EMX tube differences (Ruby vs Electro Harmonix)

Anonymouse · Post by **Anonymouse** » Wed Feb 04, 2015 11:37 pm

I had an EMX SM which I sold to upgrade to an SD version. When I got the SD version I noticed that it sounded totally different.

It was much warmer but flatter sounding. Where as my older EMX was overly brighter. On inspection I noticed that the SD version had Ruby tubes where the SM version had electro Harmonix. I preferred the sound of my older one though I was planning to change tubes to get rid of the very bright sound.

Would this cause the sound quality to be this drastically different or have I got another issue?

Blue Monster 65 · Post by **Blue Monster 65** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 1:41 am

Different tubes = different tone.

There are all kinds of opinions out there as to what tubes will sound "best" in your EMX; I suggest you should experiment and see what ones you like. If you like EHX, then grab some more. Some tube sellers will have descriptions to explain what to expect from various tubes (JJ vs EHX vs etc. etc.).

thesigma · Post by **thesigma** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 6:06 am

My ESX 1SD has ruby and my EMX 1SD has EH. I think the the rubies sound better, but it could be the samples I use with the ESX . Anyway, ymmv. I actually bought some new tubes for the EMX but haven't swapped them yet. They weren't ruby I don't remember what they are.id be willing to swap the EH tubes for your rubies.

Anonymouse · Post by **Anonymouse** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 9:27 pm

thesigma wrote:My ESX 1SD has ruby and my EMX 1SD has EH. I think the the rubies sound better, but it could be the samples I use with the ESX . Anyway, ymmv. I actually bought some new tubes for the EMX but haven't swapped them yet. They weren't ruby I don't remember what they are.id be willing to swap the EH tubes for your rubies.

I have sent you a PM

thesigma · Post by **thesigma** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 5:43 am

And pm Ed back. I was apparently mistaken as the EMX also has ruby tubes. I had another one for a short while before this one, it must have had the EH tubes....sorry.

I still think the ESX sounds better....maybe tube QC on the rubies isn't so good?

You know there is an adjustment procedure too. You would need to do that if you swapped the tubes. Perhaps they are out of adjustment? I think it is in the tube change sticky thread, but involves a special cable and booting into a test mode.

Once again sorry.