Silverface Vibrolux Reverb v2 - What sounds good?

[benoit]

A friend was asking me what I thought would be a good tube for v2 of his vibrolux reverb. I honestly have little idea as I've not had much experience with different tubes. He currently has a new production EH and wants more headroom and warmth. I'm not sure whether he wants new production or NOS so I'll take any recommendations.

[billyz]

V2 in a vibrolux is the Rev/Vibrato channel 1st stage and tone recovery stage. Put in the best you can. GE NOS is good for the money, RCA is the factory issue, Telefunken or Amperex cannot be beat (cost the most too). New foreign, I have had very good luck with the JJ. But I think it is batch dependant. Personally not fond of the chinese models, but everyone says they are getting better. I have had more trouble with the chinese tubes than any other.

[nickm57]

I've used a blackface vibrolux as my main giging amp for years.
A EH 12ax7 is a bit softer sounding than the Sovtek LPS both work well.
I haven't tried the new crop of TAD etc.
Power valves in these amps will affect your headroom,They are not powerful amps. Winged C 6l6 are great.
I could not afford to keep this amp with NOS with the use it sees.

Nick