Fear not as you can have a lot of fun as a newbie "tube roller". Try to avoid the "local dealer explanation" option as the "audio salon" salespeople often (not always...there are some nice people out there) are opinionated, desperate burn outs with more attitude than a fashion week shoe designer, the attention span of a hamster, and will make it clear that they don't like you unless you plan to drop 9 grand on cables. Mixing tube brands on the left and right can give each channel its own sound, but you shouldn't want that. Perusing your options at thetubestore.com is what I suggest...there are great inexpensive options for the tubes you require, and if you call them somebody there will talk to you like you matter. They turned me on to a LESS EXPENSIVE (!) 12ax7 driver tube brand because they thought it would sound like what I seemed to want...they were 100% correct, and have a return policy in case they're not. Also, avoid the churlish and self satisfied opinions of the A'gon "tube snob mafia" or you'll wind up with 2 grand worth of dusty Bugle Boys salvaged from a 1952 Lithuanian helicopter.
Need tube 101 info
Ok I'm new to this tube preamp world and I'd like to know a few things. I've acquired a BAT Vk-3ix that needs new tubes but I'm not sure I understand what tubes do what and how to properly "roll" them. I don't want "bright" tubes but I'm completely at a loss as to which brands I should be looking at.
Also what do the two tall inboard tubes do, and what do the small pairs to the left and right do?
When you get a matched pair of the small tubes does one go on the left and one go on the right?
Can you mix brands on the left and right. For example can you have brand x and y on the left and x and y on the right? Will that hurt anything? Or should all be the same brand?
I know these may be simple questions but I gotta start somewhere I suppose.
Also what do the two tall inboard tubes do, and what do the small pairs to the left and right do?
When you get a matched pair of the small tubes does one go on the left and one go on the right?
Can you mix brands on the left and right. For example can you have brand x and y on the left and x and y on the right? Will that hurt anything? Or should all be the same brand?
I know these may be simple questions but I gotta start somewhere I suppose.