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Tubes for the BAT VK5i

I just got a BAT VK-5i here on audiogon and I'm very impressed with the unit. I hat d the tubes tested, though and they're about done for. I'm looking for tubes that will accentuate bass and detail/resolution. I'm figuring that the preamp's medeocre bass response is due to the very old tubes (they test about 58 % of new--time to go!)

I know this is going to be a big deal, but I need some ideas--and I also need to know wh. Suggestions?

Thanks!
Roland
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toudou's avatar
toudou
84 posts
 
Roland, check out Kevin @ Upscale Audio, I can't think of a better supplier of tubes. Very helpful and knowledgeable, Kevin will tell you exactly what you need.
Happy listening.........
David
georgemg
69 posts
 
I changed to amperex 7308 white label, and tungsol 5881, I spent $600, but the result was fenomenal, a impressive change in qaulity of sound, sweet and a full bass., some time I tried a inexpensive jan phlips 6922, but the result was poor. You can see that almost all bat vk5i woners recomend amperex and tungsol, these tubes make another kind of preamlifier.
Good luck
mhu
102 posts
 
Agree with Georgmg, the Tungsol 5881 and Amperex tubes are the way to go for the Vk-5i. For the sdj8, I went with the Orange Globe logo mixed in with some A-frame of the same type. The Orange Globe logo's overall smooth characteristic, along with the better definition of the A-frame give a nice smooth, yet focused sound. I've gotten all my tubes from Brent Jessee's recording Studio in the past. Good luck and have fun.
grbaker
3 posts
 
I agree with both of the last posts! I have a BAT Vk-5i and swapped out the tubes for 5881 Tung Sol's and Sylvania Jan's- sound was tinny and sharp. I then bought Amperex Orange Globe 7308 and my system came to life. Incredible soundstage and improved highs and mids. I also added a Lite DAC 60 upgraded by Pacific Valve and swapped out the 6922's for a set of 7308 RCA's and the smoothness and sweetness improved even more. I am using a Sony XA-777es as transport. Best and Enjoy!
talon4
185 posts
 
Hello, When I owned a Bat vk5i, I was running early 1960's Amperex 7308 white label PQ USA and 1958 Tungsol 5881's. It had plenty of bass slam. It was also musical, clear and detailed. It soundstaged well too. I attribute the bass slam to the Tungsol 5881's that helmed the 170 joule power supply. The Tungsol 5881's brought as much improvement to the preamp as the Amperex 7308's. I bought my 5881's through Andy of Vintage Tube Services and I wouldn't be surprised if he still has a few matched sets left. Several years ago, the cost for my mirror matched pair of 1958 Tungsol 5881's was around $100. Good luck with it. Nice preamp! Stan
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