High gain pre-amp tube / valve - Question

[skeitaridaudans]

I'm wondering...
If I use a tube that is rated high gain or tested for high gain as the pre-amp gain tube (V1) will the amp:

a) have more distortion, smoother sustain?

OR

b) distort later when I turn up the gain control? That is, will the tube handle higher gain WITHOUT distorting?

To a more specific question:
If I can choose between "JJ /Tesla ECC-83-S" (JJ's regular 12AX7) and "JJ / Tesla ECC-803-S", described as a "High-gain 12AX7" to use as the pre-amp gain tube (V1) in a JCM800 2204 50W amp, which would give me a warmer, fatter, "endless sustain" type sound?

Thanks!

[Steve Conner]

The answer is that a higher gain tube will give more distortion and more sustain, but not necessarily any of those other buzzwords like "warmer, fatter, smoother". You could maybe even replace the first two tubes with those high-gain types for an even bigger effect.

[Jammin'John]

It might even sound awful,or buzzy,or spikey.
Swappin' tubes is a blast ! ;)





JJ

[Brad166]

Iv ordered an entire tube set with high gain testing for all except the PI tube. In all honesty, I didnt notice realy any diffrence. I wouldnt pay the extra cash to get them tested. But....thats just my opinion.