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Thinking about a tube roll to Brimar or Telefunken

I am presently happy with the performance of my Aesthetix Calypso and Rhea. But, I'm wondering if there is anything else out there (that I'm missing). Presently the pre is running the stock 12AX7WB and 6922 Sovtek. The phono pre is running 12ax7LP,12AX7WB, 12AX7WB, and 6922 Sovtek for the respective gain stages. My question is this. Does anyone have a little experience/advise on a tube roll to improve what I already have going for me. Understand what I'm not trying to do is attenuate a particular problem, these pre's have none IMHO. Just looking for an overall improvement, if there is such a thing. What about Telefunken smooth plates NOS or Brimar long plates CV4004? I have seen threads on Aesthetix Callisto and Io tube rolls but don’t know if the logic is transferable. Thanks for any and all help as always!
128x128r_f_sayles
r_f_sayles's avatar
r_f_sayles OP
872 posts
 
sirspeedy70680@earthlink.net, Thank you for the detailed review. Sounds like you two had a great time and have found the magic for your ARC pre's.
As things are shaping up for me, sticking with Albert's recommendations based on his long time Aesthetix background is caring a lot of weight on my choosing.
As most everyone is pointing out, this thing is very system specific and one has to do some careful listening to be sure. Telefunkens for my system appear to be a sound place to start. Enjoy!
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
R F Sayles,I was not trying to be dismissive of anyone's advice,especially a well heeled hobbyist like Albert Porter.All I was trying to do was add some thoughts as to the process my friend,and I experienced.Yes,it was really great fun.More fun for me,since my pre/phonostage is on my top shelf,with really easy access.

I did not mention,and this could kill any of the credibility of our findings,to some hobbyists,that we did,CONSISTENTLY,enjoy a couple of bottles of fine wines(shared with the usual audio group,present)during ALL our comparisons!!Funny thing!My system seemed to sound SO much better,while "Slightly Tipsy"!Boy,this hobby can be fun sometimes!

Best wishes!!
r_f_sayles's avatar
r_f_sayles OP
872 posts
 
sirspeedy70680@earthlink.net, No, no, no problem, my apologies. I did not mean to infer in any way a criticism of the information you were sharing. I do appreciate your viewpoint and was just making comment that Albert's suggestion to start with Tele's was spot on IMHO given we both have Aesthetix gear, etc. I am in agreement with both Albert and yourself that Joe S has very good and thorough information to share. It's also cool to find out from Albert that he and Joe S are friends and like friends, agree on some things and not on others. What a small world. And fine wine is always... well, Fine! Thanks again
nkj
130 posts
 
Albert,

In your post above you comment on the Aesthetix gear ( I presume the IO and Callisto) not responding well to the RCA 5692. Did I miss something? There was a informative thread by you some time ago ... praising the RCA red base 5692. Have you found something better?....Thanks

Nkj
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Sorry, my error. I meant to say RCA 5751 and my fingers automatically typed 5692 (one of my favorite tubes !)

Good catch !
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