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Tubes for the BAT VK5i

I just got a BAT VK-5i here on audiogon and I'm very impressed with the unit. I hat d the tubes tested, though and they're about done for. I'm looking for tubes that will accentuate bass and detail/resolution. I'm figuring that the preamp's medeocre bass response is due to the very old tubes (they test about 58 % of new--time to go!)

I know this is going to be a big deal, but I need some ideas--and I also need to know wh. Suggestions?

Thanks!
Roland
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Showing 2 responses by jfrech

jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Well, you could upgrade the unit to 5se. The 6h30 tubes and better power supply (instead of 6922) will definately improve the bass, detail, resolution, soundstaging substantially. I recently upgraded my 50se to 51se and that's exactly what it did. It was a major improvment, not minor.

If you just want to retube your current 5i (cheaper 4 u) Maybe Amperex 7308's. I use these in my VKP10SE and your sound criteria matches my experience with these tubes.

Just make your you get each triode in each tube matched to itself and the other tubes. BAT uses these in a truly balance fashion.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
I've bought tubes here and had great service. Even had 2 go bad 6 months later and he replaced them free. Wasn't his fault and he really took care of me. I have 2 friends and between the 3 of us I've bet we've bought 2-3k worth of tubes from BWS. We've all been happy...

http://www.bws-tube.com/
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