2. amps-preamps
  3. 167078-24

Tube Flavor

Whats the best way to get a true taste of different tubes?  Should I change all preamp and power tubes with the same manufacturer?  For instance, I think the best way to truly understand a certain cable companies flavor is to have an entire spool of the same cables, ie all Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Oval 8’s...

I feel like cables, tubes, even equipment each has its own flavor or house sound.  
So, now that Im going to swap some power tubes should I get a matching set of pre amp tubes too?  I feel like if I have 3 or 4 complete sets, i can get a feel for each and THEN start mixing and matching accordingly,

Anyways, this tube stuff is fun and it sounds so dang good to these ears that I wont go back if I can help it.
128x128b_limo
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
@jerryg123  We're all "boobs"? Is that really what you want to say about everyone here? Why choose to put things so derisively? What do you think that says about you, Sir?
sgreg1
612 posts
 
IMO I don't think matching brands through the system matter. I do think it it very important to match right and left in each stage of the process. This is not only matching brand but having each tube tested so they are within specs of each other. Most sellers will sell as matched pairs and show test results. I run two different brands in my preamp. NOS bad boys on the gain stage really opened the sound stage and compliment the factory tubes in output stage. Enjoy the journey and love the music.
jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 
@hilde45 says nothing about me I know I am a boob. Sorry if your delicate sensibilities were harmed but there is some real bad advice given here.Your recommendation was an acceptation. So I will validate your post with +1 @hilde45 really could care less what lonely old men think.
jond's avatar
jond
5,807 posts
 
@hilde45 great post.  It would be great if b_limo could chime back in with more details.
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
Tubes vary per unit.

Start by numbering or otherwise identifying each tube and 'roll' a pair at a time. For a small power amp w 2 different input and 2 power valves per channel there are 96 permutation. [2 x 2 x 24] With 2 same input tubes and 2 power tubes per channel, there are 576 permutations. [24 x 24]

Add in power line, humidity, temperature and CBLF vagaries...

IMO, rolling is an utter waste of time. One combination may favor one particular program to the detriment of another. 
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