Carvin V3M Tube Recommendations

[brentona]

Hello All!

I currently have a V3M by Carvin and am curious about unlocking some further tones and some more specific sounds as well.

Here is the stock tube array

https://tubedepot.com/tubes_by_amp/V3M? ... JEQAvD_BwE

If I wanted to have a real punchy, and glassy clean, a smooth break-up for some bluesy stuff, and a more overall defined driven tone, what would be some recipes people would think? As far as heavy heavy tones, I don't play that genre so much any longer, and that can always be supplemented with good effects as well.

Little background to the ask. I had a house fire wipe out my gear and with it, a ton of amps. Ultimately I went with a V3M to sort of, jack of all trades my requirements. However, now I am really missing my fender cleans, and driving that clean channel into a good rock tone. Short of going out and buying a replacement Fender, I'd like to fool with the V3M as it's really a capable amp and I can keep in the house volume levels while still driving the front end.

If anyone has some advice to share, or a resource to point me in the proper direction, I would really appreciate it. I am coming off of almost a decade of inactivity on the strings due to losing heart. But am ready to come back!

Thank you, crew!


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[Sinster]

I always wanted a V3M, but ended up with a H&K and a Egnator. I know I'm not much help.

[brentona]

I always wanted a V3M, but ended up with a H&K and a Egnator. I know I'm not much help.

Haha no no worries!

Getting back on my electric these past two days I’ve been ignoring my dirty channels on the V3M. I have been able to dial in a real tasty slight break up with my Freyette SAS and Carbon Copy. I’ve been doing some research and I think some Electro Harmonix 12AX7 Gold Tips might be in my future. The stock V3M dirty channels get a little fizzy. I can get great break up driving the clean channel though.


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[brentona]

[youtube]qb-X0KWSJqw[/youtube]

If someone could tell me how to embed on this forum!!

So ignore the junk chops, be easy! This is day two back on the electric out of a loooong time. Just searching for my tone again. Anyway that’s the clean breakup I described in my above post.

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[zisme]

[youtube]qb-X0KWSJqw[/youtube]

If someone could tell me how to embed on this forum!!

To embed a youtube video, click the Full Editor & Preview button below the quick reply box

then click the Media Embed button

then paste your youtube link between the brackets and click submit!

[brentona]

[youtube]qb-X0KWSJqw[/youtube]

If someone could tell me how to embed on this forum!!

To embed a youtube video, click the Full Editor & Preview button below the quick reply box

image.png

then click the Media Embed button

image.png

then paste your youtube link between the brackets and click submit!

image.png

Thank you!!


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[andrewsrea]

For glassy - punchy cleans, you want V1 to be a large-plate 12AX7 variety. These tend to have more detail and at reasonable gain and volumes, be pleasantly microphonic. My rule in using a large-plate on high-gain is to test a bunch anf find the least microphonic. Normally I just go with small-plate (which are the most prevalent). My brand preference is normally old stock that I have tested: Amperex, GE, Raytheon. New, I want to try the Northern Electric 12AX7, but would recommend the Gold Lion B759 or Sovtek 12AX7LPS.

If you find to get close to that now, you don't put the gain above '6', you may want to find a 5751 GE 5-star or Sovtek large plate. It has less gain and lets you have more control on dialing in the grit. I use that on a lot of my amps.

V3 will have some affect on the high-gain channel. IMHO, the new Tong Sol 12AX7's are the most musical foe a small plate and really useful in other amp functions.

For the EL-84 output tubes, these won't have big effect on your tone unless you are pushing the amp. There are a lot of good EL84, except Gold Lions. I had very bad experiences with them in a Vox AC30 and had to make extensive repairs to the output circuits when they suddenly blew up like popcorn. Read here and get what you like: https://www.thetubestore.com/el84-tube- ... verbearing.

I am currently running Mullard EL-84 in my AMI amp (a mix between a Supro and Vox AC15), which distort at low volumes. I am going order a set of Tung Sol 7189 to increase the head room.

