TUBE NOOB: ADVICE NEEDED ON REPLACEMENT TUBE


Recently my old man has given me his phono section. It is a Soundtech Preamp one, and no I am not expecting that anyone will know what this is. It is a tubed, pure class A, dual mono phono section with what looks like 2 independent power supplies, internal (strange). The unit is awesome, I think the retail cost was about $1800 in the 80s/early 90s, which does make it a little pricey for the time, but putting all price/performance issues aside I will say it is an amazing phono section. Now my concern is that I know very little about tube equipment and I am seeking some advice on finding a replacement tube for this piece. The tubes are quite old and I think I can achieve improvement sonically by replacing the old tubes.

The guide indicates that the amp uses 2 6CL8A tubes, a very unusual tube that I know nothing about despite my best research efforts.

Now, I don't know what to do. I have found some old tubes on ebay, but how do I know they will not be junk ? Maybe the unit can be modified to take a common tube? Is there maybe a way for me to find a tube equivalent, hopefuly with something that is still manufactured and intended for hifi audio use?

I am at a bit of a loss, so please give me some suggestions. I will post the schematics and guide manuals when I receive the electronic copy via email from the company. Also if anyone has used this amp, I am interested in chatting with you. Thanks guys.
dfelkai

Showing 2 responses by samhar

www.audioasylum.com/audio/tubes/bbs.html

Ask your questions there!
Good luck.
HI my advice to ask your questions on Tube Asylum was because there are tubeophiles there with all kinds of obscure information. You might also contact Jim McShane (tube dealer) he's very knowledgeable.