Best Tubes for VAC


Hi All,

I've got a VAC Signature iia SE linestage (upgraded from iia) and a pair of Phi 200 amps.  I'd like to optimize tubes for transparency and detail (of course I also want tonal accuracy, soundstage and imaging). I'm wondering if there are any folks out there who have optimized tubes in their similar VAC units?  The tube compliments are:

PREAMP:
2x 12AU7
2x 8416, 7308, 6922, E88CC, ECC88, 6DJ8, (or 12DJ8 twin triodes)

AMPS (each)
4x KT88
4x 6SN7 (in the best 2 positions, I've got a pair of NOS Sylvania 6SN7GT's)

What have people found to work best in these VAC units?  Thanks in advance, Peter
peter_s

Showing 1 response by jbrrp1

I ran both in a prior system incarnation, albeit the original Ren Sig IIa, not SE.  My IIa only had 8416's as the line stage tube, so I couldn't roll, and there is only one 8416, so no flavors to try (the 12AU7's are used as tube buffers for the tape monitor section, IIRC),  Just by experience and reputation I would seek out some Telefunken NOS to try, as they typically excel at transparency and articulation (too much so for my tastes in some other gear, but it all depends on gear and system matching).

For the PHI 200 I ran most happily with the new Gold Lion KT88  "reissues".  Now, I liked them because they had a fuller harmonic presentation, but I did not feel they did so with any lack of detail.  I found that the VAC supplied tubes were too shrill in my system, so I may not be the best adviser, given the direction needs you have.  My system at the time needed a wee bit of warming to hit the right overall balance.