WE ARE STILL ALL TUBE. BUT STOCKING FOR NEW AMPS
Replacement Tubes for Swart Amps

Pick-up your Swart Tube Stock from our friends at and Save.

At the moment, all of our tube stock is going straight to new Swart builds coming out of the shop.  For now, we're going to pass the service to our friends up North at The Tube Store.  We highly recommend getting a backup set for your ampThey have all the right stuff at good pricing.  We also like that they test their tubes and stand behind the product.  See the usual suspects below but dont be afraid to experiment with NOS options, especially with the Single-Ended beasts. See individual amp tube listing ~ kh 

     

JJ 12AX7/ECC83S • $9.95

These JJ ECC83-S come stock in every single Swart amplifier, from the ST-6V6se to the SST-30.  For the Single-Ended amps like the 6V6se, Atomic Jr, and STR variations, you might consider various NOS options. The first driver tube is really important in all the circuits. A 5751 brings slightly less gain. You're urged to experiment with more compelling options but this is a great, all-around new version of the 12AX7. ~ kh

 
     

JJ 12DW7/ECC832 • $12.95

The other stock tube in all Swart amplifiers with that magic all tube/spring tank reverb.  This is another relative problem-free tube.  On the other hand, there are some NOS 12DW7 floating about online for reasonable prices.  We've not done a a-b comparison but you're encourage to experiment.  On the other hand, this JJ is a safe, consistent bet.  On the fly, a stock 12AX7 will do for testing and emergency services but the 12DW7 is the proper fit.  ~ kh

 
     

EH 6V6GT Matched Pair • $29.95

Since 2004, we have used a variety of new tube production for our 6V6, from NOS Sylvania at the very beginning to EH, Ruby, Tung-Sol, and JJ.  The Tung-Sol turned into our favorites for quite a while but the production has not been standing the high bias for that sweet tone.  Bottom Line, we don't recommend them unless an Ip of 30 or less.  Of new stock, we've lately been happy with the current runs of the EH 6V6GT.  It's got some vintage sweetness though not quite the output of the JJ.  But it seems to get closer to the T-S paradigm then the JJ as of late. ~ kh

 

     

JJ 6V6S Matched Pair • $29.95

These are probably the most robust of the new 6V6, almost in the low 6L6 spec range, sometimes sounding a bit closer to their big brother then a vintage sounding 6V6 like the Tung-Sol.  Maybe the choice for the most clean headroom in a 6V6 but perhaps lacking some of the soul of the others.  Occasionally a rattle issue come up but most can be solved with tube rings.  They have gone out with a lot of stock AST, AST PRO, AST Master, and SST.  We still use them and a safe choice.  ~ kh

 
     

NOS JAN-Philips 6V6GT Matched Pair • $77.95

We get all sorts of questions about what NOS tubes will work in these amps.  To be honest, the answer is way more complex and highly subjective and conditional.  You can head down a worm hole, losing ducats and sanity and come out other side with empty pockets and depression.  The Law of Diminishing Returns can weigh heavy. That being said, there is some magic that can be had, especially with the Single-Ended amps.  I use all NOS in my 5w SE Swarts and a smattering in my PP Swart.  The JAN-Philips is not one of my favorites ala RCA, but it's built like a beast, lasts a while, has ok tone, and is easier to get.  That's something. ~ kh

 
     

TAD 6L6WGC-STR Short Bottle Matched Pair • $49.95

Hey, this just might be my favorite new 6L6.  Wait, it IS my favorite new 6L6, mainly because it keeps the soul of the 6V6 alive while adding a bit more headroom and output.  I like this tube in anything from the Atomic Jr to the AST circuits.  This beast avoids some of the slightly sterile nature of the 6L6 retaining the 6V6's more organic angst and breakup.  More often then not, Michael runs a pair of these in his AST Head Mk II when playing with the freaks on band nights. I'm running one right now in my Atomic Jr for a different take.  Give it a whirl.  You might be smitten. ~ kh

 
     

JJ GZ-34/5AR4 • $15.95

This is the stock GZ-34/5AR4 rectifier we have used in every Swart Amplifier besides the first year run of NOS 5Y3 that finally ran out, much to our chagrin.  This has been a pretty robust tube for the most part, despite suffering a few ups and downs in quality control.  Right now, it's probably the best new GZ-34 out there.  It's still stock in every Swart amp that leaves the shop.  If looking for the most headroom and output, the GZ-34 is the option.  We DO still love the 5Y3 for the extra sweetness and addictive compression. ~ kh

 
     

JJ 5Y3S • $15.95

It's no secret that I dig the NOS 5Y3 rectifier in some of our circuits, depending on mood and need.  I probably run a NOS 5Y3 in my AST 80% of the time at home.  I like the sweeter tone and more compressed breakup.  There is more sag evident.  If not needing the most headroom from the circuit, it's a great option and puts out 34v less on the tubes, a good thing for longevity.  But there has not been a proper NEW 5Y3 till now.  Introducing the JJ 5Y3S.  It's the first of the 5Y3 that actually measures as a true 5Y3.  Long term durability is still unknown but we can recommend this one based on their work with the GZ-34.  I'll do a follow-up when I get some time with it. There are sites still around that carry the NOS 5Y3, starting in the mid 20s and going up. ~ kh

 

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