What is a phase inverter?

[DonP]

And you guys are getting confused.

As the signal goes through preamp, it's a single signal. It doesn't split into two until the phase inverter right before the power tubes.

[Riffmeister]

I think I'll just buy two different tubes and pop em in and see which I like better , LOL

[Spivonious]

And you guys are getting confused.

As the signal goes through preamp, it's a single signal. It doesn't split into two until the phase inverter right before the power tubes.

Good point. I got confused there. The inverted signal isn't needed until the power section.

I found this webpage. Seems to be good. http://www.aikenamps.com/LongTailPair.htm

[rstites]

I think I'll just buy two different tubes and pop em in and see which I like better , LOL

Good idea. They aren't that expensive. However, I really doubt you'll hear some major difference. In general, you only notice the PI tube when something has gone wrong. It's much more strained than other 12AX7's in the amp, so tends to go first.

I found this webpage. Seems to be good. http://www.aikenamps.com/LongTailPair.htm

Aiken knows his stuff, so you won't go wrong with his reference material.