Aric Audio Systems Unlimited Preamp

@rocray hey, thanks for the follow up post, that's awesome! Offhand, I can understand the soundstage possibly "fleshing out" more using the 5U4GB, for whatever reason it seems to have a more organic presentation than the 5AR4. The gain shouldn't have really changed at all however in theory, so that is a little bit baffling to me, but perhaps there's some other synergy that is occuring here between the preamp and amp due to this change? At any rate this is all good news and I'm glad to hear that you're digging it! Best wishes, Aric

Thanks Aric. I'm enjoying this combo so much, I just ordered another Sylvania 5U4GB,and OC3.  First thoughts on the tube changes are larger soundstage,taller and wider,also,I find music has more "texture". So far, this is the best tweek I've experienced with my current system. Highly recommended!

rocray, thanks for the feedback. I think I'll try this combo as well just to see what difference it makes in my system. My Unlimited is paired with an older version of Aric's SE KT88 amplifier and upstream I have a LamizatOr Amber tube DAC. Lots of tubes to play with...all played through a pair of Omega Super Alnico Monitors. Glad to hear you're enjoying your "tweak".

I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I feel the tube change brought my system up a notch. Right now I'm running the Unlimited with a First Watt F5,Graham Chartwell LS3/5's,Bluesound Node 2,through a Topping D50. The Topping is my first foray into external DAC's. 

Just wanted to give a quick update with my experience switching to the 5U4GB/OC3/OD3 tube arrangement for those who might be interested. The first obvious change was the regulator tubes lit up much more quickly when compared to the stock 5AR4/OD3/OD3 set up. Not sure if its a "soft start" change or not but it used to take roughly 10 seconds or so for the regulator tubes to glow but now they light right up upon turn on. Didn't notice a change in the gain level but I agree with Aric's characterization that the soundstage is now a bit more "fleshed out" and the overall sound is more pleasant. A very well worth experiment, cheap and simple. Thanks rocray and Aric for all your input and guidance. This little preamp keeps getting better and better...