Standard tube set replacement

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Minstrel

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So While I try troubleshoot my crack, pop, dropout and dimming indicator lights after 1h playing, I figure I'm going to end up testing / replacing tubes, and as I have none, and have never changed the tubes on this 3'd-hand amp which I've had for 3 years.

So, I'd like to just go with the standard/stock tube set, but I see that there are differnet deals and makes out there.

I'm located in Europe and see an ad here with all "Sovtek" tubes. Does anyone have an opinion on this make or set of tubes ?

https://www.rototubes.com/Mesa-Express-5-25-Standard-Sovtek-Tube-Set.html

Ad reads :

Sovtek replacement tubes kit for the Mesa Express 5-25. Standard set, selected for best all-around sound upgrade. The set includes the following tubes:

4x 12AX7LPS Sovtek
1x 12AX7LPS Sovtek Balanced
2x EL84M/6BQ5WA Sovtek Platinum Matched

SKU SKU 904939
Weight 176,00 g
Our price: €160,20


OR, from US, I find this : https://www.humbuckermusic.com/products/mesa-boogie-express-525-retube-kit


This is a Tube Kit designed to replace all of the tubes in your Mesa Boogie Express 5:25 Head or Combo.

The Express 5:25 Kit includes:

2 x MESA Matched EL84 Tubes - 6BQ5 EL84
5 x MESA 12AX7 Preamp Tubes
 
But I see that maybe I need to pull a tube or so first to see what color code it is. Ok, so I'm a total newbie to the tube changing game.
 
Careful with a full set of Sovtek 12AX7LPS in your preamp tube slots. Those long plate tubes can be subject to rattles and microphonics (you'll here a sizzle or whining sound we this occurs at higher volumes) in a combo amp. They are good in the phase invertor slot (#4) and reverb driver slot (#5).

Of all those sets, I'd look at these for an all around good replacement set:

https://www.rototubes.com/Mesa-Express-5-25-Standard-JJ-Tube-Set.html

https://www.rototubes.com/Mesa-Express-5-25-Standard-Tungsol-Tube-Set.html

I have an Express 5:25 Plus. I've spent a lot of time rolling tubes in it. I've got a mixture of 12AX7s by Tungsol, JJ, TAD, Mesa STR & Mesa EL84s in mine now.
 
Here's another full set (you mentioned you are in Europe).

http://www.tubeampdoctor.com/en/shop_Tube_Sets_Mesa_Boogie_Tube_Sets/Tubeset_for_Mesa_Boogie_Express_5_25_4500

I like TAD stuff, seems to be good quality and low noise.

I should have asked, what channels and tones are you using your Express for ?
 

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