switching a 12ax7 for a 12ay7

[greenfields]

my question is:

i know the amp won't overdrive as much with a 12ay7 (the amp will stay cleaner)

but, Will the overall volume be lower as well? Or will it be the exact same volume but cleaner?


Thanks!

[rvwainscott]

Greetings,

It depends on what follows the preamp tube. If it is an amp as you say then it shouldn't matter much as the volume really comes from the outputs tubes. I often replace the AX7 with an AY7 as I prefer the sound of an AY7 or even an AU7.

If it is an issue of volume then you can always use a 220uf cap on the cathode of the AY7 which will, more or less, double its output. Of course, it may already have a cap on the cathode but you never know given that the AX7 is usually such a high output tube.

Those are 9 pin tubes and each pin is another opportunity to tweak the tube!

Good Luck!

[Matt Syson]

Hi
The sound 'changes' when you swap valve types as they are not necessarily biassed to the 'sweet spot' chosen by the designer. Not a problerm just different.
Matt S