I’m thinking of doing a tube swap for my pre amp tube from 12ax7 to 12ay7. From what I’ve read the 12ay7 is 50% gain of the 12ax7. Now my knowledge of this stuff you can put on the back of a postage stamp. When they say gain do they mean volume?
If you know about this stuff let me know. I’d like to understand this subject more.
Try reading this comparison and explanations article:
Ciao
Stefano 
That’s the site I was thinking of using for the tube.
Nice, their explanation is extensive, I would go for it.
Ciao
Stefano
The tube came today. Swapped it out I can recommend using a 12ay7 in your amp.
Great news!
Good explanation my postage stamp is getting bigger. Thanks
Well, I verified a couple of those gains. You never know with AI, but AI provides a good starting point.
I’ve owned Sonny Jr. amps, so there is the option to swap preamp tubes (and speakers) to get the “right” sound.
I have around 40 spare power tubes collected over 30 years, and as many preamp tubes. Probably 20 spare speakers. Need to sell all of that.
I’d like to swap the speaker for a Weber Signature 8” but I have no idea which one to get (4 options on there site). I have left comment on YouTube asking other which speaker there using but no replies. Even asked the stage 5 guy which speaker they used the miserable sh*t didn’t reply either. if you have any advice on the matter I’m willing to listen. My knowledge of this stuff can be put on a postage stamp.
How many watts is your amp? Amp brand? Send me the link for the 8 inch speakers you are reviewing.
And I just noticed your comment above. Not every amp will be improved with a 12AY7 installed. Sonny Jr amps typically use V1/V2/V3–>12AT7/5751; 12AU7; 12AU7, for example.
When you ask for assistance, they really can’t give you an answer on a speaker. They should at least offer some suggestions, but it’s YOUR ear that matters. And you don’t want a large wattage speaker in a 6 watt amp.
Sonny Jr always sent a couple extra speakers to try out if I didn’t like what he shipped it the amp. In fact, Sonny told me Andy Santana changed out every speaker in his Sonny Jr. Cruncher. Lol. But Andy appears to play small rooms, so maybe he needed speakers that break up more at lower volume.
I just bought an amp from Sonny. He loaded it with four 1950’s P10Qs. Very expensive speakers these days. When he was finished, he didn’t like the breakup and lack of bass, so he removed a P10Q and added a 10inch Cleveland. I still think it sounds glassy/brittle. I need to fix that eventually.
Send me your amp info and your speaker link at Weber. I’ve been away from all of this for 20 years, but I may be able to point you in a better direction.
Here’s a tube chart from a Sonny Junior 410. You can see where one has options to use one of two different tubes for different results.
And if used for guitar, you might use even different options from those shown, based on YOUR ear.
I bought the first two Sonny Junior 410s. They were still in development. Loved those amps. So responsive. Quit playing and sold them in 2006.
One of these for options. I think the 15 world be ok.
I left a comment with this guy but he didn’t reply.
I already checked. I would go with one of the smooth cone speakers for starters. Earlier breakup.
That’s the amp you are using? Let me watch that video.
Still do not understand why you are changing the speaker already installed.
But, this would most likely be your best bet.
No I haven’t bought the Weber yet like I said not sure which one to buy. You reckon the smooth cone I’ll take a look. Just prefer a deeper darker tone. The Stage 5 amps (same amp with mods) use a12ay7 and Webber speaker with some electronic mods.
We are off-topic here. Post is about preamp tubes, but here is a speaker change I did to change an amp from guitar to harp.
Sonny Jr Beast arrived for guitar. Assuming the 12AT7 was replaced with a 5751 in the V1 preamp slot. And 3 10 inch Speakers. 2 contemporary, and the silver one, a 1971 Eminence P10R.
Sonny Jr. sent me a new speaker baffle board setup for 12/10/8 inch speakers. I swapped all 3 speakers. Added a 1953 Jensen P10Q and a 1953 Rola 8 inch, along with a 12 inch Weber. RJ Mischo said it sounded great when he used it August 2024.
You should be able to find a vintage Rola 8 inch. I think they are around $40. I only searched a little bit on Reverb and eBay to check the value of the one I have.
All 6 speakers were smooth cone, by the way, typically better for harp.
Options.
Thanks
Dai –Sorry to see this so late. If you’re going to be playing blues with the Tube5 here are my recs for getting a Chicago / “brown sound”. So, about replacing tubes (6V6 and 12ax7) and speaker (Weber ceramic),
I’d recommend replacing the 6V6 with a 5881 (warmer, more headroom, cleaner top end) and the 12ax7 with a 12AY7 (45% gain – richer, warmer, possibly less volume) Alternatively, a 12AT7 (60% gain). Try both. The AX is fine for guitar, or loud, thin harp.
Go with NOS (New Old Stock) tubes. I see Brent Jesse Audio has just retired after 30 years, but they say to keep an eye on their website to see who bought their stock. Their website (still up and running) is a great source of tube information. Fun, educational reading.
Speaker? I don’t like the Weber Signature series. Too thin. I’d go with a Weber Vintage series 8A125-O with dust cap. For the instant broken in, aged speaker sound, just put some fabric softener on a rag and lightly rub the cone (dampen, not saturated). Wait, second time. Wait, third time.
Weber 8A125-O. A vintage sound. Recommended to replace Oxford 8EV, vintage Chicago Jensen P8R, P8Q, C8R, and other 8″ applications. 8″, 11oz AlNiCo plug magnet, 20 watts, 1-1/4″ voice coil, smooth cone. Warm, crunchy, early breakup, compressed/fattened at high volume.
The speaker thing is always hard because everyone has a different sound in their head, Most online demos are with guitars. If there’s more than one speaker, you don’t know how it will sound until after you buy and install. Good luck.
@BnT Thanks for the advice. I’ll certainly look into your suggestions need the help on this stuff my knowlege fits on the back of a postage stamp.
