I have a newly purchased integrated tube amplifier. The tubes consist of 2 x 12AU7, 2 x 12AX7, and 4 x EL34. All of the stock tubes are chinese tubes labelled by the amp manufacturer.. They may not be, but look very much like Psvane 12AU7-T without the gold pins.
I have owned many excellent SS amps (Krell KSA-100, Parasound A23, Parasound A21, Classe AMP2 and a few others.). I bought this amp on a gamble and am surprised how amazingly good it sounds into my upgraded Tekton Electrons. I have tried GE 5 Star 5814 in the place of the 12AU7 and was very impressed. Now I am considering a bit more tube rolling.
Am I likely to get much change/improvement from changing the 12AX7 or the EL34?
The amp is a Willsonton 35i. Same company as the well reviewed Willsonten R8 and also purchased from Yong Lee. I went with the 35i because it weighs a lot less, costs a couple of hundred less, and, I believe, uses more common tubes.
I am amazed at how wonderful it sounds. Really enjoying it. I have put the stock 12AU7 tubes back in to give them a chance to break in. It has <30 hours on it.
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