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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
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

tuberist
1,017 posts
 

Recommend Ray Tubes sold by Apos Audio or Upscale Audio.Have fun

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,408 posts
 

Welcome to a wonderful rabbit hole!  You'll find that the same tubes will sound different in different circuits and different systems,  It's also very subjective. 

As new issue tubes go, I've been very pleased with my Tung Sol ECC803S gold, and Mullard CV4004 (both a 12AX7) for my preamp.  In my amp I've settled on EH12BH7a driver tube, and Tung Sol 6550 output tubes.  YMMV!

facten
3,133 posts
 

Rob, 

I’d give the tubes and the preamp more run in time before I’d gravitate to tube rolling to see how close it comes to the sound characteristics you are looking for. That said, the 5751 has a lower gain than the 12AX7 , they are tube equivalents , so I’d start with a 12AX7 first if you want to roll to see if another type comes closer to your SQ requirements.  I use NOS Tung Sol 5751s in my Line Magnetic 518IA integrated amp, the  12AX7s in it were too much .  On the otherhand, I use NOS GE 12AX7s in my Finale Audio 7189 integrated as the 5751s sounded too soft in it. 

kevemaher mentioned Audiotubes , I think the website is till up if you want to get a read on different tubes per his suggestion; however Brent Jessee sold the business a few months back and from what i can tell the new owner - his name is mentioned on the webpage- isn’t fully up and running. Vintage Tube Services and Tube Depot are two other options, particularly if you are looking for NOS tubes ; Tube Depot also carries new production tubes.  VIVA Tubes is more a new production vendor. 

 

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