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List of Audio Tube Measured Noise Performance

I have begun to post and maintain a list of the measured noise performance of the types of vacuum tubes typically used in phono stages and other low-noise audio equipment. It might be of interest to any audiophile replacing or upgrading tubes in a phono stage.

So far the list is modest, with samples of twelve different brands and/or types, and a total of 58 tubes measured, but it is updated regularly. It includes tubes such as the 12AX7, 12AT7, 5751, 6922 / 6DJ8 / E88CC, and 6SL7GT. And it includes a sampling of tubes from all three major current production tube factories, as well as some new, old-stock (NOS) tubes.

I don’t sell tubes (or own stock in any tube factories), and the list is strictly measurement-based, so I believe it is completely objective. And I explain in detail how the measurements are made, for anyone who would like to repeat them.

You can see the list at:

http://tavishdesign.com/pages/downloads

I’d be interested in hearing about other tubes or brands you think should be included.

Scott
tavishdad

Showing 1 response by kirkus

kirkus
502 posts
 
Hi Scott - I applaud your efforts on the start of a very interesting and relevant project. I thought I'd just bring to the attention of interested readers an AES paper I saw a while ago on this very subject, by Merlin Blencowe of AMS-Neve:

http://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=17071

This paper is focused more on the influences of tubes' operating conditions on noise performance, but deals tangentially with some of the stochastic variability of different samples. Also some excellent information on specific noise mechanisms, as well as measurement techniques.

Sorry that (like all AES publications) it's not free, but this is an excellent one on a subject that rarely covered anymore. Thorough bibliography, too.
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