To the Op, thanks for asking this question as well as your well written description of your experience with the Primaluna Dialogue One. The tubes I have used the most and have championed is the Russian NOS Reflecktor 6n3ce, 6L6 tube. I first heard about them in a blog by Jeff day who did a tube shoot-out for his Leben CS600. This tube beat, according to Day (a pastreviewer for 6 moons, currently Positive Feedback) all comers in his system.
My brother who also owns a Leben CS600, decided to try them; his speakers are Harbeth HL5. We had our own tube shoot-out party with a half dozen friends. This tube is inexpensive ($65 a quad) and is a little short and ugly like me; but, boy could they play music, solid across the board. I think we created a mini-run on these tubes from Jim McShane, who had a good stock, now mostly out. They are hard to come by.
I have rolled many tubes in and out of my Dialogue One. My least favorite tubes were Shuguang and Ruby KT66s that I liked very much in my Cary V12. They were lifeless and dull in the Primaluna. Oh, forgot to mention that my speakers at various times have been Infinity Prelude Compositions (a vastly underrated speaker 96db with built in 12 inch sub driven by 300 watt internal amp), Tekton Lore, Tekton 4.5, on loan from brother, the Harbeth HL5, Vandersteen 2ce, 1C. I also recently bought the Tekton M-Lore and sold the 4.5.
It's important to note that, like you, I concur with your KT120 comments. I've heard good things about Tungsol newish coke bottle EL34s and plan to give them a go very soon. In EL34s, I've really liked the SED Winged C. To keep this short I will say I generally like the EL34 sound/tone for the reasons you already stated. My room is really good, 16x14, 9 foot ceiling with peak to approx 12 feet. Wall to wall on most recordings, natural height and deep layered soundstage if it is in the recording. Jazz, Classical, Rock, none has been problem.
Associated equipment generally:
Silnote Interconnect
MIT Digital to Eastern Electric DAC with Black Treasure 12au7
PS Statement Speaker Cable as well as Kimber 8tc or Goertz AG1 Silver
Sony DVP S9000ES as transport
BPT Power Conditioner
I installed NOS Bugle Boy 12au7 and Sylvania 5751Black 3M. Other tube sets sound good but these tubes are best for me.
My brother who also owns a Leben CS600, decided to try them; his speakers are Harbeth HL5. We had our own tube shoot-out party with a half dozen friends. This tube is inexpensive ($65 a quad) and is a little short and ugly like me; but, boy could they play music, solid across the board. I think we created a mini-run on these tubes from Jim McShane, who had a good stock, now mostly out. They are hard to come by.
I have rolled many tubes in and out of my Dialogue One. My least favorite tubes were Shuguang and Ruby KT66s that I liked very much in my Cary V12. They were lifeless and dull in the Primaluna. Oh, forgot to mention that my speakers at various times have been Infinity Prelude Compositions (a vastly underrated speaker 96db with built in 12 inch sub driven by 300 watt internal amp), Tekton Lore, Tekton 4.5, on loan from brother, the Harbeth HL5, Vandersteen 2ce, 1C. I also recently bought the Tekton M-Lore and sold the 4.5.
It's important to note that, like you, I concur with your KT120 comments. I've heard good things about Tungsol newish coke bottle EL34s and plan to give them a go very soon. In EL34s, I've really liked the SED Winged C. To keep this short I will say I generally like the EL34 sound/tone for the reasons you already stated. My room is really good, 16x14, 9 foot ceiling with peak to approx 12 feet. Wall to wall on most recordings, natural height and deep layered soundstage if it is in the recording. Jazz, Classical, Rock, none has been problem.
Associated equipment generally:
Silnote Interconnect
MIT Digital to Eastern Electric DAC with Black Treasure 12au7
PS Statement Speaker Cable as well as Kimber 8tc or Goertz AG1 Silver
Sony DVP S9000ES as transport
BPT Power Conditioner
I installed NOS Bugle Boy 12au7 and Sylvania 5751Black 3M. Other tube sets sound good but these tubes are best for me.