I would direct you to the AI website where the designer/manufacturer addresses this question. I would also suggest "Joe's Tube lore" over on Audioasylum. I've used both an M3 and a L1 for over 5 years and have tried many tubes. Due to reliability and value concerns I now use only NOS Tungsram 6922 or NOS Russian 6H23n-EB. Both work well and last a long time. The Tungsram has a warmer sound, tends to cost more (and keeps going UP in price), and doesn't last quite a long. The 6H23n-EB is more neutral (or brighter depending on your perspective), is available from several sources at reasonable prices, and lasts the longest of any tube I've tried. I have not had good luck with many of the very expensive NOS and would not recommend spending the big bucks on them for use in the AI. As always, this is just my opinion based upon my tastes and my experience.
Best Tubes for Audible Illusions 3 Pre-Amp
Greetings All,
I have been thinking of upgrading my tubes in my AI-3 pre-amp. There are Soooo.. many out there, Bugle Boy, Siemens, Telefunken, Telsa etc, etc Which ones are the best, next runner up and so on. Associated equiptment Sonic Frontiers 80, Proac Responce 2. Musical tastes,just about everything, Jazz, Blues, Classic Rock and of course Classical. Source components, Vinyl, 2 and 4 track open reel, and some digital. Gentlemen Start your engines, and again thanks for all the help.
I have been thinking of upgrading my tubes in my AI-3 pre-amp. There are Soooo.. many out there, Bugle Boy, Siemens, Telefunken, Telsa etc, etc Which ones are the best, next runner up and so on. Associated equiptment Sonic Frontiers 80, Proac Responce 2. Musical tastes,just about everything, Jazz, Blues, Classic Rock and of course Classical. Source components, Vinyl, 2 and 4 track open reel, and some digital. Gentlemen Start your engines, and again thanks for all the help.