The current stock pre amp tubes from the far right to left:
V1
( input stage ) and
V2
( the phase inverter position ), are either Sovtek 12AX7 LPS or
the
re-issue
Sovtek Mullard 12AX7. The LPS is an excellent sounding 12AX7 and are used in all
Komet amplifier models. With this factory stock tube compliment, the Komet
Songwriter
sounds powerful, complex and detailed. The distortion is balanced and harmonically rich.
Other brands of audio tubes will operate in your Komet
amplifier. But there are much better
tubes available than the stock, modern available tubes. If you want more info, read on….
In the Golden Age of tube technology
( 1950’s, 60’s and early 70’s )
, - virtually all tubes were
manufactured by European or American companies such as Mullard, Brimar, Amperex,
Telefunken, Valvo, Tung-Sol, RCA, and others. Unfortunately, all of these companies have
discontinued audio tube production. Very few of these brands remain available from military
stock, repair shops, etc. These tubes are generally referred to as “
New - Old Stock
”
a.k.a.
N.O.S.
The best of the n.o.s. tubes are in every aspect superior to any currently modern
manufactured tube. N.O. S. tubes are very expensive and are rapidly disappearing. You may
decide that they are worth the expenditure to enhance the performance of your amp. The
improvement gained by a proper tube selection is quite noticeable in a refined amplifier such
as a Komet
. You may not want to use them for practicing, but save them for recording and
important performances.
Remember:
always purchase from a reputable n.o.s. tube dealer.
The following contains brand recommendations based on our experience.
Mullard / Valvo EL 84
/
6BQ5
The yardstick used most to measure all EL 84
s
by. Their
internal construction and sonic quality are superior to modern available EL84s. Many were
manufactured and distributed under different brands or labels. Valvo, Mullard, Brimar,
Amperex, & Telefunkin are excellent n.o.s. choices.
Note:
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
the
Biasing Section
on next page of this manual.
ECC 83, 12AX7, 7025,
and
CV4004
are interchangeable. There are many brands to choose
from. The tone and clarity can vary between each of these tube types and brands. We
generally prefer the European brands: Telefunkens, Brimars, Mullards, Amperex, Phillips
Mini Watts, etc. Each amplifier has its own personality that may be complimented by a
specific selection or manufacturer
( brand )
of audio tubes. You may want to research for more
information on n.o.s. tubes before you make a purchasing decision.
Note:
when purchasing
tubes, be careful not to confuse modern re-issue audio tubes, like the re-issue Mullard,
Genelex, Tung-Sol, etc. with original and more expensive n.o.s. audio tubes.
Please note:
you may find that some new, used, or even
n.o.s.
preamp tubes may be too
“
microphonic
“ for the first gain stage (
V1
) of a Komet
amplifier. A microphonic
preamp tube is a condition in which a tube will absorb mechanical vibration and amplify it
into the audible range.
( continued )
Copyright 2000-2012, Riverfront Music, L.L.C. d.b.a. Komet
Amplification. May not be reproduced in any form without express written
consent from Riverfront Music, L.L.C. d.b.a. Komet
Amplification.