Hope you find this useful!

[brentona]

For glassy - punchy cleans, you want V1 to be a large-plate 12AX7 variety. These tend to have more detail and at reasonable gain and volumes, be pleasantly microphonic. My rule in using a large-plate on high-gain is to test a bunch anf find the least microphonic. Normally I just go with small-plate (which are the most prevalent). My brand preference is normally old stock that I have tested: Amperex, GE, Raytheon. New, I want to try the Northern Electric 12AX7, but would recommend the Gold Lion B759 or Sovtek 12AX7LPS.

If you find to get close to that now, you don't put the gain above '6', you may want to find a 5751 GE 5-star or Sovtek large plate. It has less gain and lets you have more control on dialing in the grit. I use that on a lot of my amps.

V3 will have some affect on the high-gain channel. IMHO, the new Tong Sol 12AX7's are the most musical foe a small plate and really useful in other amp functions.

For the EL-84 output tubes, these won't have big effect on your tone unless you are pushing the amp. There are a lot of good EL84, except Gold Lions. I had very bad experiences with them in a Vox AC30 and had to make extensive repairs to the output circuits when they suddenly blew up like popcorn. Read here and get what you like: https://www.thetubestore.com/el84-tube- ... verbearing.

I am currently running Mullard EL-84 in my AMI amp (a mix between a Supro and Vox AC15), which distort at low volumes. I am going order a set of Tung Sol 7189 to increase the head room.

Hope you find this useful!

This is huge! Thank you so much. My knowledge on tubes is essentially notta.
Glassy is the desire though! Anything can be pushed with the right stomp box. When you say big plate 12AX7, any will suffice? Is there one specifically you really like out there? Dude thank you so much!

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[andrewsrea]

No problem. I can only say I am not a JJ fan, although others are. So I would personally not go for them in a big-plate.

I would recommend something new vs. old stock or used. Unless you have a tester and / or trust the seller, it is a crap shoot what you are really going to get for used. NOS is expensive and is not always 'better' than what is being put out new. And, IMHO - there is more consistency with new tubes. There were era's of tubes that you'd have a great production run and the next run was mediocre. With this generation's tubes, if you like the sound and buy again later, it will sound really close if not exactly the same. Same goes for tube that you don't like - you can just pass, because the next batch isn't going to be that much different.

Some folks recommend retubing all tubes. I am not one of those people, especially if there are a lot of tubes in the design. In those, the preamp tubes are usually the most influential on tone. The exception would be a two-tube design.

[brentona]

No problem. I can only say I am not a JJ fan, although others are. So I would personally not go for them in a big-plate.

I would recommend something new vs. old stock or used. Unless you have a tester and / or trust the seller, it is a crap shoot what you are really going to get for used. NOS is expensive and is not always 'better' than what is being put out new. And, IMHO - there is more consistency with new tubes. There were era's of tubes that you'd have a great production run and the next run was mediocre. With this generation's tubes, if you like the sound and buy again later, it will sound really close if not exactly the same. Same goes for tube that you don't like - you can just pass, because the next batch isn't going to be that much different.

Some folks recommend retubing all tubes. I am not one of those people, especially if there are a lot of tubes in the design. In those, the preamp tubes are usually the most influential on tone. The exception would be a two-tube design.

For sake of asking, why are you a no JJ person? I’m getting into tans new territory here talking about swapping tubes. I’m trying to soak up as much info as I can. The EH gold tips sounded fantastic in a higher drive on a video I saw. That’s something I’d want on my gain side, would that mean V3?


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[andrewsrea]

My experience on JJ is they sound really good out of the box, then decay fast. When testing 'matched' tubed, they typically become unmatched quickly. Because of this, I had a few of the 6L6 & EL-34 variety red-plate when I set the bias to a 65% to 70% of plate max current (for people who like a hot bias).

For the small dual triode tubes (like 12AX7 variety), I found them to be microphonic and they did not have a lot of character. Some were very bass-y in a Fender circuit, which sounds good in the bedroom alone, but not so much in a band setting.

