2. amps-preamps
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Which Preamp Tube is most consequential: Input or Gain

I've just gotten a pair of 1950s Tung-Sols for my Schiit Freya to replace two of the stock Russian NOS 6SN7. I will try them in both positions, but is there a typical position of more impact in terms of rolling preamp tubes in the input vs. gain positions? Thanks for any experience you'd like to share.
peterf6
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
Place your best tubes on the right hand side forward and rear

Why would you install the new tubes in the right channel gain and cathode follower?
The new tubes go in L and R channel, either front or back.
Front would be the gain stage, unless Freya has an odd design.



peterf6 OP
103 posts
 
Thanks, @lowrider57 , the Freya has two tubes per channel. Forward and rear are L/R channels; while the two left tubes are Input and two rights are Cathode follower. So I've been changing the two inputs or the two outputs to keep the channels the same.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,149 posts
 
The input tubes are always the place to start.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
@peterf6 , ok thanks for your comments. That’s a different layout than preamps I’ve owned. Typically, tube circuit is L R in front. 
And of course, Ralph (atmasphere) is correct.


peterf6 OP
103 posts
 
@atmasphere and @lowrider57 Thanks for that. I know zilch about preamp design despite having tube gear for 40+ years. Isn't the input side a balancing and follower for gain? Why is the input the place to start? I'm seeing it play out in my roll, but curious...
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