12AX7A preamp tubes - ribbed vs smooth plate


So I'm gonna buy some preamp tubes for an amplifier and now I see I have to choose between ribbed and smooth plate (nos telefunken Germany from the 60s).

Anyone have thoughts on which way I should go when I have speakers that are detailed.  

 

emergingsoul

Showing 2 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

dinov

I don't think the answer (I'd need to ask my friend, we didn't make notes), and it would not be applicable to other phono/pre/amps in any case.

I would search for 'rectifier tubes' see what info comes up. perhaps ask Brent Jesse audiotubes dot com for advice.

If you find a good article about rectifier tubes, please let us know.

 

OP

I’m 75, until last year, I thought rectifiers were rectifiers, nothing to do with the sound.

My friend had a new Phono Preamp built by .... she included new 'broken in' tubes as well as some spare used tubes.

We listened here, changed tubes, small subtle differences, ’prefer’ not ’better’ differences.

changed rectifier, holy smokes was I surprised how easy it was to hear the difference. ’better’ was obvious.