Tube rolling suggestions

Sgunther:

According to Mark O'Brien at Rogue, the input tubes have the greatest effect on the sonic characteristics of the amps.

Having owned the 150's since last August, I've done a lot of experimenting with those tubes. Basically, what I was trying to do was decrease what I considered to be too much "high energy" in my system....the highs were very strident and nerve-wracking.

When I spoke to Mark about his, he recommend RCA 12AX7 long blackplates. I tried a pair and they certainly calmed down that energy. I then wanted to try some 5751 triple mica tubes (vintage variety) and rolled GE's, RCA's and a pair of Raytheon's 2 mica with the windmill getters. They all sounded fine, but I kept returning to the RCA triple mica's which I'm currently using.

It seems as if the Rogues are made for the RCA's....either the 12AX7's or the 5751's. They have very good bass, a detailed mid-range, and best of all, a smooth yet detailed high end. If you decide to try them, I recommend those of late 1950's vintage.

Hope this helps.

Sgunther:

The GE 5751 on Tube Depot is a "standard" 2-mica grayplate. Am not familiar with it, but the 3-mica blackplate is the one usually considered the tube of choice, at least according to Joe's Tube Lore. They sound very nice but are much more expensive.

The $50.00 RCA's are the 3-mica blackplates, probably of late 50's vintage. This is the type I keep coming back to in my Rogues. A good, strong pair should last quite a while. They can also be found on e-bay often enough and if bid at the right time, can be had for between $50.00 and $80.00 per pair.