Speaking of V9s...

brycycle · Post by **brycycle** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 7:00 pm

on the subject of V9s', mine is finally ready for pick-up after being serviced/re-tubed.

it was all original when i got it - just over $700 last winter. however the power tubes were not independently wrapped when shipped and two broke.

i had the power tubes all replaced. a couple of preamp tubes need to be replaced, but was hoping to keep them all period specific Magnavox tubes; anyone know where i could source those?

can't wait to hear what my 4001s' sound like through this amp...

soundmasterg · Post by **soundmasterg** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 8:18 am

Honestly I wouldn't bother to find period correct Magnavox labelled tubes. Magnavox didn't make tubes, so someone else like Amperex, RCA, GE, etc., made the tubes and Magnavox relabelled them with their own name. You'd spend so much time and money trying to find some and it is only for cosmetics really. Sure the OS tubes last longer, but some of the modern stuff sounds as good or better. For some of the tubes you have to go with OS stuff as they aren't made today, but you can get some very good modern 12AX7 types, a JJ makes a 12DW7 that is good.

brycycle · Post by **brycycle** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 9:04 am

thanks for the response Greg.

i understand that some new tubes may even sound better, but yes, my intentions are purely for prosperity. i'd love to have a full set or the 'original tubes' for collection/re-sale value.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 12:53 pm

I agree with Greg Bryce, they would be VERY hard to find and it would be even harder to find NOS Magnavox and I'm sure that Magnavox bought all different brands also. I just bought a B-15S with all original tubes except for a Sylvania 12DW7. Whoever shipped it should have left the tubes in it, I'm sure it must have the snap on tube holders like SVT's of the same period, those tubes would never have broken. I think it is a big mistake to pull tubes out and ship them separately unless you really know how to pack them and most people don't. They should be shipped in separate tube boxes, then bubble wrapped and then put in a good sturdy box.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 12:56 pm

Oh incidently, SVT's usually had GE 6550's as original equipment, you can get those if you're willing to pay big bucks.

brycycle · Post by **brycycle** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 1:56 pm

well, maybe i'll find modern replacements for the Magnavoxes that are still installed.

soundmasterg · Post by **soundmasterg** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 10:55 am

Preamp tubes last a long time so the ones in your amp might still be ok. The power tubes and phase inverter tube should be replaced periodically though. There are some great modern 6550 and KT88 types out there today. Some that come to mind in no particular order would be the JJ KT88, EH KT88, Genelex reissue KT88, Winged C KT88, Winged C 6550C, EH 6550, Tung-Sol reissue 6550.

I have personal experience with the Winged C 6550 (in my SVT, still going strong and sounding great after about 10 years of use) and the JJ KT88. (in use in my Sunn stuff....very nice tube.)

brycycle · Post by **brycycle** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 11:24 am

to fill you in on the whole story:

i bought a full replacement tube kit from fliptops.net. however, they reversed a few numbers (4 of one type, 2 of the other when those numbers were to be reversed) as well, another tube was apparently damaged in shipping. hence, some of the original pre-amp tubes were tested and left installed.

my intention was to pull the entire magnavox pre-amp section and box them up for safe keeping, for prosperity.

i'd still like to do this, whether it means tracking down replacement magnavox tubes or finding new model tubes, having them installed and the magnavoxes currently installed, pulled.

soundmasterg · Post by **soundmasterg** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 9:51 am

Well finding tubes that are actually labelled as Magnavox and function could be a search that will last you the rest of your life. I wouldn't worry about it myself. An Ampeg V9 will never achieve the collectibility of a '64 Deluxe Reverb or something of that ilk, and no one will be that concerned if the original tubes aren't there if you were going to sell it at some point. You can find new manufacture tubes, and NOS tubes at places like www.tubesandmore.com. Maybe you'll get lucky and some will be labelled Magnavox, but if not, search out local surplus stores or do google searches is about your best bet.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 2:57 pm

Bryce, list the tube compliment - some of us hams have old tubes stored away in the basement recesses. I seem to remember seeing a Magnavox box or two. No promises...

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 3:00 pm

Hey John you ever do any AM?
KB1OKL

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 6:36 pm

Nope, only had one contact on CW years ago. No good at it. KA8QML

brycycle · Post by **brycycle** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 5:31 am

thanks John!

i'm off to the repair shop tonight to pick-up the amp and will compose a list.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 12:14 pm

No good at what, CW or AM John? Novice, how long you had your ticket?

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 3:49 pm

CW. AM was ancient when I got my license. Now it is blush time - about 25 years. Obviously I am not active at all.... I've though of getting a General now code is not required, but for what reason? With the internet and life and Ricks taking so much of my time, I wouldn't use it. Even with my boss and the asst. cheif engineer being hams, no interest to fire up the ole rig. I know, heresy!