[Kestrel452]

Hi all,

A couple questions for those who are knowledgeable. First, I was wondering what tube would be a considerable upgrade from the stock new production Tung-Sol 6SN7 GTB? New or NOS readily available for under $200 is preferable.

Second, as I understand it, the Lyr 3 is a "hybrid" tube amp. What exactly does this mean? Would swapping the tube make much of a difference with a hybrid amp to begin with?

Thank you

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Second, as I understand it, the Lyr 3 is a "hybrid" tube amp. What exactly does this mean?

It means you have a tube gain stage controlling a solid state output stage.

That means getting around the need for expensive power tubes and their need for complex circuits or supporting parts, like output transformers (in some cases one per channel on top of the main transformer, which means three giant, relatively expensive lumps of metal), to get a lot of current and low output impedance.

Would swapping the tube make much of a difference with a hybrid amp to begin with

It can change the tone. Some guitarists also do not change power tubes or even use hybrid amps, but either way just swap the preamp tubes.

 

[TheSnafu]

Imo best bang for the buck as 6SN7: Shuguang Treasure CV181-Z

pair is around $100-120 at ebay

i'm sure you get those NOS-suggestions too but if you want to play safe, Tungsol GTB's or Shuguangs will do pretty well.

cheers