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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
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
You might think twice before fooling around with the 5881. I emailed Mick about tube rolling for my Grange and this is the reply:

"The best thing to change is the ECC88- it makes a real difference. People have changed the 5881's and 5AR4 but what that does is change the operating characteristics. It negates all the work I've done in setting them up, but we all hear differently and some people seem to like the (slightly)different sound. Or maybe they need to justify the cost of these expensive tubes.
My advice is to buy CD's, records and enjoy the bloody thing! Every time you feel like spending momey on it, put the money in the bank- in a couple year or so i will possibly have an upgraded design (design is where the real benefits come from) and you will be able to afford an upgrade trip".

That being said I just picked up a pair of 1960's Siemens Cca to replace the ECC88; I should have them by the weekend.
jazzdude
332 posts
 
Wc65mustang - Mick's comments have a lot of merit. Esp about the different rectifier/regulator combo really only serving to change the operating points on the signal tubes. I still recommend rolling all the tubes, but I would use some auditory/budgetary discretion along with a clear plan of action. I suggest rolling the rectifier first, regulator second, and signal tubes last.
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
>>Mick's comments have a lot of merit.<<
Do you think? I'm sure he'll be glad to hear you approve. I would suspect the designer has a better idea than any of us as to what works and what doesn't.
raytheprinter's avatar
raytheprinter
1,234 posts
 
Ecclectique,thanks for the info!I think im getting over my somewhat irrational fear that the worlds supply of good NOS tubes is going to dry up before i can aquire a lifetime supply for my Chardonney,,,,
ecclectique
509 posts
 
WcMustang. Yes sir. We are more than certain Mick knows what works and what doesn't. However.... A new production 5ar4 is electrically the equivalent of: you quessed it... An old nos gz34/5ar4 and the sovtek 5881 is the electrical equivalent of a nos 5881/6L6 as well as many other substitutions in the regulator position. That's why they call it tube rolling sir. Pick your poison sir.
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