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Tube selection

I am currently using Sovtek 12AX7WXT tubes in my preamp and CD player output stage. I like the full rich bass and midrange of the tubes but I feel the highs are lacking in air and frequency extension. I have tried the Mullard and Telefunken equivalents. The highs with respect to both of these tubes were superior to that of the Sovtek but the mids and bass of both tubes were much thinner than the Sovteks. Any suggestions with regards to any available tubes that combine the bass and mids of the Sovtek with the highs of the Mullard and Telefunken? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve
maxwell
kitch29
316 posts
 
Ouch, Albert! Even at warp speed, us over 50's could never pass a Klingon.
On the recommendation of Leafs, I bought Amperex 12ax7 from Andy at Vintage Tube Services. His choice for a little more top end than the Mullards or Telefunkens. They do sparkle a bit and don't give up anything in the bass. Very balanced.Steve, you should give them a try. Tested as lightly used, they were about $40 each and sound great.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,845 posts
 
Poulkirk: What properly designed amps do you recommend that cut it on music? I have been stumbling about at this hobby for 35 years and have not tripped over one yet that will not benefit from the the "right/specific" tube for the right application. My amp is so lame that I switch out the input tube 2 to 3 times a day, depending on my fancy.
fpeel
455 posts
 
Dekay, you leave me SO green with envy! Tubes AND Time! (Yes, it has its price, but still...)
poulkirk313e
16 posts
 
Dekay. We are based in Australia, so it is probably not practical to recommend our Tube Amp. I will be happy to email you some details on it in PDF format if you provide me with your email address. I can show you the basic Amplifier Circuit, No Component Values, a picture and the specs. Thereis also a little bit about it on our web page, www.elan.com.au.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,845 posts
 
Poulkirk: I am not a technical person, but thanks for the offer. I will however take a look at your website. I did not realize that you are a manufacturer and that we are talking about your own design and apologize for being a bit snide. Are you looking into representation in the states? Also, are you saying that different (or NOS tubes) do not change the sound of this amplifier? If so, then this has its pros and cons as although we all gripe about the cost of NOS tubes, I believe that most of us enjoy the flexibility that they offer as the sound can be tailored at ones whimsy (granted that one has the tubes to do so). There is however a very popular preamp (Audible Illusions) that can only accept a few brands of tubes as it runs them very hard and most will not survive very long in this circuit. This has not hindered the units sales as far as I know as it is a good sounding product as is. I don't give up very easily though and just picked up a pair of Siemems 7dj8's for a friend to use in his in place of Soviet 6922's in the hopes that it will give him a change of pace/sound.
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