I had all tube systems for over 50+ years. Two years ago, I found a superior although expensive alternative: Westminster Labs REI mono amps and Quest2 pre-amp. Solid state Class A that remain on all the time using minimal power and always ready. Neutral but high resolution, full bodied dynamic sound. With 96 db speakers, fantastic. No more tubes or tube rolling or waiting 20 to 45 minutes for warm up either.
I changed a Tube and…
I liked it!
Have a Rogue Audio Cronos mag lll bought it years ago as original Cronos Mag sent it in last year for the upgrade to lll . Never changed any of the original tubes .
The amp was lightly used due to my changing amps like regularly. Decided to stick with Cronos and and have really enjoyed it .
Playing vinyl for the majority of time and seem satisfied with Triode mode . Amp runs perfectly no noise at all but thought about all the threads regarding tube rolling especially the center 12au7 .
pulled out the stock JJ and found a Genalex Gold Lion ECC82/B749 (12au7) bought them 7-8 years ago .
Put the GL into center position and was thinking “am I going to really hear a difference “??? Figured I listen to a few LPs and maybe I’d notice something different good or bad Maybe ? after all it’s just one tiny tube !
Well I was blown away !, 30 seconds in listening to “two of a mind “ Desmond /Muliligan things just got a whole lot more musical 🎶. Hard to describe everything seemed improved , midrange was wow ! Soundstage was better , etc .
Went to another familiar favorite Grant Green “ Idle Moments “ Oh yes the magic is here too
Is this even possible or am I under a placebo delusion lol
Now I’m really wondering what about the other 2 12au7’s and even the 2 -12ax7’s
what else am I missing ?
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Solid state is great , but I prefer Tubes for now . I have no problem with warm up time and some minor tweaking [ check bias , change a tube etc.. ] It's all part of the process . I'm not looking for Neutral , Looking for warmth / emotion .
I have a solid state set up as well [ Exposure 2510 + ] - it's very nice and probably a bit on the warmer side - to my liking . |
@trivemaIf it's a true NOS British made GEC/Genalex B749 it's doubtful any of the tubes you mention would hold a candle to it. If it's a Russian made tube a grilled cheese will outperform it.
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"Telefunkens are the best for clean (neutral), airy, transparent sound." I respectfully disagree. Everyone thinks Telefunkens aer the best for clean (neutral), airy transparent sound. They aren't. Telefunken makes a bunch of really good tubes and a few great ones. Valvo makes a bunch of really great tubes and a few good ones. Siemens, too. They are the tubes that the people that buy Telefunken think they are buying when they buy Telefunken tubes. If you aren't familiar with the Valvo Long Plate mC series tubes I reckon you'd find them quite interesting — in a far superior kind of way.
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@chickenoregg Are you suggesting diamond base Telefunkens are made by Seimens and Valvo? Are the Telefunkens I use in 3 phono amps something else?
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