What is everyone using for the preamp tube and also down the line. Looking for articulate bass extended highs and sweet mids. Stock jj's are OK but I think I can do better.
So my neighbor lent me a 4003 mullard initial impressions are warmer bigger Soundstage. But seems like the top is more polite. Also noticed it's pretty noisy. Is it possible that it's past its lifetime?
It may be aging, or it may not measure well. Do you know any of history on it? For $10 more, Upscale sells a specially tested one for CJ and Rogue preamps.
Also, has anybody tried using a Brimar instead of a Mullard on the pre-amp socket? I keep hearing that they're pretty good, but the Mullard seems tried and tested.
@twoleftears The new production Gold Lions respond well to cryogenic treatment. I use GL 12AU7s in my line stage on an ongoing basis and replaced the stock Sovtek 5AR4 rectifier in my SACD player power supply with a Gold Lion GZ34. I always source my GL’s from Cryoset. Ron Sheldon’s tubes are quiet, neutral and seem to last forever...they just don’t get noisy.
One more tweak that really makes a difference is using Herbie’s Audio Labs tube dampers on ALL tubes. I just got an all titanium damper for my very hot running GZ34. It fits tight as can be and as crazy as it sounds all images since installing it are rock solid. Greater air to soundscape and improved dynamics!
preamp spot on the cm sounds best with anything amperex or made by amperex. mske sure it has been screened for low noise. transparent, dynamic, clean, refined and colorful.
i had the CM ii for several years and literally tried them all.
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
