In my experience both to a similar degree but in slightly different ways!!! I have recently been rolling tubes in my Supratek preamp. It takes 1 rectifier in the power supply and 2-6l6 output and 2-6sn7 input/driver. Changing my rectifiers I noticed more detail and punch with my best tube a Mullard GZ34, next best is my RCA 5AS4A ST bottle which has more warmth, fullness, more laid back. Other 5U4GB and 5AR4 from Sylvania, Tung Sol, GE, Sovtek, Reflector, RCA were fine performers but just missing a little something. Output tubes I could hear subtlety more bass punch, dynamics, clarity and details in highs, soundstage refinement. Not big just slight differences comparing RCA 6L6GB ‘60 blackplates, NOS Russian CP3S, CP3S-E, Svetlana 6L6GC, Shuguang military ‘70’s 6L6GC. The biggest differences by far were changing the input/driver 6SN7’s many to choose from. Fyi- that Phillips 5R4GYS is next to impossible to find and they go for $300-400 per tube. Only one on ebay in Asia (Thailand?) for $320. Russian output tubes from ‘60-70’s sound amazing and are bargains if you are willing to buy from Ukraine etc. Good luck with it all.
Showing 2 responses by tksteingraber
@designsfx yes I have ordered from a few ebay sources and all went well with the exception of one unusual seller behavior. It takes a good 3 weeks to get delivery. Also, testing, used quality and pictures matching can be a risk but I have had good luck so far. Examples: Ordered new and they used but good testing. Testing can vary but testers are all very different and I have not felt they were being dishonest. I only order tubes with actual pictures and test results. It is somewhat of a crap shoot but worth it in my mind. Some fantastic tubes can be acquired for a song. I look at it as helping them out during a terrible war. |