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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
1,441 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.  

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mceljo
1,379 posts
 

My tube experience is fairly limited, but my last purchase was from Brett Jesse through audiotubes that been mentioned multiple times. I was looking for a a less warm sound and ended up with Amperex tubes that I believe are the classic Bugle Boy tubes with different labeling so less expensive. The result was what I was looking for. It sounds like your goal is possibly similar though the same tubes in different equipment could have different results. 

jackd
1,131 posts
 
My Motherlode XL was also delivered with NOS Tung Sol tubes though in my case 6SN7s. I consider the Tung Sol's to be a fairly "neutral" tube and from my understanding that is what Aric is looking for in the supplied tube set. As I already owned multiple sets of the Tung Sol's from earlier preamps I was more than familiar with their sound. So after playing them for several days to test them for any noise issues I swapped them out for my preferred 6SN7 which are 40's-early 50's RCA black plates which are a warmer tube. As good 12AX7's and 5751's are expensive you really should give the supplied tubes a fair listen before going down the rabbit hole.
cey's avatar
cey
367 posts
 

andys vintage tube services is the only top tier NOS retailer in the US and canada left. jim mcshane is in the process of winding down, and brent jesee (audiotubes.com) is under new ownership and quality of service has yet to be est

avoid tubedepot; upscale audio is overpriced. kevin is very entertaining, no doubt. ill skip the rest of the second tier. 

a top indie seller  (person to person) is zim bida on facebook. colin eddington (tx audio tubes on reverb) is on facebook as well, and hes very reliable. there are a LOT of independent, person to person non-proffessional non-retail sellers. t most of the good ones arent selling on social media or ebay just the various forums and message boards. 

when u buy always ask if theyve been tested for noise AND microphonics, which are two different things, as for return policy.  |

all the best

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