[brentona]

My experience on JJ is they sound really good out of the box, then decay fast. When testing 'matched' tubed, they typically become unmatched quickly. Because of this, I had a few of the 6L6 & EL-34 variety red-plate when I set the bias to a 65% to 70% of plate max current (for people who like a hot bias).

For the small dual triode tubes (like 12AX7 variety), I found them to be microphonic and they did not have a lot of character. Some were very bass-y in a Fender circuit, which sounds good in the bedroom alone, but not so much in a band setting.

Great info thank you!! I hope I’m not bothering you too much. This is a new ballgame for me.
I’ll look into other long plate 12AX7’s than JJ and see what I come up with. I’m like you and feel less inclined to swap all my tubes. Really getting out of the high gain game myself. Really steering towards more of clean and smooth break up direction. I do appreciate you taking the time to respond to me with such good information!!


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[andrewsrea]

Glad to help!

[brentona]

For glassy - punchy cleans, you want V1 to be a large-plate 12AX7 variety. These tend to have more detail and at reasonable gain and volumes, be pleasantly microphonic. My rule in using a large-plate on high-gain is to test a bunch anf find the least microphonic. Normally I just go with small-plate (which are the most prevalent). My brand preference is normally old stock that I have tested: Amperex, GE, Raytheon. New, I want to try the Northern Electric 12AX7, but would recommend the Gold Lion B759 or Sovtek 12AX7LPS.

If you find to get close to that now, you don't put the gain above '6', you may want to find a 5751 GE 5-star or Sovtek large plate. It has less gain and lets you have more control on dialing in the grit. I use that on a lot of my amps.

V3 will have some affect on the high-gain channel. IMHO, the new Tong Sol 12AX7's are the most musical foe a small plate and really useful in other amp functions.

For the EL-84 output tubes, these won't have big effect on your tone unless you are pushing the amp. There are a lot of good EL84, except Gold Lions. I had very bad experiences with them in a Vox AC30 and had to make extensive repairs to the output circuits when they suddenly blew up like popcorn. Read here and get what you like: https://www.thetubestore.com/el84-tube- ... verbearing.

I am currently running Mullard EL-84 in my AMI amp (a mix between a Supro and Vox AC15), which distort at low volumes. I am going order a set of Tung Sol 7189 to increase the head room.

Hope you find this useful!

In the Amperex flavor, I see a Bugle Boy and a Holland. Any insight on these two?
GE I am seeing something called a JAN GE 12AX7WA.
Raytheon also has a JAN


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[mozz]

JJ 6v6s are very good tubes, they handle high voltage a lot better than most any current 6v6. As for the preamp 12ax7 I can't really say as I don't think I ever bought any from JJ.

[brentona]

I am really liking the reviews on the Genalex Gold Lion B759. I am on Upscale Audio's website and am thinking I will pull the trigger on a "Kevin's Stash" model

[andrewsrea]

For glassy - punchy cleans, you want V1 to be a large-plate 12AX7 variety. These tend to have more detail and at reasonable gain and volumes, be pleasantly microphonic. My rule in using a large-plate on high-gain is to test a bunch anf find the least microphonic. Normally I just go with small-plate (which are the most prevalent). My brand preference is normally old stock that I have tested: Amperex, GE, Raytheon. New, I want to try the Northern Electric 12AX7, but would recommend the Gold Lion B759 or Sovtek 12AX7LPS.

If you find to get close to that now, you don't put the gain above '6', you may want to find a 5751 GE 5-star or Sovtek large plate. It has less gain and lets you have more control on dialing in the grit. I use that on a lot of my amps.

V3 will have some affect on the high-gain channel. IMHO, the new Tong Sol 12AX7's are the most musical foe a small plate and really useful in other amp functions.

