2. amps-preamps
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tube character with pre-amp

As a new and excited tube pre-amp owner I wonder if a few can give ideas of tubes that can one day be explored in my Sonic Frontiers, I know little to nothing of what tubes have what sonic character so I am asking for opinions, I will say I am sorry if this has been hashed out to death here. I may also want to add that I am using Innersound Eros Electrostat Hybrids and like the sound, at increased levels the highs can start to fatigue although I am not sure if this is blamed by my Rotel Pre, my room or both and then some.....thanks
chadnliz
chadnliz OP
3,736 posts
 
thanks, just getting my feet wet, not sure when or if I will try new tubes, just wanted info for thought if I do
tripper
223 posts
 
The SFL1 takes one 12AT7 tube.
dacostab
84 posts
 
Check out audioasylum.com
chadnliz OP
3,736 posts
 
Thanks all
atjandra888
18 posts
 
Hi,
I use SFL-2, but never know anything about SFL-1 or other pre. Recently, I have a luxury to audition some of NOS tube (resonably priced) with my SFL-2 and found:
1. Siemens CCa - very musical, might be a bit "thin" (compare to others) in some system, best resolution. But with problem of microphonics (I have tried 3 pair from different sellers, all came out microphonics, I don't know why)
2. Amperex USN-CEP (white labeled) - warm, focus, less musical than CCa.
3. Amperex 6922 PQ (green labeled) - similar to USN-CEP.
4. Philips Miniwatts SQ - a bit less great than Amperex, but a bit better bass.
5. Mullard CV 2493 - quite similar to Philips SQ.

All have good soundstage, the differences are not very noticeable to me (or I could not describe them in detail), but they are all very good tubes. If your system is a bit dull, CCa is great. Others may add some warmness in your system. Amperex is generally more balance in LF, HF, and Mid. But I am a new-tuber, so these are just my opinion.
Thanks
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