I poped the top on my preamp and noticed that every tube was different. The preamp uses 12ax7 for the phono, 12au7 & 12ax7 for the line stage. Every tube was of a different make. Which brings up the question, is it important to match tubes in a preamp?
I have a CAT Ultimate that uses a 6922 for each channel (of the line and phono stages) and a third 6922 as cathode follower in each stage. Does the third tube contribute much to the sound? Can I get away with matched pairs of nos tubes and leave the Sovtek 6922 in the cathode follower position?
In my experience the cathode follower contributes the least to sound quality. Try it and see, you can't do any harm - it may well work and save you money.
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