For the EL-84 output tubes, these won't have big effect on your tone unless you are pushing the amp. There are a lot of good EL84, except Gold Lions. I had very bad experiences with them in a Vox AC30 and had to make extensive repairs to the output circuits when they suddenly blew up like popcorn. Read here and get what you like: https://www.thetubestore.com/el84-tube- ... verbearing.

I am currently running Mullard EL-84 in my AMI amp (a mix between a Supro and Vox AC15), which distort at low volumes. I am going order a set of Tung Sol 7189 to increase the head room.

Hope you find this useful!

In the Amperex flavor, I see a Bugle Boy and a Holland. Any insight on these two?
GE I am seeing something called a JAN GE 12AX7WA.
Raytheon also has a JAN


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Bugle Boy's and Hollands (windmill getters) are awesome, if you are getting the real deal. I've heard of fakes and the real deals were only made in the 50's / early 60's. Also have them tested by someone you trust. These go for mega $ and are often worn out.

JAN GE is probably 'new old stock' (JAN = Joint Air and Navy) and are often good and short plates. Which means typically great for high gain. The Raytheon is probably the same as the GE.

[andrewsrea]

I am really liking the reviews on the Genalex Gold Lion B759. I am on Upscale Audio's website and am thinking I will pull the trigger on a "Kevin's Stash" model

I had a bad experience with Gold Lion B759's in a Vox AC-30. They very quickly blew up and took out the plate resistors.

[brentona]

For glassy - punchy cleans, you want V1 to be a large-plate 12AX7 variety. These tend to have more detail and at reasonable gain and volumes, be pleasantly microphonic. My rule in using a large-plate on high-gain is to test a bunch anf find the least microphonic. Normally I just go with small-plate (which are the most prevalent). My brand preference is normally old stock that I have tested: Amperex, GE, Raytheon. New, I want to try the Northern Electric 12AX7, but would recommend the Gold Lion B759 or Sovtek 12AX7LPS.

If you find to get close to that now, you don't put the gain above '6', you may want to find a 5751 GE 5-star or Sovtek large plate. It has less gain and lets you have more control on dialing in the grit. I use that on a lot of my amps.

V3 will have some affect on the high-gain channel. IMHO, the new Tong Sol 12AX7's are the most musical foe a small plate and really useful in other amp functions.

For the EL-84 output tubes, these won't have big effect on your tone unless you are pushing the amp. There are a lot of good EL84, except Gold Lions. I had very bad experiences with them in a Vox AC30 and had to make extensive repairs to the output circuits when they suddenly blew up like popcorn. Read here and get what you like: https://www.thetubestore.com/el84-tube- ... verbearing.

I am currently running Mullard EL-84 in my AMI amp (a mix between a Supro and Vox AC15), which distort at low volumes. I am going order a set of Tung Sol 7189 to increase the head room.

Hope you find this useful!

In the Amperex flavor, I see a Bugle Boy and a Holland. Any insight on these two?
GE I am seeing something called a JAN GE 12AX7WA.
Raytheon also has a JAN


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bugle Boy's and Hollands (windmill getters) are awesome, if you are getting the real deal. I've heard of fakes and the real deals were only made in the 50's / early 60's. Also have them tested by someone you trust. These go for mega $ and are often worn out.

JAN GE is probably 'new old stock' (JAN = Joint Air and Navy) and are often good and short plates. Which means typically great for high gain. The Raytheon is probably the same as the GE.

I actually have a Gold Lion coming from Upscale Audio tomorrow!! I chose Kevin’s Stash as the grade. It is supposed to come tomorrow!


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[brentona]

I am really liking the reviews on the Genalex Gold Lion B759. I am on Upscale Audio's website and am thinking I will pull the trigger on a "Kevin's Stash" model

I had a bad experience with Gold Lion B759's in a Vox AC-30. They very quickly blew up and took out the plate resistors.

Whoa say what!?


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[brentona]

I am really liking the reviews on the Genalex Gold Lion B759. I am on Upscale Audio's website and am thinking I will pull the trigger on a "Kevin's Stash" model

I had a bad experience with Gold Lion B759's in a Vox AC-30. They very quickly blew up and took out the plate resistors.

