Tube Rolling 12AX7 - Need Advice/Suggestions


Have a Jolida SJ-502A Tube Integrated who's tube compliment is currently (4) Tung-sol 6550, (2) Tung-sol 12AX7 and (2) NOS RCA 12AT7.

Recently purchased a Jolida JD-100 CDP which currently is using (2) NOS RCA 12AX7. The person I bought the CDP from kindly (thanks Colleen) gave me a stash of some 12AX7 tubes which include pairs of EI Elites 12AX7E ,Gold Series Groove Tubes 12AX7-M, and EH 12AX7.

Right now, the Tung-sol in the amp, and the NOS RCA in the CDP sound good, but wondering what other 12AX7 combinations might sound as good or maybe even better? Anyway, was curious about what some of you more experienced "tube rollers" might think would be the best combination of 12AX7 to be running in the CDP and AMP?

All comment appreciated.
cleaneduphippy

Showing 1 response by clio09

Of those new production tubes that were given to you the Groove Tubes are the best IMO. Try them in the amp. As previously stated those RCAs will be hard to beat, so keep them in the CDP. Of course a lot depends on whether you are using closely matched pairs.

If I recall my research when I was considering a Jolida CDP a lot people like the black plate 5751s, a lower gain version of the 12AX7. A good source to look up on the Internet is Joe's Tube Lore. There is a whole section of the sound characteristics of 12AX7 and 5651 tubes (others as well). I think in the long run its best if you experiment on your own (with those tubes you have). A lot more fun too. Maybe later you'll decide to try some others.