brands and prices for the whole set of them.

An attenuator would work. Something like this. Link to one on amazon . I don't know anything about that one, I just did a quick amazon search for it and its the first one that popped up.

For cleaning tube pins I use:

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-1158-caig-vacuum-tube-survival-kit.aspx

Some people don't like liquid cleaners for pins and prefer dry cleaning with a wire brush or similar.

For cleaning tube glass I use a 1/2 distilled water 1/2 isopropyl alcohol mixture with a soft cloth (similar to what people would use on a car). If you do this you need to be really careful not to rub off original tube glass markings.

For tubes I use frequently (and take in and out of boxes) I put them in a different white box (so the original boxes don't get destroyed from constant handling):

http://www.amazon.com/Vacuum-Miniature-Tubes-12AX7-12AT7/dp/B005JEJKJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406312990&sr=8-1&keywords=vacuum+tube+box

I'll write tube and test information on a sticky that goes on one of the white box flaps. I then store all tubes in a plastic container and keep the original boxes separate until I need them again (mainly when I go to sell)

For handling (plugging into amplifiers, removing from boxes, etc) I try not to touch the glass if possible to keep the oils from my skin off the glass. I usually handle by tube base or use a cloth.

this thing? https://www.amazon.com/Mod-Reverb-Tank-8EB2C1B-Equivalent/dp/B003BGXW50

I've been eyeballing the Cannabis Rex. Thoughts?

I love my Blues Deluxe RI - after putting about $300 into it in upgrades. Off the rack, the highs sound like an icepick and the OD channel sounds like mush.

I replaced the speaker with a Cannabis Rex, bought some TAD power tubes and had a tech do a full bias and tune up. I then swapped the v1 and v3 preamp tubes for 12AY7 which helps control the volume level a bit more.

In the end, I still don't love the OD channel, but it's worlds better than before. The clean channel is out of this world good for the price, in my opinion.

I don't know about the other amps in the page you linked, but the Behringer AC108 is a lot of fun. It does a good solid state clean sound and a good tube-preamp distortion sound. I swapped out the stock 12ax7 tube with one of these: https://www.amazon.com/JJ-Electronics-T-12AX7-S-JJ-Electric-Amplifier/dp/B0002M728Y If you like how the stock tube distortion sounds, though, there's no need to upgrade.

Hey guys, literally got a call the other day to get the band back together! I'm super excited, but I haven't touched my gear in about 7 years. I flipped on my ADA MB-1 and I'm not getting any sound out of the tube stage on the preamps. I believe these use 12AX7A tubes, but can I use a set of 12AX7 tubes like this. I know nothing (or have just forgotten at this point what I need to replace these with. Thanks, I'm going to be back here alot if we start playing on the regular!

Very complete answer, thanks man!
I'll order a T-12AX7. Is this one okay or are there subtleties about ''Medium gain'' that I should look into?

I have not had to replace the tube on it. I've had it for almost three years and I listen to my records roughly 2-3 hours a day...maybe 3-4 days a week. The VP130 doesn't have an on/off switch, but I leave mine plugged in 24/7. So, my tube is always "hot" and has been for 3 years.

The one that comes with it sounds great to my ears, but if you ever need to replace it, I think you can use one like this fairly cheap:

http://www.amazon.com/Sovtek-12AX7LPS-Vacuum-Tube/dp/B0002M71VC/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top