Help replacing/upgrading tubes in Vincent SA-T7 preamp
Hello! I'd love some help with replacing vacuum tubes in my Vincent SAT7 preamp. My unit is about 6 yrs old, kept on about 12hrs/day every day. Left channel now has constant static. Figure time for replacement. I've read a few places that these preamps really benefit from upgraded tubes over stock - but have not seen any posts that indicate what they used! I have the list of stock tubes below, and admittedly the multitude of types I can replace with is overwhelming. Can someone help me choose what would be considered a solid upgrade?
Tubes:
6x 6J9P (6SCH9P)
4x 6J51P (6SCH51P)
1x 85A2
Thank you!
Something’s off here - those preamps use nine tubes (except for the Diamond version), but you listed eleven. If you could list the correct tube set, that would be very helpful. Also, feel free to contact me - I own that preamp. By the way, there’s a lengthy discussion about that piece on the Hoffman’s forum - very interesting, and I’m one of the participants.
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Thanks for this Hasmarto!
took a look over at Hoffman's, amazing thread, appreciate it. You are correct on tubes, I was mistakenly looking at manual for SA-T7MK. Popped the cover on mine: 4 x 6SCH51P, 4 x 6S3P-EV; 1 x 85A2.. First question .. all the other threads I see spec 2 x 6SCH9P and 2 of the 51P.. Why do I have 4 of the 51p, and does that matter? Are they all truly "the same?" So I grabbed on order already: 4 of the 6J9P/CV6189 NOS Vinniza from this link: https://www.audiozomba.com/product/6j9-vacuum-tube/ Any thoughts on those? They seem quality from the review/website.. at least from the price too lol.. Is above, is there a reason to try and do 2 of those and 2 of something labeled 9P? I need to pickup 4 of the 6S3P, or as I understand it, EC86.. I can get some Telefunken, or looks like i can also source Amperex and Mullard from Ebay.. though frustratingly not one single seller has 4x, only 2x, so will have to place a couple orders. Telefunken clearly the most expensive - wonder if worth it? I understand the 85A2 is voltage -- is there any benefit to just replacing that too while I'm doing this?
Thanks so much! |
Quick follow up -- First, also posted on Hoffman's -- had to join, so won't be up until moderator approves..! but that seems like great resource.
The 4 6J9P i ordered are probably incorrect.. given my unit only has 4 of the 51P's.. Again, unsure why my setup is what it is, vs. other people's units.
Also found on Hoffman's they said the EC86 definitely is not a match for this unit. Bummed about that - because there seem to be quite a number of high quality Ec96's available. I'm not sure now what I should do to replace the 6S3P. The other thread gives a few options that should work - but I can't find any actual tubes that would be considered an upgrade, they are all inexpensive soviet tubes from EU. I feel l like I must be missing something -- any thoughts on your end on what to do about the 6S3P's?
Thanks! Todd |
