Crate V5 Amplifier w/ 10" Celestion Greenback (part 2)

[Fishpigg]

is this the Chinese or USA version ?

[DNewsomeJX]

@Fishpigg I just looked at the back of the amp and it say "manufactured in China". I tried out a Crate v33 combo amp last week that I was hoping would sound similar to this one, just with more watts. Unfortunatly the v33 was a dud. Seemed like the overdrives were muddy and the cleans were hissy. The V5 must be a diamond in the rough for this Crate series of amps because the one I have sounds pretty good for a $100 tube amp stock (the speaker and tube upgrades were another $100).

[flugplatz21]

Crazy. I've got almost the exact set-up right now. EH 12AX7, Ruby EL84 and Wharehouse Veteran 10". I've tried Groove Tubes and the stock 12AX7 and the stock EL84. Also tried a GT 12AU7, hated that. I think the stock EL84 was a weak link, along with the speaker, as you know. I love the sound I get, about to 8 on volume then it gets a little harsh and lifeless. Have you found that, too? What tubes have you tried? Nice playing, thanks for sharing!

[DNewsomeJX]

@flugplatz21 I now have a Tung-Sol 12AX7 for the preamp. It has a little more clarity when distorted than the EHX, though not quite as "raw" over-the top. I also put a JJ El-84 power tube in.  The JJ is less harsh than the Sovtek and has a warmer more-rounded tone. The big improvement in these amps over stock is just replacing the speaker. The tube changes seem to make minimal improvements compared to getting rid of that cheap stock speaker.