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tube suggestions/ brand new to tubes

I tried to look for an Aric audio forum, couldn't locate one. As I just received my Aric Audio, Jackpot. (almost 6 mts wait)  As I  am new to tubes, Both my systems all SS to date. This  system, (rock and Roll only) Pass X250.8, Aric audio Jackpot pre, Meitner DAC, Bricasti streamer, Sonus faber Guarneri G5 speakers. SVS Sb3000 single sub, smaller room. Streaming Audirvana through Qobuz.

Listened First time yesterday, couple of hrs. Made some necessary adjustments to Sub, balancing etc. Sounded very nice, warmer than my previous Benchmark LA-4 pre.  Unknown how many hrs on tubes for break in purposes.  Currently in place in the input stage a Tung- sol 5751, looks NOS. As its just breaking in,(for me) 2nd listening session later today.   What my final objective is, transparency, micro detail, high frequency air, if that makes sense?  Aric supplied the 5751 tube for the input stage. He mentioned in his owners manual 3 other tubes for rolling.  12AU7, 12AT7, 12AX7.  With the mentioned earlier objective, sound wise, Can anyone make some suggestions of Brand (one better than the other) NOS or current. What companies are the GO TO for tubes,etc. I know I have to do  a fair amount of listening and tweaking, just curious as to the above questions.  Thanks so much. Robert TN

robshaw
kevemaher's avatar
kevemaher
430 posts
 

Go to Audiotubes. There are detailed descriptions of each tube type you've mentioned. And it is a good source for purchase of NOS tubes.

Check out Fuzz audio. Lots of useful info and tubes for sale.

I would avoid current production tubes except for the Genalex ECC83/B759 (ECC83 is the European name for the 12AX7). This tube is a wonderful all-arounder. Present day tubes are not built to the high standards that the NOS tubes were.

I have rolled many 12AX7 and 6DJ8 tubes in my preamps. Every model has its good and bad features. You have to experiment to discover the best tubes for your particular musical taste. Buy enough to populate the first gain stage for the phono and for the line level stages. These locations have the most effect on sound.

doyle3433's avatar
doyle3433
390 posts
 

I have always had good interactions with Viva Tubes. They always seem to have a good variety and many times something interesting and special. 

fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
757 posts
 

Have you had a conversation with Aric? He seems to have good honest opinions.

dekay's avatar
dekay
6,226 posts
 

Ask Terry London, as per his review of the preamp he's rolled around the block numerous times.

The following is a link to his thread here on A'gon (not the online review).

Interesting unit that I was not aware of until I read your post.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/aricaudio-s-new-jackpot-5751-tube-rectified-truly-balanced-preamplifier/post?postid=2916795#2916795

 

DeKay

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