@larryi thanks for the explanation.
To the OP, I agree with DeKay's first post. Let the preamp settle in before making changes. How many albums have you actually listened to for your sonic conclusions?
NOS Tube Recommendation for Quicksilver Phono Pre Amp
I recently upgraded from the onboard phono stage in my Technics 1500SL to an all tube Quicksilver Phono Pre Amp. I’m about half way through the 30 hour recommended break-in period and so far, there is a lot to like about this piece of gear: Much thicker/more pronounced bottom end (I’ve had to readjust the gain on my subs quite a bit) and much wider/more defined sound stage. However, because I’m also running an all tube integrated amp (Raven Audio Osprey), there is now a very noticeable "warm" coloration to the music that wasn’t there before. I don’t want to give up on my new phono stage, but it’s like I’m listening to music with a wool blanket over my speakers. I’m thinking rolling the tubes to something a little cleaner/brighter could give me the best of all worlds. There are 3 tubes in the circuit topology: 2 12AX7s (one input, one gain) and 1 12AT7 (cathode follower). I’m currently considering a matched pair of Raytheon JRP black plate 12AX7s and either an RCA or Telefunken for the cathode follower (all NOS). Any and all suggestions/inputs are very much appreciated! P.S. my speakers are Raven Audio Corvus Reference Monitors and my current cart is the always amazing Nagaoka MP-500.
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@larryi 5751 and 12AX7 specs differently in a few significant ways. gain is one of them. heater current, plate resistance are 2 others.
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@onhwy61...I hear you (you and @dekay are not wrong). I've played about 15-20 records on the new phono stage and I am committed to waiting at least the minimum 30 hours of recommended break-in time before making any changes. However, I am getting my ducks in row and trying to learn as much as I can in the event that this coloration issue doesn't go away on its own. I also struggle with the idea that I should just keep waiting for months on end hoping for it to improve (I think a lot of time, people just get used to how it sounds whether it actually improves or not). I listen to records 3-4 times a week for a couple hours at a time. At that rate, I feel like 2 months is enough time to know if it's time to roll the tubes. I know that's a little on the impatient side, but what can I say.... I'm obsessed |
OK, now I see you have stated the result seems a bit too warm. So you want something with a bit more "zing". In that case, you should check out the following:
Electro Harmonix 12AX7 are fairly bright. I usually don't like them, but they can certainly counter warmth. Later Sylvania 5751 were also pretty bright, and I didn't like them - but who knows, here. RCA are weird - most are warm but some of them have been unbearably bright (and those tubes have been from Andy @ VTS with the cleaned pins; wonder if that's related). If a phono stage has a strong "voicing" on its own, you are not going to fully counteract it with tube rolling. |
thanks @mulveling -great stuff! |
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