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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
macg19
1,437 posts
 

audiotubes.com previously owned by the great Brent Jesse has a great list and selection, and hopefully the new owner carries on his passion and legacy.

Go to https://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm and review Brent’s commentary on various tubes and sonic characteristics.

You’ll pay a premium for Mullard (worth it IMO), but not the most expensive. RCA triple mica 5751’s are fantastic too. Amperex and Brimar are great. 

Implementation in the gear matters, so the rules are fluid. 

Note that some NOS tubes are not branded or labeled as expected, for example I just sold a pair of Mullard’s, one is branded "Heath", and the other is Mullard, but they are both the exact same tube made in the exact same factory.

Personally, I never bought into the idea that there are different levels of new production tubes ranked like American Express cards. 

So the key is a trusted source. If I was still using any tube gear I’d give the new owner a shot. Brent used to have a solid return policy, not sure if that remains but if it does you have nothing to lose.

 

akgwhiz
206 posts
 

I've asked Brent Jesse for recommendations when he was up and running for a couple of those tubes for pre sections on an integrated.  Most expensive Brimars (of course) made amazing differences and other Anerican NOS tubes with "scientific or medical grade" uses.  YMMV.  Also tried one Ray tube in another amps pre section and it was v good but yes, expensive.   I didnt hear upgraded sound until I was into about $90 - $150 per tube.  Have fun.  As noted earlier,  you're prob still in the break in period.  Enjoy.  

inagroove
301 posts
 

Great tube resource suggestions above...

My suggestion - do NOTHING until your new Preamp, and its tubes are 100 hours old.  During the first 20 hours, much will change, but many tube components continue to audibly change for hundreds of hours...  

After that, feel roll tubes as you see fit.

P.S.  Is Aric really shipping NOS Tung-Sol tubes with preamps?

macg19
1,437 posts
 

Just keep in mind tubes are not cables...the best they will ever sound is an hour or two after they are first heated up.  

steakster
2,213 posts
 

Welcome to tubes.  In a few years, you’ll probably accumulate a collection.   I do my best to keep records.      

- - - 

1) Date purchased. From whom.   Price paid.

2) When installed in the component.  (I tape a Post-it Note on the inside cover.)  

3) Approximate hours of burn time.

3) Their SQ in which circuit.  (eg: buffer, output, voltage regulation, etc.)

4) When removed from the component.

5) Misc notes:  Microphonics, static, etc.

- - - 

Have fun!

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