2. amps-preamps
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PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium preamp owners!

Please help me. Looking for new tubes. I read that it is difficult to beat the stock tubes, but I am willing to try. I am currently running a Pass XA-30.8 amplifier, Harbeth Super HL5+ speakers and an Esoteric K-07 as a source. I listen to rock, jazz, classical. Love female vocalists accompanied by the piano as well. I want to avoid anything that will accentuate high frequencies or anything that may cause harshness in the upper registers. All that being said, I was considering Amperex Medical 12AU7, Brimar CV4003, Cifte 12AU7 or Mullard cv4003. Or something else? Thank you in advance.
tswisla
saki70
907 posts
 

samzx12;

The Primaluna EL-34's are indeed a nice tube . I also have tried the KT-120's and found them to be good at the extremes but a little shy in the mids . I finally settled on some Black Treasure 6CA7's from Shuguang . Quite a nice tube after break-in . Warm , extended ,nice mids , detailed and musical . They go with the 7316's  nicely . This combination will give you the warmth that you seek .

Good Luck

mikirob
955 posts
 
Second Saki70. Love Black Treasure 6CA7’s, the Amperex Bugle Boy 12au7 and Sylvania 12ax7 or Sylvania 5751 3 Mica Blackplates. The RCA Clear Tops also good. This week I am putting up for sale these tubes. Great Nos on the Amperex, RCA, Sylvania since I sold my Primaluna this past week. Plus I have tested strong used same brands. Best, Rob
samzx12
1,232 posts
 
Saki do you think the Black Treasures are that impressive compared to the PL EL34? Stupid question but what is the difference between the EL34 and 6CA7?  Also not trying to hijack this thread but I think its on par with his original question or at least I hope so :)
samzx12
1,232 posts
 
I would be interested in the RCA Clear Tops. Amperex I'm not so sure because they are sky high and not sure if they are worth the money to be honest. Joe Tubes Lore wasn't a huge fan. However I'm sure they work well in some applications :)
mikirob
955 posts
 
I use Joe's Tube Lore as a touchstone; it is outstanding work by Joe and I agree with most of his listening experience. As always, room, rig, taste will determine what one settles on...the RCA Clear Tops in my Primaluna were very good, just not as good as Amperex in this case, but still a quality tube, better to my ears than Primaluna stock tubes. A good bargain NOS tube is Telefunken clone, labeled Ei, built in/on the same Telefunken machinery by Ei; also NOS not made any longer. I have those as well. NOS and used, but test as NOS. Best, Rob

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