Rogue Audio RP-7V2 Tube Options

+1 for consulting Andy at Vintage tube. I have an RP-1 and a Hera. Most people fall into two camps Mullard Vs Telefunken. I prefer Telefunkens. In the RP-1 which has only one pair I can’t mix. I’ve tried Tekefunkens, Seimens Nickel plates, RCA , Phillips, and Mullard. What you like will be dependent on personal taste, speakers used and room acoustics. From what I’ve READ , the Rogues like yours people will run a pair of one brand and a pair of something else. Plus you have the option of switching the pairs. Give your system about 200 hours to break in partially and start trying some tubes. Keep in mind that down the road multiple pairs of tubes will give you some flexibility if your room changes or you rotate different speakers or amps. I have zero experience with new production 12AU7’s and I ( like most people ) do not care for the JJ’s. Also look at the sound profile page at Brent Jesse regarding the 12AU7 as it’s very accurate. I’ve been told that there is a Rogue Owners Group on Facebook, but I’ve never viewed it. Happy Hunting, Mike B. 

I'm happy with RCA clear tops, but admittedly they're used a phase splitter in the amps, which some consider the least critical position of all my tubes.

I went with the 1960s French military tubes from Mazda (Dario) for my RP-5 v2 after talking to Brent Jessee. Happy with the results.

Thank you so much for these recommendations!

@jpipes 

I must be an outlier user of the RP-7 (original) because I tried many expensive NOS 12AU7 tubes and it simply never responded well.  The stock JJ tubes always sounded best.  

Unfortunately having also owned the JC5 amp I am guessing you have a very dark overall sound with that system because the RP-7 and JC-5 are already on the super smooth side of the fence. 

I have also heard that (but never owned) the new Genelax tubes are very good.  FYI bottom line you may regret spending a lot for NOS tubes and I do not see a need to. New tubes have come a long way. 

Assuming you want to at least try to improve detail give the Yugoslavian E.I. tubes a shot- not to expensive either.