I don’t plan on taking the amp out of Ch1 any longer and just using some pedals for drive. Nothing super high gain either. A fuzz at some point...


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[brentona]

I am really liking the reviews on the Genalex Gold Lion B759. I am on Upscale Audio's website and am thinking I will pull the trigger on a "Kevin's Stash" model

I had a bad experience with Gold Lion B759's in a Vox AC-30. They very quickly blew up and took out the plate resistors.

So I just tossed in the Gold Lion. MAN! If this thing stays for the long haul and gives me good use for a couple years I am in heaven. Beautiful bass response, bright chime-y highs. This tube sparkles if you know I mean. It seems more responsive to pick attack too. So it was a Sovtek 12AX7 WA in there originally. This particular tube in V1 really gets me excited. Those are the cleans I want. Plus it takes some drive from a tube based pedal beautifully! I’m obviously hanging onto the Sovtek, and if I want to do some higher gain stuff, it’s as simple as removing four screws.

Really man, if this tube stays alive, you made me nervous with what you said, this is perfect! Thank you!


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[andrewsrea]

I am really liking the reviews on the Genalex Gold Lion B759. I am on Upscale Audio's website and am thinking I will pull the trigger on a "Kevin's Stash" model

I had a bad experience with Gold Lion B759's in a Vox AC-30. They very quickly blew up and took out the plate resistors.

So I just tossed in the Gold Lion. MAN! If this thing stays for the long haul and gives me good use for a couple years I am in heaven. Beautiful bass response, bright chime-y highs. This tube sparkles if you know I mean. It seems more responsive to pick attack too. So it was a Sovtek 12AX7 WA in there originally. This particular tube in V1 really gets me excited. Those are the cleans I want. Plus it takes some drive from a tube based pedal beautifully! I’m obviously hanging onto the Sovtek, and if I want to do some higher gain stuff, it’s as simple as removing four screws.

Really man, if this tube stays alive, you made me nervous with what you said, this is perfect! Thank you!


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If you hear it making loud fizzy sounds, shut your amp off. For my experience, I could have received a bad batch. But at the cost of those tubes and the repair I had to make (new AC30's are not made to be repaired), it has me reluctant to try them again.

[brentona]

I had a bad experience with Gold Lion B759's in a Vox AC-30. They very quickly blew up and took out the plate resistors.

So I just tossed in the Gold Lion. MAN! If this thing stays for the long haul and gives me good use for a couple years I am in heaven. Beautiful bass response, bright chime-y highs. This tube sparkles if you know I mean. It seems more responsive to pick attack too. So it was a Sovtek 12AX7 WA in there originally. This particular tube in V1 really gets me excited. Those are the cleans I want. Plus it takes some drive from a tube based pedal beautifully! I’m obviously hanging onto the Sovtek, and if I want to do some higher gain stuff, it’s as simple as removing four screws.

Really man, if this tube stays alive, you made me nervous with what you said, this is perfect! Thank you!


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If you hear it making loud fizzy sounds, shut your amp off. For my experience, I could have received a bad batch. But at the cost of those tubes and the repair I had to make (new AC30's are not made to be repaired), it has me reluctant to try them again.

10-4!
So far this dreamy creamy clean! Not quite Fender clean snap, but I really like. Like I said closest thing I can describe it as is “sparkle”. Really has a round fullness to it that I am really liking. Let’s hope it holds!

Either way I am using this amp solely as a Ch1 amp and pushing it with pedals. Nothing high gain and if I want high gain then I’ll toss in the stock Sovtek


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[Frankenfretter]

I'm also not a fan of JJ preamp tubes, although their power tubes are great. I prefer the Tung Sol reissues for the preamp tubes, if buying new. For NOS stuff, I like the green label Sylvanias a lot, and of course JAN Phillips when you can find them at a reasonable price. Try a low gain tube, like a 12AY7 or 12AU7 in the phase inverter spot. You can thank me later.