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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
 
Larry,
Mick told me that the Tung Sols are an improvement but not worth the expense. I have no idea what you paid but from my recollection they are a fairly expensive tube and I would have needed 4 of them. More importantly however, the 5881 is a much better output tube in a push pull circuit than it is as a regulator.

The Westinghouse 6F6GT in concert with the 1957 Philips metal base GZ37 (I changed all at the same time) increased the dynamics appreciably. The transients are also much quicker and detailed. IMO, an upgraded rectifier has a bigger impact than upgraded regulators in my Grange.

I just had the Hexfred diodes installed as well as an adjustable filament voltage switch. This will enable use of three different output tubes PX/4 (2.5V), 45 (4.0V), and 300B (5.0V). I have a pair of Emission Labs 45 mesh that I'll be playing with this weekend.
ecclectique
509 posts
 
Hi Mustang. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the EL 45 compared to the PX4 and the 300b.The 45 is one amazing tube when used as an output in a single ended circuit. Larry, my take on the value of the Tungsol 5881 mirrors Mustang's to a T. The guitar guy's love them,and the demand has driven up their market value significantly in recent years.The 6F6G/vt-66 family of tubes is still relatively inexpensive by comparison.The money saved would be a far better value invested in a great nos rectifier.
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Ecclectique,
Well it will be a busy weekend. I purchased a pair of Sophia 45 Mesh Plate last week and a friend of mine is letting me borrow the EL 45 which he intends to sell. So I have a new pair of Sophias that have never been fired up for sale. Then to complicate matters the same friend found a pair of vintage WE300B that I jumped at immediately. I'll leave you a note in a few weeks.
cello
645 posts
 
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David / Wc65mustang,
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Thanks for the advice on the 5881's. I already bought a pair, but will pick up a quad of Westinghouse 6F6GT's. Would Tube World be a good place to get them ?
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Wc65mustang, Are you having any microphonic issues with your Grange ?
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Thanks & Rgds,
Larry
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wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Hi Larry,
I bought my GT's from Brendan at Tube World. I've dealt with most tube vendors and I find that his selection and quality is unparalleled. He's not always the lowest priced but he stands behind the sale which to me is important when you're dealing with 40-60 year old products.
My Grange is microphonic but I wouldn't call it a "problem". There are a number of means to isolate and/or remove surrounding vibration without spending a ton of money and most importantly violating the doctrine of matrimonial harmony. :-)))
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