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Some random thoughts for Tube newbies

There has been a lot of requests for tube recommendations for specific components. Many of the responses are generic, and some are specific to the component by folks who actually have it and have tried the tubes in it that they discuss. That's all fine and good. Tubes do have a generic and house sound that can be described by experienced tuboholics.

However, for folks seeking advise on what tube to use on a component they not only need to consider the "source", i.e. the experience and the component of the person making the recommendation, but the type of speakers and sonic preferences of the recommender.

For example I have an all tube system and I recently changed out my speakers. The new speakers have a different sonic signature but my sonic preferences have not changed, so to get the tonal balance (but improved in other aspects)that I want I ended up making multiple changes in the small tubes in both my DAC's and amps to find that tonal balance. Now if I told you that tube A in component B sounded tonally balanced when my old speakers were in place I would now tell you that perhaps that same tube was a bit bright or not as smooth.

The moral of the story for the newbie to tubes is to try to avoid buying tubes based on consensus but to get as much specific info about the recommender as possible before you pull the trigger. Especially on expensive NOS stuff.

Any other thoughts on pitfall's for tube newbies?
newbee

Showing 3 responses by jax2

jax2
3,031 posts
 
Avoid purchasing tubes manufactured in the Dominican Republic.

No matter how much money your friends offer you, don't put your tongue on a hot rectifier tube for any lenth of time.

Change your underwear and socks daily.

Marco
jax2
3,031 posts
 
How often do underwear and socks require biasing?

Depends on the amount of leakage.

I spring the extra $ for the black ones for that very reason. NOS Calvin Kleins are superior in every respect to anything being made currently. You'd have to spend at least three times the $ to equal the performance. I bias my own tube every so often, but always prefer to let my wife do that as she is much more skilled at it than me.

Marco
jax2
3,031 posts
 
I understand that there are many professionals that will bias your tube for a nominal fee...............

Yeah, and just look where that got Hugh Grant! Problems always arrise when your tube needs more frequent biasing than your partner is willing to attend to and your tube gets overheated....or maybe you just prefer a specific biasing technique that your partner doesn't go for, like our pal Hugh!

Marco
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