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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
 
Sorlowski,

I am currently using the Sovtek KT-66(about $50.00 per match pair at tubestore.com in which I have no affiliation whatsoever)that Mick recommended to one owner here which he shared on this thread a while ago. It needs to play at least 50 hours before it shows its real character. With the RC VT-231, Mullard 5AR4, and TFK 6922 plus Mullard M8080 on the phono, my preamp never sounded so good. At least to me of course but I am very impress how the tonal balance becomes so natural in my system with this tubes as regulator. I have compared it to Sylvania 6F6G's which I thought the "it" tube for me, Tungsol 5881, RCA 6L6GC Black Plates, GE 7581, and GEC KT-66 Brown Amphenol base(the only two I have left) and I like the Sovtek better.
Do not make any conclusion about this tube's ability until about 50 hours as I mentioned, after that it gets even better.

Of course, you can take my post with a grain of salt. I am just sharing my findings that's all.

regards,

Abe
ecclectique
509 posts
 
Sorlowski. The tung sol 5881 is too pricey only because it is a good sounding tube when used as an output tube in push/pull configured audio amp as well as being very popular with the guitar amp guys where it's in big demand. It's really not that great a tube in the supratek anyway and certainly not worth paying the current market price for. The lowly 6F6g as well as many others inexpensive nos types like the 6v6,6k6,6u6 sound as good if not better for the same cost of the currently manufactured 5881's or 6L6's. The chineese kt-66 reissue is a very good tube if you want new.
sorlowski
236 posts
 
Thanks for your answers, but what reissue of KT-66 or other tube would give me most warm, details and drive (if such combination of features is possible) ?
Which new replacement will get me closest to famous WE 350B performance ?
Are tubes from Chinese Valve Art (KT-66) or maybe Harmonics any good ?
fiddler
581 posts
 
Can anyone recommend a good, reliable source for Tung Sol 6SN7 "round plates". My '52 Syls are becoming microphonic and one is starting to spit quite a bit.
larryi
4,038 posts
 
Fiddler,

I don't have an email address, but go to Audioasylum.com and go to either the Tube or SET asylum and ping someone named Len. I purchased roundplates from him. He was very, very helpful about these tubes and alternatives, and the tubes he sent were as represented. Good person to deal with.
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