phono stage tubes for VAC Master Pre
I've had the wonderful fortune of upgrading my VAC Sig 200 IQ monos, to the 300 Mk IIs recently. Since adding the 300's, I've noticed a slight hiss from the speakers, that disappears once the pre amp is shut down. I talked to Kevin at VAC and he recommended changing out the line stage tubes in the preamp. I figure if I'm going to change the line stage, it would make sense to change the phono stage tubes as well. They come stock with electro harmonix 12AX7 tubes. I thought I would upgrade, but there is a huge variety of pricing and tube options. Can anyone offer advice as to a reasonable middle of the road tube that tends to be more on the warm rather than analytical and sharp side. Thanks.
@lewm Your post confuses me, which happens with more regularity now with age. The VAC pre uses 6DJ8's and Kevin confirmed this. I'm not sure how 7DJ8 info informs 6DJ8 use. Forgive me for my ignorance. @knotscott Thanks for the input. I queried Jack at the Tube Depot and he mentioned the new Tung Sol as well. Currently I'm leaning heavily towards the Gold Lions |
@bgross I had never heard of the Mazda tubes. Currently way out of my price range, but who knows what the future holds. How many hours of use can you get out of these tubes? My search led me to another post from last year on 12ax7 tubes, so now I have a fun rabbit hole to explore for a while. Thanks. |
So I just installed the Amperex Holland NOS line stage and the 12AX7 Gold Lions an hour ago. First impression-Wow, Wow, Wow (could be a new band)! My expectations were that the sound would take an immediate drop in quality and then would slowly improve over the next 100 hours. I was wrong. Immediate improvements with fuller more fleshed out mids and the annoying top end has been tamed. I am sooo excited to see where this ends up, but it has already been well worth the experimentation. |
