pre-amp tube question 2203

[StukaJU87]

I am using my 2203 clone set clean and using an MT2 for distortion. What pre amp tubes should I be running to use my amp like this? Does it even matter?

[Spivonious]

I'd try some 12AT7s. They have slightly lower output than 12AX7s, so in theory they would give you a cleaner tone.

[StukaJU87]

I'd try some 12AT7s. They have slightly lower output than 12AX7s, so in theory they would give you a cleaner tone.

Run the same in all three spots? Oh, I forgot to mention that the power tubes are 6550EH (if it matters).

[DonP]

Each one you replace lowers the gain. Experiment to see what you like.

[Infernal Death]

Tube choice always is a matter of personal preference. I too have a 2203 clone which i have completed some months ago. I run a chinese 12ax7 as V1 (matched for low noise), one JJ 12ax7 for V2 and a chinese 12ax7 for V3 and i am pretty happy with the sound. I also have a fourth preamp tube inside the amp because i implemented a tube-buffered effect loop and that's also a JJ 12ax7. For the record the power tubes are Winged C EL34.
That being said i run the amp without a distortion pedal. That's why i choose 2 chinese preamp tubes as those tend to have more gain. I also modded the amp to have more gain than the stock version. It's by no means a high-gain amp now because i have a Rectifier and a SLO Clone for those tasks but it still has quite a bit more gain and enough to be used without a distortion pedal.

[Firebird V]

I have a bunch of pre-amp tubes if you want to try different combinations. LMK Scott. I like the Chinese 12ax7's in all 3 spots.

[butrus]

Id dich the MT2,put in JJ83s an got myself a decent OD pedal(I prefer OCD) and possibly some attenuator.
Rock/Metal Monster

[thenine]

Id dich the MT2,put in JJ83s an got myself a decent OD pedal(I prefer OCD) and possibly some attenuator.
Rock/Metal Monster

+1 - although you could still keep the MT-2 and turn the gain down, use it for an eq option. I dont know if you play metal or classic rock or whatever (I assume metal since you have a MT-2) but most players with 2203's run into the high input and have the gain up quite a bit. Then kick in a tube screamer or other od for serious rippage. With the pedal off and rolling down your guitar vol pot you get a passable bluesy clean tone. Makes it kind of a pseudo 3 channel rig if you follow me. The MT-2 has some cool eq you can use but keep the gain on it down if you run the preamp hot on your 2203. Great amp. I have one too and love it.

9

[Partial @ Marshall]

Keep the Mt2, send it to Keeley for upgrades WAY better than stock. You'll be hard pressed to push those 6550s to distort so I would go 12ax7's (tungsol in V1, jjs in 2 & 3)....Great set up, ok so I'm biased.

[jcm800x]

I use an MT2 into the low imput of my 2203. That way I have headroom when I boost for solos and a very clean tone when I shut off the MT2.

[Cleveland Metal]

Id dich the MT2,put in JJ83s an got myself a decent OD pedal(I prefer OCD) and possibly some attenuator.
Rock/Metal Monster

+1 - although you could still keep the MT-2 and turn the gain down, use it for an eq option. I dont know if you play metal or classic rock or whatever (I assume metal since you have a MT-2) but most players with 2203's run into the high input and have the gain up quite a bit. Then kick in a tube screamer or other od for serious rippage. With the pedal off and rolling down your guitar vol pot you get a passable bluesy clean tone. Makes it kind of a pseudo 3 channel rig if you follow me. The MT-2 has some cool eq you can use but keep the gain on it down if you run the preamp hot on your 2203. Great amp. I have one too and love it.

9

This would be my line of thinking as well.

[phill_up]

okay I have to ask...how did you come by a 2203 "clone"?

[StukaJU87]

Guys, thanks for all the suggestions. I am gonna play with the preamp tubes and try different types. I like the sound of the MT2, but I am also going to try boosts up front.

okay I have to ask...how did you come by a 2203 "clone"?

My g/f brother built it for me.

[phill_up]

I apologize for hijacking the thread but the 2203 was the 100wt and the 2204 was the 50wt? no effects loop or reverb?

[Partial @ Marshall]

I apologize for hijacking the thread but the 2203 was the 100wt and the 2204 was the 50wt? no effects loop or reverb?

Correct...you can still buy kits to recreate these amps though and spec them to your liking.