Scott 299-D and 12AX7EH Tubes

[HeavyDistortion]

I just received my Scott 299-D integrated tube amplifier, and it is my first venture with tubes. It sounds wonderful as it is, but I always read about Telefunken 12AX7 tubes and their incredible midrange sound, and was wondering if it would be worth upgrading to the Telefunken 12AX7 tubes. Currently, the Scott has 4 ElectroHarmonix 12AX7EH tubes; I'm guessing that the EH stands for ElectroHarmonix. Please keep in mind that I am very new to tubes, but I just need to know how much this upgrade to Telefunkens might cost, plus how difficult it would be to change out the tubes, and if the Telefunkens can even be used in the Scott. Also, I love the low end that I'm getting in my tube configuration, and wondered if changing to Telefunken 12AX7's would affect that nice low end. There are obviously other tubes in the Scott, but I thought that I would start with possibly upgrading the 12AX7's first. Any information will be very helpful to me.




Thanks,

Ed Hurdle
HeavyDistortion

[Sckott]

12AX7 tubes for the most part, aren't hard to come by, for NOS, but sometimes Telefunken 12**7 tubes can be. I would look into searching out eBay and the other usual suspects, but a lot of people have said quite a few times that the upgrade of 12**7 tubes yeild only a small difference when upgraded...but the 12AX7 is a very important tube in the circuit.

However, if you're new to tubes, I can say the easiest aquireable accessory for improvement would be a tube checker. I would definately look into getting one so you can trim up what could be "losing" tubes so you can best troubleshoot the kind of sound you would expect from the unit.

Tube checkers go for about $40 on eBay, and just make sure your tube checker supports YOUR tube list. Best tweek you could have....!

[HeavyDistortion]

Sckott,

Thanks for your input.




Ed Hurdle
HeavyDistortion

[CarlV]

Hi H.D., Nice amp to use with Cornwalls! I wouldn't be in a hurry, wait for a
good deal to buy TFK's, they really have gone up in price. Modern tubes
seem to have some better than other production runs. You may have
some jewels already. I have a 222 I use in the garage and the Sovtek/
"Groove Tubes" outputs sound as good/better as other old stocks I've tried with it. Seems odd, and I can't justify spending a lot when I may only get little if I went for Mullard EL84's or whatever. I would suggest a pre
tube to "roll" that doesn't cost an arm and a leg like EI elites and see what they do for you as a start. Maybe try old stock RCA's too. My 2 cents anyway. Those Groove Tubes only cost me $20. a quad, BTW.
Have Fun!
Carl

[HeavyDistortion]

Carl,

Thanks for your response. I believe that I will wait awhile, and put some money on the side, for possible future tube upgrades and tube tester, as suggested by Sckott. So far, I'm very impressed with the Scott amplifier; I've only had it connected since this past Monday, and I'm really impressed with how much warmer and smoother it sounds with the Cornwalls, which tended to sometimes sound harsh with solid state, especially when played at above average volume levels.




Ed Hurdle
HeavyDistortion