Preamp Deal of the Century

Hi Guys,

My Syrah is working pretty well but I have yet to find the perfect combination of tubes to maximize its potential. This thread is so time consuming and I'm so lazy! Has anyone compiled a list of tube compliments that are proven to work well together? I'm talking about complete nine tube compliments. It would sure be helpful.

Also, has anyone experimented with tube shields in an attempt to lower the noise floor? I don't find the amount of tube/circuitry noise to be a problem since my speakers are reasonably inefficient but I would think it would be annoying with some speakers. The 6SN7's seem to be very prone to noise issues and I'm wondering if all the tubes are perhaps picking up noise from each other.

Hello Lugnut,

Good to hear from you. Here is my favorite tube compliment in my Syrah.

Tung Sol 6sn7 Round Plates
Rogers 6f6g's or Genelex KT66's
Amperex 5842's
Mullard 6GK5's
Bendix Redbank 6106 or Tung Sol 5Y3's

The 6f6g's have a more dynamic sound, the KT66's have a more laid back sound with a fatter bass (good for the Jazz I like).

Hope this helps.

Lugnut - the preferred tube compliment will vary with your tastes. I don't recall ever noticing a recurring full tube compliment. There are definately some individual tube positions where some consensus has developed. Why don't you give us an idea what kind of sound you are looking for.

Try Hal-O tube dampers if you have issues with microphonic tubes.

Thanks Slowhand. That's exactly what I need. Jazzdude, I don't have issues with microphonics. What I notice is that very quiet 6SN7's are difficult to find. There is a background noise that is circuit noise. I'm guessing that since the tubes are so close to each other that they may be picking up noise from each other. I was wondering if anyone has placed a temporary grounded shield around each tube to lower the noise floor. No need for me to try this if others already have. Again, it's not that noisy and I'm not disappointed. Can't blame me for wanting it to be totally silent.

Hello Patrick,

Congrats on your Syrah! My recommendations for rectifiers and regulators are as follows:

Mullard Metal Base Gz34 - by far, the best in my set up. Followed closely by the regular black base variety. In my Chenin, the 6106 produces a "chugging" sound on the phono section, so I cannot use them. One good bargain is the Mullard "Dynaco" branded GZ34 you can find at Ebay often. Also, the IEC Brand but Holland made GZ34's are great.

The 6F6G's(I have Sylvania's) are good in mine as regulators. But I am currently using the Sovtek 6L6GC's that Mick recommends. Very cheap but very nice in my system. I bought it as a match pair (within 2%) for $50 plus shipping. I noticed a little "thinness" on the phono section with the 6F6G's but does not have it with the Sovtek. In my set up only of course.

As for the phono, your preamp and mine uses different type of tubes so I hope some Syrah owners can share their experiences with you. Oh, one more thing, I have the PSU and the Preamp on Audiopoints (the smaller version)and I really like the results. As if more clarity and definition (but does not upset the weight)had been added to the presentation. I think it has something to do with "channeling" the vibrations from tubes away from the platform. Maybe you will like it. Just aks Tom (TWL)about the points. He works for the manufacturer in which I am not affiliated to by any means.

Happy 4th!

Abe