2. amps-preamps
  3. 149541-88714

Let's roll: what pre-amp tubes should I consider next?

I am looking for some guidance from experienced vacuum tube amp users. I have a Unison Research S6 (most recent model) which runs six x EL34 power tubes and two x 12AX7 pre-amp tubes.

Having gone NOS in the pre-amp section, I've had great results over the new manufacture Tung Sol 12AX7s that come stock with this integrated. The tubes I've played with are the Philips Miniwatt 12AX7s and the Siemens 12AX7s. I like what both have to offer, but there are differences. The Miniwatts being warmer and contributing to an overall more subtle listening experience whereas the Siemens are more precise, producing a sound that has attack, excitement and thrill in abundance. However, I find the latter can be a bit too much in the upper mid/lower treble region some times. Is there another new manufacture (thinking Psvane?) or NOS (Brimar, Mullard, Mazda) that would give me the best of both worlds? Good tone and timbre while maintaining a sense of involvement through speed and attack?

What are your recommendations?

funcrusha


funcrusha
timo62
281 posts
 
12AX7 Mullard Longplate Halo Getter from Brent Jessie


Groove Tubes for your EL34s, if you are considering trying different power tubes.
tuberist
951 posts
 
new production Gold Lions are pretty impressive. I'm using the 12AU7's in my rig. top to bottom clarity, extension and speed.

missioncoonery
1,233 posts
 
Brent Jessie tubes are priced about 3 times what the market really is...only a fool would pay his prices,IMO
rodman99999
6,171 posts
 
"3 times"?   Nonsense!    However; the confidence that I will receive actual NOS tubes, that have been comprehensively tested and will provide the performance paid for, is worth a premium(to me).   There are some other tube mongers, that provide equivalent service/product, and their prices are consistent with his.   
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I do have limited experience with tubes (I’m a solid state guy). Though, I do have some comments:

I do like the PSVANE tubes very much. I would say that they are just about the highest resolution and least colored tubes that you can get. I don’t know how this will turn out in your particular system or how it will compare to your Seimens. I will say that the PSVANE are very clean and clear. If you are getting a harshness/brightness in the upper mids/highs, I would say that there is something else in your system that is contributing to this (such as silver wire, metal dome tweeters, metal cone midranges, etc.). The PSVANE could definitely reveal flaws in other sections of your system.

That being said, I will say that the true old Amperex Holland 12ax7 tubes are just excellent. They do not have the resolution and clarity or speed of attack as the PSVANE, but there is just "magic" about them that makes the music so emotionally engaging and so "live" and "naturally analog" in a sense. However, it is extremely difficult to get the "real" Amperex tubes without being screwed over with fake tubes and fake sellers. They can be very expensive (like $400-500 for a pair of 12ax7).
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