Uber quiet tubes for C2300 pre

heck with guys at Audio Classics to see if they have done any experimenting.

The last time I bought anything upper crust from the 12AX7 family, in a Tele or Siemens, I got them from a seller in west Germany. He had his own website then, and I dealt with him a few times. Now he sells on eBay as 'audiotubes_de'. Very reliable and honest. He does have these listed currently:(http://cgi.ebay.com/2-NEW-NOS-Tubes-Siemens-Telefunken-ECC83-12AX7_W0QQitemZ160410679934QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVintage_Electronics_R2?hash=item255938ba7e) For a few years my tube compliment has consisted of Siemens CCa's(6), Tungsol 6SN7GT(RP-2) and Sylvania 6SN7W(tall bottles-2), so- I've not had occasion to hunt the 12AX7 woods for awhile. If you desire the clean sound you describe; stick with the early Tele and Siemens offerings(50's to early 60's). Happy listening!

You want to skip the 12AX7's altogather IMO (not that there aren't some quiet ones) but for REAL quiet and smooth, grainless, flat frequency response, you want matched triple-mica black plate 5751's, with the copper support rods and rectangular getters. My personal favorites (of that type) are the 50's and early 60's Sylvanias (~$200 - $250 a pair) or RCA's (~$150 - $200 a pair).

Some facts on subbing the 5751 for the 12AX7: (http://www.upscaleaudio.com/GE-5751_p_47.html) (http://thetubestore.com/gainfactor.html) NOTE: What is said about changing the sound of a guitar amp will also apply to an audio circuit. Bottom line: It will be a matter of taste.

Thanks Rodman...both of those links were helpful
Nsgarch...i will read up on the 5751. It looks like there is about 30% less gain with this tube--hence the quiet.

Pepe