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VAC Signature MK2a pre "phono tube questions"

Hi there I have a VAC pre with MC/MM, upon opening noticed there are two roles of 3 12AX7 tubes in each totaling 6.

Question;

1. Anyone have any experience tube rolling these and if so with what?

2. Are they three matched pairs or all matched?

3. They are a Chinese tube that came standard with the pre., anything special about them?
I have found on other gear which came with Chinese 12AX7 tubes they were nothing special and by substituting I found the sound was transformed, sounding allot better using other tubes.

4. Can you mix and match, say the first role Bugle Boys, second Tel for examaple or best to stay with one brand through out.

I have allot of really nice matched pairs but only that.

Any assistance would be appreciated.
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Showing 1 response by swampwalker

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swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Wrm57
I'll probably start the rolling process by leaving the Chinese tubes there and placing my fav 1964 USA Amperex 7308 into the back
Unless you have specific confirmation from Kevin or Brent, I'd think twice before putting an NOS 6DJ8/6922/7308 into a slot designated for a 12AX7. They are both 9 pin miniature dual triodes but unless the circuits are specifically designed for it, they are not direct substitutes by any means. I realize that Randy White and Dan Wright and some others have circuits into which they can be subbed, but I do not remember reading anything that indicates that that is the case w the Ren pre-amps (great unit, BTW.)
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