Tube swap for Boogie Recto-Verb 25 combo

Hi,

I'm fairly new to the Boogie Board (i.e. lurker) and recently bought a Mesa Boogie Recto-Verb 25 combo (using it with a Marshall 1x12-cab).
I get very nice and usable sounds from Channel 1 (and a few pedals in front of and in the FX loop)) but the 2nd hi-gain Channel is
a bit harsh and a tad too much gain even when using it in the Vintage setting both in 10 W and 25 W Mode. I'm using it with a Strat
and a Tele playing blues, jazz, country and rock.

Would swapping a preamp tube for the 2nd channel - i.e. how would exchanging a 12AX7 for a 12AT7 change the sound in general? Input and thoughts
very much appreciated!

Rule of thumb is put the best tube you have in V1. Here is some help for ya. I would recommend looking for an older NOS GE12ax7 they seem to be available a lot more than the more desirable Mullards and others. I just got 5 for 92 I think off a guy. Thats same as current tubes. Ill let ya know how they sound soon.

Watford Valves updated 2012 to include many current production. These guys dont lie. Brian May was one of their testers in the original reviews. You can find the others on their site. : http://www.watfordvalves.com/cgi-bin/documents/report_ECC83_12AX7.pdf

https://www.tubesandmore.com/tech_corner/12ax7_comparison_of_current_made_tubes

Just good reading about preamp tubes in general: http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Everything_You_Ever_Wanted_to_Know_About_Preamp_Tubes

I liked a Tung-Sol 12AX7 in V1 and Mullard EL84 in that amp.

Hi,


many thx for the informative replies!

I just bought a Groove Tubes 12AT7 - I'm not in the US - just to get a feel if this is something for my setup. Feel free to chime in if you have
a Recto-Verb 25 combo - and are going the the less gain direction :roll:

After swapping the original for a Groove Tubes 12AT7 in V1 I'm happy to say :lol: so far this is definitely the right direction for me. Less harsh gain, a smoother distortion
but not without bite far from the too saturated sounds before and much more control over dynamics.