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Question for tube aficionados

I have a vintage Conrad-Johnson PV 11 preamp.
 I’ve always re-tubed it  with the cheapest tubes from Tube Depot (e.g. Electro-Harmonix 12AU7 and 12AX7, Sovtek 5751 and the like.). I’ve been very happy with the sound.
 My question is:
 Would it be worthwhile to spend more money on more exotic tubes?
  Would there be any appreciable difference in the sound?
 I’m powering the system with NuForce Reference 9 V3 monoblocks.
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schubert
7,386 posts
 
For Classical music I use 5814 and 5751 for 12Ax7 subs .
IMO opinion RCA cleartops are too bright on strings , maybe OK
in warm pre  but 5814 are always more musical to my hears .
rvpiano's avatar
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rvpiano OP
2,669 posts
 
Schubert,

Are you saying that 5814 can be used as a substitute for 12AU7?
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atmasphere
11,861 posts
 
What I can add is the best 12AU7 are 7316.
And the best of these are the Amperex Bugle Boys...

A lot of 5814s around- be careful- many are not as good as even the Chinese 12AU7s (which are really fairly competent).
1markr
594 posts
 
The 5814s and 7316s are better grade 12AU7s.

I go back and forth with the fantastic Amperex 7316s, and the equally fun CBS 5814As. These are my faves.
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rvpiano OP
2,669 posts
 
Thanks for the info.  If the RCA’s don’t work out, I’ll return them and try 5814’s
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