Different Tubes and general purpose?


I’m trying to get a better midrange push or clarity out of my Line Magnetic 501ia tube amp.   Can someone help me understand what the specific function each type of tube performs in a power amp?  

I would like to upgrade several or all of my “stock” tubes but would like to understand where to start to beat enhance each aspect of the sound spectrum.   On my 501ia i have 4x KT120 and i believe those are power tubes, but please help clarify if wrong.  There are 2x 6SN7EH 1x 12AU7 and 2x 12AX7 (but the AU7 and AX7 look interchangeable to me).   As i look to upgrade where to i look to start, and why?  
Thanks in advance for help. 
gunners01

Showing 7 responses by gunners01

Thanks millercarbon.  I ask as I’ve read plenty of articles about how there was notable, not step change, improvement in overall sound quality.   I get that that a lot audiophile purchases can either be snake oil or nearly inaudible changes.  
I have spent, at least in my world, a decent amount of $ on my system.  I’m largely pleased but I seam to be chasing the perfect balance and execution of several instruments in certain songs that seem to be not as crisp or prominent as i know they were recorded.  I would like to explore “tweaks” (i guess not upgrades) to my equipment that I’m hope can help me achieve what i want, without wholesale swapping out of equipment.  
My Harbeth HL5 plus sound incredible (coupled with a sub) on several albums (Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, New Order - Movement, the smiths - Hatful of Hollow), but on others (Big Country - the Crossing, or Led Zeppelin - 1st album) they seem to fail in the a really crisp and distinct mid range.  I could be the recording, but then again it may just be that these are speakers better suited for classical or jazz.  I was trying to explore other system changes to tease out more. 
Thanks all for the practical advice.   
I’ve had my amp for 2 years now and it probably has 50-60 hours of use, so I would have thought it is been broken in.  I will call my distributor and ask what he thinks in terms of where to start on rolling any tubes.  I’m not in a rush, so I have time to play around. 


Facten thanks for the constructive help.  I have had a nice power conditioner for a few years now and have noticed a small improvement...really just eliminating any very faint background noise that might otherwise degrade or mute certain frequencies.   I have not invested in a new power cable, but will explore that at some point in time. 

Your advice on tubes is hugely helpful and I’m very grateful.  
Thanks plga. I will take your advice.  Much appreciated.  
Also thanks imhififan.  Is there a decoder ring for rectifier?   I think i get the others, but still not sure what role each plays in sound production.  
Thanks Dekay for the follow up.  That has yet to be answered and i honestly tries to research this, but struggled to find anything authoritative.  It would be helpful to know. 
Wsrrsw 
I’ve perhaps underestimated my hours, but not by much.  On average i may get 6-8 hours a month, but with the current quarantine its maybe 4-5 hours a week.  
Room is large with 14ft ceiling.  Speakers are Harbeth HL5 plus.  Power seems fine and I do use a conditioner, contacts all fine to the. Eat of my knowledge.  All equipment is 3-4 years old.