2. amps-preamps
  3. 1282700797

New To Tubes Advice Needed

Hi Guys:
Like my question says I'm very new to the world of tubes. I have recently purchased a Xindak MT3 tube Integrated and I'm very pleased with the warm sound it produces in comparison to all the SS amplifiers that I have used over the years. I based my decision to purchase the Xindak based on the sound I heard and not the fact that the unit is made in China. This being my first entry to the world of tube gear cost was somewhat of a concern just in case I did not like the sound in the long run. The unit runs on 4-EL34, 2-68NP (6SN7GT)and one 12AX7 stock tubes original to the unit. I have read that tube rolling could yield some good improvements, since I know nothing on the subject I was wondering if I could impose on some knowledgeable members to guide in so far as to what should be changed and what with. I'm aware that there is so many different tubes on the market and that buying one over the other is a matter of taste but in my case I'm totally in the dark so any guidance is valued.By the way I would like to keep the cost factor in to play so no suggestions for very expensive tubes. Also I have read that EL34 could be substituted with KT77 what is the difference.
Thanks in advance for all of your input.
RossQ
rossq

Showing 2 responses by detredwings

detredwings
162 posts
 
Hi Rossq,

I would first give the unit some time to break-in and for you to become familiar with it's sound. Then you may want to try they 12ax7 and the 6sn7's first. You only need one 12ax7 so you could do that one first. What kind of sound do you want and how much are you looking at spending?
detredwings
162 posts
 
The 12ax7 you have is a Shuguang very common Chinese tube. Now finding what kind of tube you want is the journey you must take. Read in the forum's here and audio asylum to get an idea of what you may want to try. Remember what you like is what you like! Here is the link to audio asylum http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/tubes/bbs.html.

Yes if you change the 6sn7 you need to change both. If one of the EL34 goes out. If it's not very old you could get away with just changing a matched pair. I wouldn't change only one. Other people may disagree? But EL34's are not too expensive you may want to try a match quad of a new brand. Again the EL34's are probably Shuguang.

Remember to enjoy the music. Some of us including myself have too many tubes and tend to roll them too much.
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