When to replace tubes?

Dean L.Dean L.
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    Dean L.

    Hi,

    I have had my Peavey 6505+ for a few months, and to me it sounds awesome!

    I have never listened to another 6505+ in the same room so I am not sure if my amp sounds as good as it can or if it can sound better 

    My questions are

    How do I know when my amp needs new tubes?

    Are there any obvious signs of a faulty amp?

    Is there anything else I can add or mod to bring out even more tone? 

    I currently run it through a Mesa Boogie 412 Recto cab

    TS-9 Tube Screamer and a Boss NS-2 noise gate  out front

    Chorus, Delay, loop in the effects loop

     

    Thanks 

     

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    Pushead
    Pushead wrote

    Sudden volume drops while playing - new power amp tubes

    Random static - new preamp tubes

    Tube glowing a different color than the rest - new tube

    As for "better," that's a hard thing to put a finger on. There are dozens of places that sell tubes that all claim major changes in tone. If you're not completely sold on the sound of the amp, try visiting some of those sites and see what they recommend for the sound you're looking for. There's literally nothing that you can't throw money at to make "better."

    Mostly, I think it's snake oil. I've heard differences, but I'd rather just focus on my playing.

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      Hofan S.
      Hofan S. wrote
      Pushead wrote:

      Sudden volume drops while playing - new power amp tubes

      Random static - new preamp tubes

      Tube glowing a different color than the rest - new tube

      As for "better," that's a hard thing to put a finger on. There are dozens of places that sell tubes that all claim major changes in tone. If you're not completely sold on the sound of the amp, try visiting some of those sites and see what they recommend for the sound you're looking for. There's literally nothing that you can't throw money at to make "better."

      Mostly, I think it's snake oil. I've heard differences, but I'd rather just focus on my playing.

      What about requisite? 

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