Tube Rolling.......my first experience.....WOW

I have been thoroughly enjoying my Rogue Audio Cronus integrated amp, as part of my extremely musical system, since December 2007, and I recently had an "itch" to take the amp up to the next level of performance. With the thoughtful guidance and advice of Mark O'Brien and Nick at Rogue Audio, I swapped out the five small tubes as follows : an RCA NOS 5814 to replace the Electro-Harmonix 12AU7 gain stage tube, a pair of GE NOS Five Star 5751 "goldpins" to replace the Sovtek 12AX7 input tubes, and a pair of GE NOS 12AU7A's to replace the Electro-Harmonix 12AU7 driver tubes. I followed their advice, and left the existing Svetlana EL-34's in place as two push-pull pairs.

After about twelve hours of listening......WOW !!! The music coming out of my Vandersteens, whether sourced through my Rega analog rig or Rotel CD deck seems improved in every way !! Wider and deeper soundstage, better definition and focus in both treble and bass, smoother mid-range, deeper resolution, and a more natural overall musical presentation. The only downside to all of this, is that my golf game and bicycle riding may suffer this season, as I spend more time in my music room.

Thank you, Mark and Nick,..... and Happy Listening to all my friends in Audiogon-land. !!