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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.
128x128rvpiano
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,488 posts
 
lowerider57,

You’re absolutely right,  As I mentioned, the tests were only preliminary.
I haven’t given the Amperex enough time yet to burn in yet.
Im going to leave them in for a while to give a more thorough evaluation.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,488 posts
 
Thanks to all of you that gave advice about NOS tubes.
They make a HUGE  difference in the sound of my set.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
See how your Belles sounds now .
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,488 posts
 
I sold the Belles. They were definitely not compatible and were not powerful enough to drive my system.
The NuForce are much stronger, and they sound fabulous.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,488 posts
 
Grammar Correction: The Belles amp WAS not........
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