12au7 NOS Tung Sols are are terrific tubes. I'm using a pair in my amp.
Let us know how they work out.
Let us know how they work out.
Tube suggestions for hybrid integrated amp
I have a hybrid integrated that uses two 12au7/ECC82 tubes in its front end (this why I was considering at one time to try a Rogue hybrid integrated). I have tried (and still have) a variety of NOS tubes - RCA cleartops, Mullard CV 4003, Seimens, and Radiotechnique. My favorite by far are the Seimens by a wide margin. Tight, full, dynamic bottom end and a really nice, open top end. And mids to die for. I got them from Upscale (around $50 each at the time), but it looks like they are out of stock now. (I lIked the Seimens so much I bought a 2nd matched pair and glad I did). Brent Jesse has them (http://www.audiotubes.com/12au7.htm). I'm sure there are others that have them as well. |
Update: I've had the Tung-sol tubes in for a little over a week. The difference is more dramatic than I expected. Better separation of the instruments, warmer/smoother sound overall without loss of detail and a sumptuous low end (so much so that I'm considering searching for my foam inserts that go in the rear ports). Good digital recordings sound more analog to my ear and good LP's sound near-glorious. When I first bought the Rogue Sphinx hybrid I was disappointed that it didn't sound much "tubier" than my previous integrated (NAD C 326BEE) but now I have achieved that goal and am quite pleased. Thanks again to all who chimed in and especially to Andy at VTS. |