Checking my stash, I have 5 Mullard cv4003’s, of which 2 are 8136’s and all kinds of others.
All Mullards from Upscale Audio and been just sitting in their little boxes for years. Think it’s time to thin the herd.
Additional Preamp Tubes
I am looking to purchase an additional matched pair of NOS tubes for my PS Audio BHK preamp. I currently own Brimar CV4003, Telefunken Medicals & Siemens Nickel Plate.
When I began building my system 3.5 years ago, I wanted revealing - accurate. Now I want a tube that is more musical / warm, similar to the Brimar’s with a touch more warmth.
My system: Aurender N150 > Briscati M3 > BHK > Moon 760A > KEF Reference 3’s. Rega P8 / Hana ML > Gold Note PH 10 on analog. Cables are Kimber Select from sources & Transparent Ultra’s pre > amp > speakers.
ChatGPT recommended Mullard CV4003. There is a pair on eBay from Valve Tubes. Please let me know your thoughts on this and other potential tubes, and if you have any experience with Valve tubes. Thanks!
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@buellrider97 , you and me both! Also Apple, Google, and Amazon! Wow, $125 each. At least you got four. Could have bought just two! |
@markmuse Thanks, I looked at 6v and almost bought a pair of 6v Amperex a little while back. As I understand it, noise can be an issue. |
Just ordered the Premium Matched Pair CV4003/M8136 NOS Mullard tubes. They are Markham manufactured, so while less warm than the Blackburn’s they may in fact be a perfect fit. Mitcham was Mullard’s specialized plant for military, industrial, and high-reliability tubes. Consequently, their CV4003s often sound slightly more linear, detailed, and open than their Blackburn siblings. You still get that beautiful liquid midrange, but with a touch more top-end extension, a slightly faster transient response, and a tighter bass grip. We shall see. Thank you for your advice.
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