Get the lowest noise tubes you can afford, especially for the phono stage. Your priority should be to locate reputable dealers, then look at their stock. Don't necessarily focus on the name brand. A properly tested tube with excellent test specs will make a big difference. People like Andy at Vintage Tube Services and Roger Modjeski at RAM Labs are great places to start. They are the only two people I'll deal with.
Tube Rolling - Any tips or caveats
I recently purchased an ARC SP-16 and have decided that I would like to upgrade the tubes, essentially I will begin tube-rolling.
I purchased some NOS tubes to replace the phone stage tubes, but before I do, I was wondering if anyone has any tips or caveats regarding tube rolling. Things such as:
- Should I A-B test different tubes, swapping in/out quickly?
- Can I mix & match brands, or NOS vs. New etc...?
- Should I start from source and move downstream (ph-stage, Line stage,... power amp) or vice versa?
In general any tips would be welcome.
I purchased some NOS tubes to replace the phone stage tubes, but before I do, I was wondering if anyone has any tips or caveats regarding tube rolling. Things such as:
- Should I A-B test different tubes, swapping in/out quickly?
- Can I mix & match brands, or NOS vs. New etc...?
- Should I start from source and move downstream (ph-stage, Line stage,... power amp) or vice versa?
In general any tips would be welcome.