12ax7 vs 5751

Forgot to mention the lesson I learned is in the future if I have any input or driver tubes go bad to have them checked out with any output tubes in the channel.

Yes, as a general observation, British tubes do deliver a warmer sound. There are makes of other nationalities that will also do the same. For a warmer sound, I like Amperex Bugle Boys (Netherlands). These tend to work reasonably well in all applications.

Yes Mcpherson, I found the Focals very bright and somewhat over analytical when I first bought them. In the store, I was dazzled by all that detail and transparency. Wouldn't you know, it I had auditioned them by letting the store choose the amplification and source, of course it was all tube! Well, I got them and I had a really nice Musical Fidelity SS integrated amp, and was I in for a surprise. It took a complete system overhaul, but I stuck with them tinkering until I got them to sound the way I knew they could. Now they astonish and delight me ever single time I hear them.
I disagree with those who think that any high caliber equipment, when well implemented, works with all speakers. The real trick BTW was the use of tube power amps, not just the tube pre. Together the all tube system is incredible. The quick fix is prolly using Mullard NOS/OS tubes and getting Cardas cabling. However, I almost guarantee that you will find tube power amplification to be the ultimate answer and I bet you will be deeply pleased with the result.

Mechans
What type amp/preamp are you using? I will probably trying to get the Thor amps to compliment the pre once the smoke clears from the preamp purchase. My wife is tolerant but not quite as excited about audio as I am!
I am gonna order a replacement tweeter and then start trying some different tubes and see what happens.
Thanks jayson

hi all,

the ge 5751`s turned up this morning! i gave them a good listen. very clear sounding as if the sound has been polished. very nice sounding bass, quite deep and punchy. there`s not a world of difference between these and the telefunkens. the soundstage is a bit shallower though. listening to dave gilmours guitar on the track "where we begin" is the best tone i`ve yet heard. tone wise these are the best of all the 12ax7 and 5751 tubes BUT i must admit i prefer the depth of the soundstage i get with the telefunkens so it`ll be those that will grace my amplifier from now on! they give me everything i`ve been looking for.

the treasure tubes still haven`t been delivered but they are in the country now. the delays are because of the big freeze thats happening in the united kingdmom and europe so i still have those to listen to yet and i will tube roll the 12ax7`s and 5751`s to see what works best.

i discovered an amazing recording last night too! k.t. tunstalls "eye to the telescope" cd is just about as holographic as you`re ever going to hear. the depth in the soundstage is mindblowing! if you want to show off how good your system images then try this cd, plus she has a dead sexy voice!