Tube Rolling questions from a recent addict:

As  noromance commented, and I will add to, tubes, like cabling, IMHO should not be looked at as a "fix", but rather, a fine tune, tone control (especially with signal tubes). They are the finishing touch to a well composed kit. 

Thanks for everyone’s responses - I appreciate your feedback and guidance!

 

I found Brent Jessie’s site and Joe’s Tube Lore very informative, and Andy Bowman’s Vintage Tube Services site looks fascinating. I've been hanging out at Upscale Audio's website a lot too (they recently changed the format of the site and I prefer the old version).

 

Looks like the consensus here is that the preamp tubes tend to have a bigger effect on sound quality than the output tubes (generally). Popular opinion on the ‘net seems to agree. I like newbee’s suggestion of “start with power tubes and then fine tune the tone by changing small tubes”.

 

>> One follow-up question: <<

 

• When breaking-in tubes, does a musical signal need to be playing through them in order to break them in? Or is simply having the amp powered on enough to break them in?

 

Mostly due to crappy room acoustics, my current system tends to be lean in the bass/mid-bass region, and is easily excitable in the mid-highs and highs. I’m learning that I kind of enjoy that classic “tubey” euphonic sound – warm, rich, lush harmonics, slightly full bass, extended but smooth highs, etc. I was reading about the classic Mullard NOS sound as being that way, and the reviewer described it as having a “tweedy harmonic overdrive”. Fascinating how that makes sense to me.

To think of all the time I've spent listening to solid state, even good solid state, and have been missing out on what it turns out I actually prefer in tube sound.

 

Thanks again for everyone’s 2 cents!

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Re your sonic preferences, perhaps a new production  power tube to consider would be the Tung-Sol 6550. It has a little extra bass tone. I use them in one of my Primaluna amps, and a Cayin Amp, quite happily.  The new production Genalex Gold Lion KT-88's get high(er) marks but are a bit more expensive. Deal sells both and has recommended both so you might contact him - he is well acquainted with your amp and could easily advise you what they might sound like in your unit. He used to sell that as well. 

Re break-in. Don't get too anal about that. Start listening right out of the box, just don't make any judgments re what they will sound like after 24 hours of play time. They will change. Often the sound of power tubes will be dark initially but they will open up considerably and continue for some time. LOL, I recently tried some popular tubes that sounded 'great' out of the box and 24 hours later  they were way too bright for my tender ears. Enjoy hearing the changes, its part of the 'learning' experience.

If you go the KT88 route I'd suggest considering Black Treasure KT88s, IMHO they are a step up over the Gold Lion's - have had both in my Ayon Spirit 2. BTs to my ears have more authority and richer sound

Congrats on the purchase, been there done that twice!  She is looker with all those tubes glowing and wanted very hard to make it work.  I had an F1 version and a regular version and no matter what NOS tubes I put into them, I could never achieve your desired sound.  Too modern sounding for my tastes and maybe yours.

I too love the that classic “tubey” euphonic sound – warm, rich, lush harmonics, slightly full bass, extended but smooth highs, etc.  I moved on to Quad IIs and Mac 30s which give me that tubey, euphoric sound in spades.

Maybe a change in speakers will get you closer to the sound you want if you are determined to keep the SLI-80.  Also adding a sub can cure the bottom end issues.  Since it's an integrated, you can take to the store and demo until you find a match.

Enjoy the ride!