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Supratek Tubes and Tube Swappin' for Everybody

I will have a Supratek Chenin in my set up in a day or so. Since so many folks are rolling tubes around here I was hoping to garner a comprehensive list of everybodies favorite tube compliments. Be it NOS or NIB or WLATB (Whatever's layin around the basement)
Being that the "Deal of the Century" thread is a little more like a novel I figured this would be a good place to post questions and answers related to one subject of Supratek amps and pres.
On to the subject of me. I don't have immediate plans to swap tubes as I've figured that Mr. Maloney would supply us with something listenable for the break in period. But, since so many have reported such dramatic improvments I want to ask this question:
What is your favorite compliment for quietest gain and dynamics in the phono stage?
I will be using the Chenin exclusively for vinyl ( I don't have a CD player) and listen to loads of early rock and roll and Jazz bands, smaller jazz bands mostly, quartets and quintets. Some classical, the usual Beethoven and Mozart, but usually just a lot of loud garage rock.
Ok, now lets see what happens.
mc5baby
amandarae
512 posts
 
I confirm the problem with the 6106 regulator when use for the Chenin. There is no problem on CD source. In fact you can crank up the volume to the max (no music playing) and you will not hear any hum at all or tube rush sound. Not for the phono section though! With the 6106 as a rectifier, using the same test method, there is a loud "chugging" sound when the volume pot reached about two O'clock.

So for the Chardonnay, the 6106 will work without problem since the one that is affected is the phono section.

I was using 6F6G on my Chenin. But I am now enjoying a GE 7518 as regulators. It adds a little "muscle" to the already superb phono section (not that I am complaining!). I like the RCA 6L6GC'a also.

It seems to me, after reading a lot of comments and experiences about regulators and rectifiers, that the Syrah, Chenin, Chardonnay and the other preamps have a different voltage requirements. I think as far as the tube rolling issue is concern, the only tube that is "universally acceptable" based on others experienced to everybody is the 6SN7's for the Suprateks. The others vary and should be specific to each model only.

I think....
jazzdude
332 posts
 
Amandarae - Are you sure that you are using the 7518 or is it the 7581? The 7518 only has a 2.5v heater and if that is what you are using you might want to get the fire extinguisher handy. You are right about different voltage requirements but the difference is mainly between the linestage only versions and the full-blown preamp with phonostage. SupraTek owners with the phonostages will have higher current requirements that will restrict the use of some of the lesser rectifiers and pentodes.

Anyone who has a phonestage in their SupraTek preamp might want to check with Mick before rolling power-suppply tubes.
amandarae
512 posts
 
Jazzdude,

My mistake! It is a 7581 (GE with pink base). I made a typo on my post.

".... linestage only versions and the full-blown preamp with phonostage. SupraTek owners with the phonostages will have higher current requirements that will restrict the use of some of the lesser rectifiers and pentodes...."

Exactly! This is the main reason why in the phono stage, the "chugging" sound was produced since the 6106 is basically a 5Y3GT isn't it?

regards
whoopadeedoo
50 posts
 
Yes, the 6106 is essentially a 5Y3.
sonicnirvana
20 posts
 
I'll be a little while before using these, as my Sauvignon is brand new (today!), but for what it's worth Mick sent me these NOS tubes to play with:
6SN7GTA Australian-made by AWV "Super Radiotron". Black base.
Italian Fivre 6F6GT NOS tubes. Black base.
As soon as I get a chance I'll post some observations as I haven't seen these mentioned, nor have I seen these at any NOS tube dealers.
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