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Need advice on Unico 12AU7 tube rolling

Dear all,

I am using a Unico CD Player which uses 2 X 12AU7 (ECC82/5814) tubes. Somehow the stock tubes seem to be quite dull and lifeless. I wanted to try changing the tubes. I prefer to have more detailed sound with more clarity. Can anyone please advise on :

- What type of tubes can I try to get more lively and detailed sound ?

- Also, how can I change the tubes in Unico CD player (any procedure to follow ?). I am totally new to tubes.

- Can I get some links to where I can find some beginner info/guidance on tube rolling ?

I will highly appreciate any experiences with tube rolling with any Unico Amp/Pre or CD since most of the Unico products are using the same ECC82 tubes.

Kindly advise.

Thanks in advance.
wilfredt
mlsstl
1,437 posts
 
Don't have one brand for you to try, but these tubes are not expensive in the world of high end audio. Check a place like Triode Electronics in Chicago (great source for tubes & related parts.) For about $200 you could buy a pair of every 12AU7 they offer (8 pair).

To replace tubes, just turn the equipment off and give it 10 or 15 minutes for the tubes to cool completely. Pull the old tubes out of their sockets (gently with not too much rocking) and then insert the replacement. The tubes can only be inserted in one orientation, so look carefully at the alignment. Replace the cover, fire things up and listen!
wilfredt OP
36 posts
 
Thank you very much. I checked the website of Triode Electronics and their prices seem to be very reasonable.

Also what is the difference between NOS and New tubes ? Apparently NOS seem to be more expensive - hence the quality is much better with NOS tubes ?

In NOS which brands/makes are normally popular ? I hear lot of names Philips, Siemens, Mullard, Sylvania, RCA, etc from Britain, USA, Russia, etc.
rbrowne
175 posts
 
When I owned a Unico the tubes I liked the best were Telefunken. Radiotechnique might work for you. The addition of Herbie's HAL-O tube dampers made them more refined and focused and is recommended.

Check out this Search link on AudioAsylum.com for posts regarding the Unico and tubes: http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/search.mpl?forum=tubes&searchtext=unico

Good luck.
rbrowne
175 posts
 
Sorry, but I overlooked an important detail of your question. I thought you were referring to the Unico integrated amp, not the CD player of which I unfortunately have no experience. The information I posted may or may not apply to the CD player. In an Audio Note CD2 CD player my favorite tube is the Amperex 7316 although both the Telefunkens and Radiotechniques are also good choices. Perhaps a Unico CD player owner will weigh in with a more informed recommendation.
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