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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.

orthomead
cey's avatar
cey
345 posts
 

EH 7025. not sure to by from. 
JJ E83CC, JJ ECC803S fromc eurotubes. 

make sure theyre phono grade. 

orthomead OP
208 posts
 

I bought the amperex Holland NOS tubes for the line stage and the 12AX7 Gold Lions for the phono.  Have not received them yet.  Will post back once installed. Thanks to everyone for the input!

orthomead OP
208 posts
 

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.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,830 posts
 

I used 12AX7 Gold Lions in my Rogue amp years ago and they’re really nice tubes. Sound was well balanced and the tubes are quiet. 
 

I got new 6922 Lions on the way for my phono stage to replace the stock standard steel pin EH. 

lewm
14,650 posts
 

orthomead, Someone else suggested trying 7DJ8s in your tube rolling adventure, which are equivalent to 6DJ8 in every way except the filament voltage requirement.  The 7DJ8 requires 7V; whereas the 6DJ8 requires 6V or technically 6.3V.  I was only pointing out that the 7DJ8 will operate on 6V filament voltage, especially it it’s set at 6.3V (which means it is OK to try it), but the below spec filament voltage does change the performance of the tube.  The cognoscenti, of whom I am not one, say that small signal triodes like these will tolerate up to about a 10% drop in recommended filament voltage vs spec. The main appeal of the 7DJ8 is low cost, because they are not in demand, again because of the oddball filament voltage requirement.

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