2. amps-preamps
  3. 160817-139109

Tubes most likely to improve SQ?

I have a newly purchased integrated tube amplifier.  The tubes consist of 2 x 12AU7, 2 x 12AX7, and 4 x EL34.  All of the stock tubes are chinese tubes labelled by the amp manufacturer..  They may not be, but look very much like Psvane 12AU7-T without the gold pins.

I have owned many excellent SS amps (Krell KSA-100, Parasound A23, Parasound A21, Classe AMP2 and a few others.). I bought this amp on a gamble and am surprised how amazingly good it sounds into my upgraded Tekton Electrons.   I have tried GE 5 Star 5814 in the place of the 12AU7 and was very impressed. Now I am considering a bit more tube rolling.

 Am I likely to get much change/improvement from changing the 12AX7 or the EL34?


chinook9
chinook9 OP
68 posts
 
Misspelled Willsenton in the previous post.
elliottbnewcombjr
5,310 posts
 
yes, for better or worse.

small tubes can make big differences, as well as the power tubes.

buy from sources that allow you to return/refund/try another brand.

I bought sylvania 6sl7's from Brent, high priced, great write up, however, I didn't like em. Brent had me break them 60 hours (just leave them on, no signal needed), then decide, still not as nice as original unmarked ones. picked ge tubes that cost half as much, I paid return shipping, he sent the ge's and gave me the balance as a refund.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Agree with the preamp tubes first but the thread should read "most likely to affect SQ"....whether it's better is up to your ears.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,208 posts
 
RAM EL34's are rich and smooth sounding.  Highly recommended.
knotscott
917 posts
 
Tubes will respond and sound different in different circuits, so YMMV. The best 12AU7 I’ve tried in my amps are the RCA clear tops. I’ve also been really happy substituting a 12BH7 for a 12AU7... love those.

Different el34s can sound quite different too. In my amp, the Electro-harmonix EL34s have wonderful clear mids and treble. The Nesstone EL34s have tighter bass. (since I’m bi-amping I can use both where I think they sound the best)
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