2. analog
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newbs about tubes

Hello,

I've finally saved up and set up my entry level analog system. I settled on a jolida 202a for an integrated amp. It came with tubes and sounds great. I just have a couple questions if anyone can help me out:

1. The main tubes are EL34s What are some good tubes for this amp and where can I find them.

2. I need to get better RCA cords, what are some cords (not too crazy priced)

3. I'm going to pick up a voltmeter this weekend to bias the tubes. What is this I keep hearing about "rolling" tubes, is this the same for biasing?

thanks!

david
hushdavid
8 responses Add your response
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
rolling tubes just means to swap tubes for another brand to enjoy the different sound they may offer

try DIY cords from VenHaus, I paid about $60 each for mine and realized a huge upgrade
polk432
1,142 posts
 
Ruby makes great sounding tubes. I use them in my Cary V12R amp. They can be purchased from Cary Audio, or from ruby tubes.
hushdavid OP
6 posts
 
thanks for the tips. one follow up question. Is it a problem to keep the amp on extended periods of time?
jaiello
50 posts
 
Tubes have a finite life. If you leave them on all the time you risk shortening the life of the tubes while not listening to music. On cheap tubes like the ones in your preamp, maybe. On expensive tubes like the ones in an amo, maybe not.
jaiello
50 posts
 
Tubes have a finite life. If you leave them on all the time you risk shortening the life of the tubes while not listening to music. On cheap tubes like the ones in your preamp, maybe. On expensive tubes like the ones in an amp, maybe not.
grimace
624 posts
 
I have a Jolida JD100 cd player. I had my wife call Upscale Audio(I asked for tubes for Christmas but had to tell her where to get them)and they made a great recomendation. She came back with a pair of NOS Phillips that were a huge improvement. If you want to roll tubes that might be a good way to go.

Of course then I started vinyl so now the Jolida collects a lot of dust, but the tubes really were great.
jhold
116 posts
 
For EL-34s, try SED "Winged C."

For tested tubes and honest service, try Jim McShane:

http://pages.prodigy.net/jimmcshane/tubes.htm

Send Jim an e-mail with the question you've posted here. He might have a better suggestion than mine. He gives straightforward, no-nonsense advice.
hushdavid OP
6 posts
 
thanks all,

you've been great.
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