Sonzera 20 preamp tubes

[ArtieAndTheFish]

The latest Sonzera 20 has the preamp tunes:

V1 12AX7 / ECC83	Common Input Gain Stage
V2 12AX7 / ECC83	Gain Channel
V3 12AX7 / ECC83	Reverb
V4 12AX7 / ECC83	Phase Inverter

The gain channel has too much gain for me. If I swap the 12AX7 in the V2 channel for a 12AT7 or even a 12AY7 that will reduce the gain won't it? I won't blow up anything by doing this will I?

 

[WingerRules]

It won’t hurt a thing. But I’d try a 5751 instead.

 

[László]

It won’t hurt a thing. But I’d try a 5751 instead.

DTR's suggestion is a good one. The 5751 is a drop-in replacement for a 12AX7 with 2/3-3/4 as much gain. It should work better in that spot. JJ makes a very good modern production one.

 

[ArtieAndTheFish]

Everyone, thanks for the input (pun intended). I'll get a 5751 ordered and let you know how it goes.

 

[ViperDoc]

You might also try a 12AY7 in V1 alone or in addition to the 5751 in V2 (a good call). The effects on gain reduction are compounded with each earlier change in the circuit.

 

[ArtieAndTheFish]

I finally got a chance to pop in the 5751 (thanks DTR for the suggestion) and so far I am really pleased with the reduction in gain. It's a more vintage overdrive sound now and the increase in OD is more gradual as I sweep the dial.