There is quite a difference in sound between brands and models of 12AX7/ECC83 and 12AU7/5751 and 12AT7, etc. tubes. As a very general observation, Mullards tend toward the warmer/richer side and Telefunkens are leaner/more detailed/dynamic sounding. Somewhere in the middle are Amperex tubes and I recommend Amperex Bugle Boys as a tube that will please most listeners (safe choice). In my own phono stage, I run genuine Telefunken ECC803 (12AX7 equivalent) which are very dynamic sounding). I get away with running a leaner tube because the entire rest of my electronic chain is very warm (Western Electric 310a, 310b, 348, 349).
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
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- 37 posts total
- 37 posts total

