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  3. 1074120171

CDP-Tube Suggestions

Its tube time again. I would like to try out a different tube in my Jolida JD-100 tube output CD player. It uses a pair of 12ax7s but 5751s will work as well.

I am looking to try a "warm" sounding tube this time around. I am currently using the stock tubes, which BTW, I dont really know what they are. Warm and full vocals with a little taming of the highs is what i am after.

I have tried EH 12ax7s, NOS RCA 5751 blackplates, EI 12ax7s, GE JAN 5751s and found none of them to be all that "warm" in my system. Not that they arent good, I just want something different on the plate so to speak.

The stock Jolida tubes are definately more rolled back in the upper octaves but still sound a little dry, or not robust, in the mids. Especially vocals.

I am thinking NOS Mullards, but I thought I would run this one buy you guys and see what you all thought. Thanks in advance.
distortion
distortion OP
571 posts
 
Kudra, Thanks for you suggestions. However, "all" tubes arent "warm." As a matter of fact, the EI 12ax7's have more highs than my Theta DAC, and they(Theta DACs) arent known for being laid back in anyway.

I do have copper cables(SignalCable IIs) in the mix and silver-copper(DH Labs BL-1) as well. I can choose whichever I want buy changing the input selected.

My intent is to try some "warm" tubes since I have tried several that werent, at least in this system. So I have baseline of what warm tubes sound like.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
The DH Labs cable is bright and tinny,not to mention lacking in dimensionality.Just FYI.
distortion OP
571 posts
 
I dont want to get too far off my original tube question, but....

When I was using a Rotel Pre/Pro I had some upper midrange glare or harshness, when I upgraded to a Bryston processor it cleared up. Lately I have been content with my cables. Even though I havent tried a ton, I like the DH Labs better than anything else I have auditioned. Having said that, I may in the future be trying a few more moderately priced ICs. But first, I would like a selection of tubes to draw from.

In all honesty I have had some "warm" cables and didnt like them at all. Even though I cant explain it, the warm sounding stock Jolida tubes dont do to the sound, what the cables did, and frankly it intrigues me. And so it goes, I want to try some other "warm" tubes.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Upscale Audio {CA},Vintage Tube Service {MI} and Advantage Tube Service {FL}.Stick with NOS tubes and I think you will find what you are looking for.Happy tube rolling.Make sure that the company will reimburse you for returns/trial rejects,provided that they are still resaleable.
milindks
32 posts
 
Hi,

I have tried 5751 Sylvanixa triple mica GB 5751, EH 12AX7 .. Amparex 12AX7, GE 5751 and few others, 5751 seems to be more analytical (Dry ?) while 12AX7 with good vocal on the warm side but not good bass .. Here is a one more tube which I am using for last 4 months, I preferred them over all of the above .. RCA 7058 really nice tube, I don't know much more about it, someone suggested these tubes 2-3 years back for my jolida hybrid, I tried those in CD player and they are great ..

Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Milindks
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