CDP-Tube Suggestions

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.

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.

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

Interesting thread. I think the Sovtek 12AX7WA exhibits a slightly warmer and more robust sound than the stock, EH and Telso JJ tubes in the JD-100. At the same time it tames the highs well without sounding appreciably more rolled off than any of the others. Drawbacks? Well, I think it just lacks a touch of clarity compared to the EH and the stock tubes. But, this is a close call.

In any event, at less than $10 for a pair it is a no brainer to add them to your inventory.

In the meantime, I off looking for some alternates as suggested in this thread.

Thanks so much for your input. I will probably make a decision on monday. Probably a pair of NOS Mullards (CV4004) if I can find them, and probably a pair of Sovteks.

I will come back and post how they sounded in the Jolida. But while I am here I might as well share my thoughts on the tubes I have tried.

Stock (Sino?) 12ax7 ---- warm, fairly articulate bass, reduced upper end, overall not bad with my analytical system. not quite rich enough and just a smidge to much "air" lost.

EH 12ax7 --- Neutral, not a lot of richness, but accurate nonetheless. not quite as "dry" as some of the others. Not a bad choice if you dont want tonal changes. I used this tube most and feel it works well if you want a little more top end without tonal change in the middle.

EI 12ax7 --- plenty of highs, laid back mids, not upfront with vocals (polite?), gives a great 3D presentation. Good bass but needs a lot of warm-up before it can.

NOS RCA 5751s --- fairly neutral, a little edgy on the top, very similar to the EH, with a tad deeper bass but a little drier as well. The reduced output of the 5751 is hardly noticable FWIW.

GE JAN 5751 --- Deep bass, but didnt work well for me, seemed 1 dimensional and lifeless in my system.

Hope these descriptions give someone a little help.