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

@robshaw 

I believe the tube types that you listed have the following relative output level:

12AX7 = 100

5751 = 75

12AT7 = 60

12AU7 = 40

If the circuit was designed around the 5751 tube, I would start by trying different varieties of that type before jumping to the other types. The 5751 was specifically designed to US military specifications of ruggedness, low noise, and long life, at the beginning of the 1950s.   

In my 25 years of tube-rolling experience, the absolute best 5751 tubes are the early GE and RCA with black plates and 3 mica spacers, rather than the later ones with gray plates and/or 2 mica spacers.  These are commonly known as Triple Mica Blackplates.  Older is typically better, with 1952 to 1955 being slightly better than 1956 to 1959, and day-and-night better than anything after 1959.

I have purchased, tested, listened to, and sold literally hundreds of these over the years, and only came across two of them that were bad.  I currently maintain a stash of 40-50 of these, with an emphasis on the earliest versions with the silver "clips" or "braces" on the tips of the plates where they extend beyond the upper and lower micas, because I consider them to be the best-of-the-best.

Other 5751s to consider would be Sylvania Gold Brand or military triple mica blackplates, Raytheon with windmill getter, and maybe Tung-Sol.  These are less common, usually more expensive, and IMHO, no better than the GE and RCA..  I have a very slight preference for the RCA, but the GE is much more readily available.

Google Joe's Tube Lore for a detailed comparison of all of the 5751 tubes, and other small signal tubes.  A bit dated, but still quite relevant.

Feel free to PM me if you would like me to elaborate any more.

Let everything burn-in for 50-100 hours to establish a baseline before you start changing things around.

Enjoy the music!

Brady

Sorry to hear that Brent Jesse is out of the business. His site was/is informative and he gave me great advice on some preamp tubes. I also bought some upscale Ray tubes and really liked them. 

Brent Jesse sold to someone else who has been in the business for many years.  Site is still up but they are in transition.

@bbroussard Thank you for the post and advice. Regardless, I am going to take your advice and most others about getting adjusted to the new preamp and set up before rolling anything. Until now, I have had no experience with tubes what so ever. Now trying to read everything I can,  and getting an education from all who have responded. I am not sure how we get in touch, but, I am interested in staying initially with the input tube 5751, and just moving up the ladder to a more expressive 5751, such as the GE and RCA you described, and or the Sylvania and raytheon one. I have no idea what the prices are for the ones you suggested. I f you could furnish me with some, that would be great.  I'm not sure about putting my e mail in here, don't know what protocols audiogon has in place. I have been chastised in other sites for doing  that. I Don't know the protocols, please let me know as I am interested in purchasing some from you. Thank you Robert TN   If a phone number or email is fine let me know.