Phono Preamp Tube Rush

First impressions of tube or component changes can be especially nebulous - because anything that the new component sonically accentuates can easily evoke a new emotional response that we can't help but latch onto. This can allow us to experience our favorite tracks in a different light, perhaps even noticing parts of the music we hadn't before. However on extended listening - we may notice the accentuation is really unnatural. We may even go back to our old component and suddenly that "new part" of the music is actually still there, we just hadn't listened for it before because it wasn't actually supposed to stand out, lol. 

Gear or tubes that have a high listening fatigue factor are particularly subject to this phenomenon - and listening to it gets old real quick!

Don't feel bad either, experience can help, but a lot of us (including myself) still fall for this same trap from time to time. 

three-easy, Good for you that you had the intellectual honesty to pay attention.  To complete the experiment, try re-inserting the new tubes after 2-3 weeks using the old set.  See if your impressions remain the same.

mulveling

First impressions of tube or component changes can be especially nebulous - because anything that the new component sonically accentuates can easily evoke a new emotional response that we can’t help but latch onto. This can allow us to experience our favorite tracks in a different light, perhaps even noticing parts of the music we hadn’t before. However on extended listening - we may notice the accentuation is really unnatural. We may even go back to our old component and suddenly that "new part" of the music is actually still there, we just hadn’t listened for it before because it wasn’t actually supposed to stand out ...

I agree completely, and that is exactly why I think equipment "shoot-outs" are virtually useless. A component’s true character is revealed over time. Trying to assess it quickly serves no purpose and the result is prone to error.

I have a Herron on order so I certainly appreciate this so far civil thread. Keith has been wonderful to work with and answers the phone.

Agree completely with the several posts above this one.  I do find the science and psychology of my own perception interesting.  

@lewm   Agreed, that being honest with ourselves is not always the easy path.  I'd rather be happy than right.  Open-mindedness and honesty takes one far in this hobby I'm finding - or in life for that matter.