Tube Basics 101: What is a rectifier tube for?

Hello Mr N- While it is certainly true that everyones' aural accuity, and system resolutions vary; tubes in circuit make a dramatic difference, and one must be nearly deaf to miss their impact. Since you mentioned the 6SN7 family, I'll start there, as the driver will have an effect on ALL your inputs. This tube: (http://cgi.ebay.com/2-MATCHED-Sylvania-BAD-BOY-VT-231-6SN7-GT-6SN7GT-Tubes-/300532799867?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item45f926997b) is an excellent performer, that won't break the bank(like my faves; the TungSol round plates, and Sylvania 6SN7W, tall bottles). They are easy to find(right now anyway). Whatever you buy; be certain the triodes are balanced, and the pair also(if more than one is used in that stage). When you replace the phono tubes; once more, balance is important, but also- get CERTIFIED LOW NOISE tubes, as the gain there is much higher, and any noise will be amplified(http://www.upscaleaudio.com/testing-signal-tubes). After you've gotten accustomed to the new flavor of your system; find a NOS Mullard(Blackburn Plant) GZ34(http://www.tubeworld.com/5ar4.htm), and enjoy! OH, BTW: The Mullard rectifier will probably outlast you, and your preamp. Here is a site that will give you an idea of what presentation to expect from some of the difference NOS tubes in the 6SN7 family. I've tried all the top contenders listed, and can vouch for the veracity of the opinions given(http://www.avclub.gr/forum/archive/index.php/t-4376.html).

While it is certainly true that everyones' aural accuity, and system resolutions vary; tubes in circuit make a dramatic difference, and one must be nearly deaf to miss their impact.

Well, again, I am pretty new to tubes, so I cant say that that couldn't be the case.

When you replace the phono tubes; once more, balance is important, but also- get CERTIFIED LOW NOISE tubes, as the gain there is much higher, and any noise will be amplified

But my preamp has only one driver tube in the phono - a single 12ax7, so I dont know how to take what you are saying. Match it to what? Should it be matched to the 12au7 follower?

And thanks for the specific recommendations. Will definitely consider some of these. Hoping for more recommendations as well.

On a side note, others have told me the new stock Shuguang Black Treasure 6SN7/CV181-Z are good tubes to use. This is not to bring up the NOS vs current stock debate. But I wouldnt mind having one or 2 recommendations from both (NOS and current options) for each of the tubes in my circuit.

I based my comment on what you said about having a 12AX7 and 12AU7 in the phono circuit. Both are, "dual triode" tubes, and(as you have one each for both channels), if the two triodes(WITHIN EACH TUBE) are not balanced, neither will the sound be, from that stage of your system. Of course: that will bother some, more than others. Did you look at the Upscale Audio page, on grading tubes? The better the grade, the closer the triode balance(from most sellers). Personally- I've never heard a Chinese tube that I wanted to listen to again. But- who am I to say what's right in someone else's listening room? Happy listening!

Just went through this situtation myself! Brent jessee helped a great deal! Up graded to siemans 12at7 tubes from rca's- huge improvement! Than upgraded rec.and what it did was increase presence,depth,sound stage and gave a punch to the low end!it has to do with current.so the rec. Is an important part as to providing higher current to the pre. I liken it to the right pre and amp combination. Each sys is going to react diff.its trial and error.try diff. Rec. And see which one you like the best!this (to me )
falls into
More or less tweeking your sys. Assumeing pre,amp,and speakers work well together.brent explaint it better, but it still comes down to "what you like
I went thru 6 diff. Amps,7 pre's and 15 pair of speakers untill I hit on the present combo. And it was worth it!!the tubes power and rec. (Fine tuned) the sys. To exactly what I was looking (or listening for).Brent jessee was a great help, can't recommend him highly enough!

I have question , will a rectifier tube affect the volume ? The left channel of my tube amp sounds a bit louder than the right channel , i was hoping that a rectifier could even out the sound in both channels , i have swap  the 6SN7, as well as the 2A3 tubes , the result is the same , any thoughts ? , i have bought a new and expensive volume potentiometer (100 K)to replace the one it has (50 K ),  will solve this issue ? , many thanks !!!