question lang.... why would matchless put an "inferior" pre-amp tube if they're using "high quality" parts?
doesn't make sense to me
Amp makers, whether large manufacturers or boutique, will generally ship their stuff off with current production, par for the course, cheaper tubes for several reasons:
1. Tubes are considered a "consumable" item. Even properly used, they will eventually wear out and die over time, just like strings on a guitar, tires on a car, batteries in a gadget, strings on a tennis racket. Just as you would likely not find "best of its kind" consumables installed in/on these items when you buy them brand new, you'll typically not find the best tubes in your amp/pedal unless you specifically request it and you are willing to pay for it. It allows the makers to keep costs down and reasonable for the consumer.
2. Again like in the above-mentioned items, consumer preference for the utility of these consumables is very subjective. For some, basta it works, ok na. Others are more "picky"....
3. ….and the picky ones vary a great deal in their opinions on what sounds “best”. This is so because there are very real differences in how these consumables – in this case, tubes – perform. So the manufacturer just puts something in there that works so that the consumer is sure that the device is in proper operating condition.
That said, Matchless amps fall generally into that category of gear that is as simple as it can be: simple circuits, minimal effects, minimum bells and whistles, very responsive to the quality of the consumable tube components – in short, very much like the old time gear. It sounds like the Hot Box is no exception. The downside is that to get the most out of the gear, you are stuck with some pretty heftily priced consumables. The upside to that, however, is that you are rewarded with seriously yummy performance that is directly proportional to the commitment you put into it – technique, knowing how to “play the amp”, tubes, and otherwise. It’s really something to contemplate – is all the trouble worth the tone?
Only you can answer that, and the answers will all be different given one’s particular circumstances and tolerance for pain.
Anong sabi ni deltaslim noon? – “….kanya kanya lang ‘yun….” Hehehe.
