Primaluna - Rolling pre tubes question...

Thanks so much for the responses - I appreciate it. Navigating the forums can be daunting...

I should have offered more detail first - I have already tried 3 sets of power tubes over the past year: the stock EL34s - I really dig their midrange texture. Out of curiosity, and, for my own education I picked up a set of GL KT77s last summer (from Upscale - currently posted for sale) - these are nice, but not quite what I wanted. I ultimately ended up with PSVANE 6CA7-Z treasures - these are fantastic.

Now that I have the power tubes, I was thinking about rolling the stock 12AU7's. I believe the Cifte will bring the touch of air I want - was thinking I'd pick up 2 and see what they do.

Saki70 -
I do like the Cifte's, but I did lose some presence in the mids and upper bass. Much like all of your experiences were, I found swapping the stock PLs back in brought me back where I want to be.

Eventually, I will continue to experiment - this is all good education for me.

I think I'll enjoy the music for a bit before I go down the rabbit hole again.

Thanks again

Newbee - Appreciate the help.

Mechans -
Thanks for the recommendations - I was thinking about Telefunken, though budget may not allow it at this point. I'd say transparency is key, but balance overall suits my taste. I think the Cifte will add a touch of air and clarity in the mids...and based on at least one thread I'd read, this may come at the cost of bass definition. We'll see.

Saki70 -
I did order a pair of the Cifte, and will place in them in the front/middle position, and keep the stock tubes in the rear. I'll do some critical listening and follow up.

For reference: I am also a musician, and really dig tone, speed and dynamics (so like high sensitivity speakers).. so am less focused (though they are still important) on imaging and soundstage. Maybe I lean toward live vs. hifi?
I listen to almost every style in some form, though recent choices have been largely focused equally on small combo jazz and more experimental contemporary pop/rock. I've a modest system - and have just 2 years experience with critical listening to tube amps- so will try and focus on direct comparisons between the Cifte and stock PL 12AU7s.

Hopefully this will be useful.
Thanks again
Darren

PL Prologue premium integrated/Tekton Lore/Parasound zdac.

One week with the Cifte 12AU7s in the front position, and PL stock tubes in the rear. I'm assuming they may still be settling in...probably 40 hours or so on them.
I'm hearing clarity across all frequencies - not harsh - more like we've turned the light up in the room and the back corners are illuminated. Really nice.

With some recordings, a lack of humidity is revealed...perhaps a bit papery at times.

Would a Mullard or other similar type in the rear position balance the sound? Mechans -You mentioned the British tubes?

Take for instance, a well recorded drum kit...I want all that air and resonance, and maybe a touch of fuzz on the kick drum...More tennis ball than rubber ball.

I'm missing the luscious mids and upper bass.

Thank you Kevin!
This thread has been very helpful for me.

And I have found exactly what you've described with the Cifte. I have them back in the center position, and they have settled in - Very happy overall.