Hi Henry,
I've tried numerous combination at the 12AT position including Amperex Bugle Boys, Tung Sols, Brimars and Telefunkens. They each are different but like you probably prefer the Teles, more natural and a bit clearer, the Brimars are a bit leaner but also extremely detailed. The GE 5 Stars are the best to date at the AV position. If I were you I would try the cryoed tubes from Allan Bhagan. You mention NOS Sylvanias but are they hand selected and cryoed as well? it makes a difference.
ERS stealth boxes over the small transformers, impedance converters and input wire inside the amp makes a significant difference in lowering the noise floor giving a greater sense of the recording venue. I have also tried the Halo rings on both the Outputs and the inputs. On the outputs a bit of dynamics is robbed and I prefer without. On the inputs a subtle but definite improvement.
The power cords that I have tried include Harmonic Tech, Supra, TG Audio, JPC Power Cord and now the Blue Marble which I prefer. I don't believe in paying too much for cords, its easy to can get a little crazy in this area. BTW, maybe the reason I like the Blue Marble and it works so well with the Berning is that it is cryoed and uses the same wire as in the wire mod.
This is the most significant improvement on the amp to date, big, component upgrade big. This tweek was discovered by Allan after trying numerous combinations. I was expecting that this would be a nice improvement after talking with Allan who was very understated about its significance. I was stunned by what I heard. Initially it is a very readily apparent change in the amp, much greater resolution and ease, better bass and more relaxed yet extended high frequency performance. What was even more remarkable is how the amp improved over a 3-4 week period as the wire settled in. It is a really big deal to me and I can't recommend it highly enough. I've had it for about 6 months now and am still shaking my head.
Other tweeks I have tried include Still Points and the Cloud 10 isolation platform. The Still Points offer a bit better image focus but the Cloud 10 renders better overall bass performance, a larger stage area and overall a bit more involving to me, YMMV both are noteworthy improvements in isolationg the amp as to which one is right, Vinh Vu has some measurements he has done with the use of the Cloud 10 and the results are quite impressive. I highly recommend at least trying the Cloud 10 with the Berning, 30 day trial period. It is a very interesting design and it works.
I've tried numerous combination at the 12AT position including Amperex Bugle Boys, Tung Sols, Brimars and Telefunkens. They each are different but like you probably prefer the Teles, more natural and a bit clearer, the Brimars are a bit leaner but also extremely detailed. The GE 5 Stars are the best to date at the AV position. If I were you I would try the cryoed tubes from Allan Bhagan. You mention NOS Sylvanias but are they hand selected and cryoed as well? it makes a difference.
ERS stealth boxes over the small transformers, impedance converters and input wire inside the amp makes a significant difference in lowering the noise floor giving a greater sense of the recording venue. I have also tried the Halo rings on both the Outputs and the inputs. On the outputs a bit of dynamics is robbed and I prefer without. On the inputs a subtle but definite improvement.
The power cords that I have tried include Harmonic Tech, Supra, TG Audio, JPC Power Cord and now the Blue Marble which I prefer. I don't believe in paying too much for cords, its easy to can get a little crazy in this area. BTW, maybe the reason I like the Blue Marble and it works so well with the Berning is that it is cryoed and uses the same wire as in the wire mod.
This is the most significant improvement on the amp to date, big, component upgrade big. This tweek was discovered by Allan after trying numerous combinations. I was expecting that this would be a nice improvement after talking with Allan who was very understated about its significance. I was stunned by what I heard. Initially it is a very readily apparent change in the amp, much greater resolution and ease, better bass and more relaxed yet extended high frequency performance. What was even more remarkable is how the amp improved over a 3-4 week period as the wire settled in. It is a really big deal to me and I can't recommend it highly enough. I've had it for about 6 months now and am still shaking my head.
Other tweeks I have tried include Still Points and the Cloud 10 isolation platform. The Still Points offer a bit better image focus but the Cloud 10 renders better overall bass performance, a larger stage area and overall a bit more involving to me, YMMV both are noteworthy improvements in isolationg the amp as to which one is right, Vinh Vu has some measurements he has done with the use of the Cloud 10 and the results are quite impressive. I highly recommend at least trying the Cloud 10 with the Berning, 30 day trial period. It is a very interesting design and it works.