Maxi Matcher 2 demo: Tung Sol 6L6GC STR

I just had an issue with my amp; a Two Rock Classic Reverb and swapped out the stock TAD 6L6WGC STR Redbase for some new exact valves recently. The amp had started crackling for a few minutes after I took it off standby and it was the type of symptom that would suggest power valves as the culprit.
So in went a brand new set of TAD 6L6WGC STR Redbase that I bought in 2024 only for the same thing to happen!

I then spent days after work fiddling with replacing known good preamp valves, removing the chassis and inspecting the amp to no avail.

The inside of Two Rock amps is amazing by the way. Total quality!

I then tried another set of valves, this time Tung Sol; each time biasing to 0.120-0.124 as per instructions. I also tested this bias on a meter and the stated ideal of 0.122 is actually 50% of a 25W rated 6L6GC in turns out.

No issues with the Tung Sol. So I'm not impressed with TAD Redbase at all really.

So here is my wee demo of a Maxi Matcher 2, purchased from America and shipped to me in 240V land and showing how easy it is to match quads of valves. I was supplied 2 sets of Tung Sol 6L6GC STR from Watford Valves (Thank you Derek) and this is me showing how it works and what my independent measurements were for a set destined to go into my Mesa Boogie King Snake.

Incidentally, once in, the sounded so much better than the stock STR 441 Mesa valves. Those must have been worn out actually because I always thought the Boogie sounded muffled but no more!
It was the valves all along.

The Tung Sols sound great with full detail and warmth and my Mesa is like a new amp so thanks to Watford Valves for a great couple of sets.

www.gringopig.com

Thanks for watching and it's back to guitar reviews soon with a new one!