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Hey, I want to replace the stock tubes in my vox ac4 (one el84, one 12ax7) and since I know nothing about tubes, I wanted to see what you folks thought. What brand should I go for--JJ, EHX, Groove Tubes, Mullard? I have no experience with tubes, so I don't know what's good, I just know that I would like to upgrade, but also don't really want to spend a fortune either. I'm looking over at tubedepot.com right now, but if you know of a better place to buy tubes, let me know. I'm not really trying to nail a specific tone or anything, just want to upgrade from the stock tubes. Obviously I like high gain stuff (tons of fuzz), but also, my amp is very small, so I don't know if it's really necessary to get high gain tubes...anyway, I'm just looking for some opinions on what might give me the best tone for my money, and if there's anything else I need to know about tube buying and replacement, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

This probably isn't what you want but... I think each amp is too it's own, you really have to try out lots of tubes to see what suits it to get the tone you may be after, personally I like EHX Gold tubes or something like Mesa for higher gains... JJ are classicly smooth I find, Mullard... if you can get vintage your in for some interesting tones. But those are just my views and for what i've used in the past, may not be for you, i'm sorry it's not much more help but it's the best answer I can give, maybe someone else has a better idea or someone that owns that particular amp.

The EHX tubes are very tasty treats. The only trouble you might have if you're ordering tubes online is getting single EL84's, but even if you have to get a matched pair you'll be good to go for a while (and they're cheap... $20 at TubeDepot for a matched pair). For the 12AX7, go for the gold pin. You'll get generally better connectivity, which would be useful the older the sockets get.

Another good route would be finding NOS Mullards, but you can't always be sure about them unless they've ben well tested, and on top of that, it'll cost you (possibly much) more.

Just go with what looks (and sounds) good!

Yeah, I've also been wondering about replacing tubes as well. Everyone has their own favorite brand, but I can't really seem to tell the difference between tube brand A and tube brand L. Then again, I will need to find some replacement EL84s and 12AX7s eventually. Anyone have strong opinions about the toobz?

JJs sound very nice in Vox and 18 watt marshals.

The older EIs were very microphonic, and the gold pin versions are much better.

I found the EH and Sovetechs to be just so so. The Sovetech 12AX7WB sounds great in a Fender though.

I haven’t tried TAD EL-84s, but the 6L6s and 12AX7s are killer ( well the 12AX7s cost almost as much as some nos so they better be).

Go with the JJs they sound good, are priced right and are reliable.
For around $20.00 you can retube and have a spare set for your AC-4.

MM