Tube selection


I am currently using Sovtek 12AX7WXT tubes in my preamp and CD player output stage. I like the full rich bass and midrange of the tubes but I feel the highs are lacking in air and frequency extension. I have tried the Mullard and Telefunken equivalents. The highs with respect to both of these tubes were superior to that of the Sovtek but the mids and bass of both tubes were much thinner than the Sovteks. Any suggestions with regards to any available tubes that combine the bass and mids of the Sovtek with the highs of the Mullard and Telefunken? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve
maxwell

Showing 2 responses by dekay

Poulkirk: What properly designed amps do you recommend that cut it on music? I have been stumbling about at this hobby for 35 years and have not tripped over one yet that will not benefit from the the "right/specific" tube for the right application. My amp is so lame that I switch out the input tube 2 to 3 times a day, depending on my fancy.
Poulkirk: I am not a technical person, but thanks for the offer. I will however take a look at your website. I did not realize that you are a manufacturer and that we are talking about your own design and apologize for being a bit snide. Are you looking into representation in the states? Also, are you saying that different (or NOS tubes) do not change the sound of this amplifier? If so, then this has its pros and cons as although we all gripe about the cost of NOS tubes, I believe that most of us enjoy the flexibility that they offer as the sound can be tailored at ones whimsy (granted that one has the tubes to do so). There is however a very popular preamp (Audible Illusions) that can only accept a few brands of tubes as it runs them very hard and most will not survive very long in this circuit. This has not hindered the units sales as far as I know as it is a good sounding product as is. I don't give up very easily though and just picked up a pair of Siemems 7dj8's for a friend to use in his in place of Soviet 6922's in the hopes that it will give him a change of pace/sound.