phono stage tubes for VAC Master Pre

I’m surprised VAC ships with EH 12AX7 now? They’re definitely on the bright side. I know they ship EH 6922 for line. With Master’s phono stage, the 2 tubes in the center (in the line of 6) matter most for noise (and overall). Then the 2 just outside that, and finally the outer 2. It’s a pairwise concentric configuration.

BUT the big advantage these phono stage tubes have is they’re running into the Master’s volume control, which effectively "rejects" a lot of the noise they’d otherwise produce. That’s probably why Kevin recommended changing line stage tubes - they come after the volume control and don’t have this benefit. I know tube sellers like to grade "MM / MC" the highest, but I’ve had more problems with noise for line stage tubes, for this reason. Furthermore, I’ve found 6922 types generally difficult in the long run - had several vintage types start out great then go noisy, ugh. A very persnickety tube type. Frankly I tend to like 6H30 preamps because they are such "no muss no fuss" devices by comparison (also I do like 6H30’s sound) - but those tubes won’t give you as much of the "classic" tube tone for sure. 

Are you looking for new production or vintage?

For new - Mullards and Gold Lions 12AX7 are what you want (tilted warm). Avoid EH and Tung-Sol. Maybe Chinese types, but I haven’t tried any of the new stuff. VAC used to ship (long OOP) Shugaung 12AX7-B and those were surprisingly great! Especially the ones branded "PentaLabs". Tilted warm but still airy. I guess they’re out now? That would have been my rec. 

For vintage - Mullards and Amperex are what you want. RCAs too. Telefunken smooth plates are a maaaybe here; ribbed plates will be too bright. Sylvanias are neutral to bright and probably a no. Mazdas bright. 

Get you some quiet tubes first, but IF you did want to play with modifying the phono stage’s "sonic shape", there’s a lot more variance to be had by trying an outboard MC SUT (or head-amp) and bypassing the internal Lundahl 1931. Most SUTs sound fuller and weightier (and warmer) than those Lundahls. I normally agree with all of Kevin’s voicing decisions, but this is the one I’m not sure about lol.

For the line stage I’ve liked Matsushita 7DJ8; harder to find now. I really liked the sound of Mazda 7308 but mine went noisy. Love Philips 1960s PQ/SQ E88CC (very lush). Amperex 8416 (make sure you internally switch to the 12V heater, and then switch back to 6V if you change back to 6922!!) were really good too and cheap, but may be harder to find now. 

AMAZING amps btw. I have the "prototype" 300iQ’s. I had 200iQ’s before that so I know how huge of an upgrade that was.

mulvelling will probably say something, he's been having VAC equipment for years.

The simplest approach would be to put in there what Kevin does and buy those selected Chinese tubes from him and no one else.

The best approach would probably  be to install some vintage tubes.

If it helps, I have VAC Avatar SE integrated and use Mullard long plates from 1950s in both phono and line amp. RCAs long black plates from early 1950s might work well too, I didn't try them but I did try RCA long black plates 12AU7 from early 1950s in the driver stage. Early/mid 1950s RCA only, until 1956, including 1956.

I would certainly start with Mullard long plates from 1950s. There are also Mullard 10M, I haven't tried them.

@mulveling Mike from SunCoast recommended changing the line stage tubes to Amperex Holland 6DJ8's which he has in his system. My guess was that the Gold Lion's might work well for the 12AX7s.  Thanks for that recommendation.  I'm grateful that you replied to my post.  Through the years I have enjoyed your posts since your experience with VAC products far exceeds mine.  

@inna I like your breakdown. Not interested in the simple path.  While the Mullards may be the best path, right now I'm gonna take the middle road which is likely the Gold Lion's.  The reason-I failed to mention that my most understanding wife also allowed me the luxury of upgrading my cartridge to a Hana Umami Black during this same time frame.  Like Yes, currently I'm close to the Edge.  But, they are on the future wish list.

I did talk to Kevin about rolling my 1940's RCA 6SN7's, which I enjoyed in the 200 series.  He was surprisingly quite encouraging. 

7DJ8 requires 7V filament voltage. They’ll work with 6V but that will affect the SQ. How? I don’t know. I’d guess saggy and warm.

orthomead, tell us how they sound after 100 hours.