Supratek Tubes and Tube Swappin' for Everybody

Not the conversation you wanted, but you might just focus on member bwhite's posts in the 'preamp deal of the century' thread. If I recall correctly bwhite was one of the eariler tube rollers and power cord rollers for the supratek preamps. I bet he's covered this topic in detail. And with regards to that thread, I can imagine any Supratek owner not printing out that thread and at least skimming through it (if not reading it completely!). Sure there is a wealth of knownledge about the supratek to be gained from there. You should be so fortunate.

My $0.02.

Here's mine (Chenin):

Rectifier - Mullard GZ34
Regulators - Sylvania 6F6G's
Phono = Mullard M8080 and Tele 6922 CCa
Linestage - RCA VT231 Gray Glass

I can also recommend the ff. with gusto for the linestage tubes

1. Tungsol VT231 Black Glass
2. Raytheon VT-231 Black Base
3. Sylvania 6SN7W short Bottle
4. Sylvania 6SN7GT VT-231

goodluck

Thanks Aroc! Also... Ecclectique & Fiddler have added a great deal of tube info too. Actually... LOTS of people have added great tube info to that thread. It's so rich with good information.

In my Cortese, I use:

Regulator: Western Electric 350B
Rectifier: Bendix 6106
Line: Mullard CV181 / ECC32 (kinda like a 6SN7 but doesn't always work in Syrah pre's - not the very best sounding tube, but quite close. I use mostly because it is awesome looking! :) Similar sound to the Tung Sol Round Plate...
Phono: Mullard E180F - Telefunken CCa

Best 6SN7 Tubes:
Tung Sol Round Plate (6SN7GT/VT231)
Ken Rad Black Glass *note three different sound types
> Marked NAVY - these are the most open sounding
> Marked VT231 - These are the most "neutral"
> Marked 6SN7GT (no other markings) these are "dark"
* in general the Black Glass Ken Rad is the most romantic, richest sounding tube in this preamp. The three "grades" mentioned above are all within the romantic spectrum.
Raytheon VT231
Sylvania 6SN7W Metal Base

No doubt the best rectifier is a WELL BROKEN IN Bendix 6106. This rectifer sounds terrible when new - weird. I don't know how long it takes to start sounding good but I am guessing many. Be patient, it will get good. For those who had tried and gave up, keep on trying. Let that sucker bake! To break in, I disconnected my line stage from the power supply - plugged in some cheap regulator tubes and let the powersupply run.. day and night for a week or more.

The Mullard rectifiers (GZ34, GZ37, GZ33, GZ32) are popular but warmer, less impact, more muddy sounding tubes (sorry).

Various 5V4G tubes produce a broad range of neat sounds. Fun to try because most are cheap.

Regulators.

350B is the best - hands down.
6F6G is reported to be good (i've never used)
Sylvania 5932 (three types)
> Dual Black Plate - nice sounding tubes
> Gray Plate with holes
> Gray Plate no holes (super neutral sounding to the point of boredom but man.. these make the preamp sound tonally accurate)
KT66 MO Valve (GEC,Genalex,etc) Nice sweet sound.. Involving but these have to be used with a Mullard rectifier.
Tung Sol 5881 a good starter tube but you will quickly outgrow it.

Thanks for the excellent info Brian!

Bwhite,
great comprehensive post !
Is Bendix 6106 better then Philips Miniwatt GZ34 (which I'm using) for Chenin ?
For short time I had WE350B I had impression that sound was too worm, I have warm monoblocks, so what is the best way to have a little more highs (what tubes) without sacrificing anything.
I'm using Ken Rad Black Glass VT231,Philips Miniwatt GZ34 (rest is stock).