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What tubes do I need?

Hello from Stockholm! I have a delicate problem. Bought a tube preamp a while ago -a french Audio Sculpture Ouverture (seemingly same company as Audio Matiere). The seller told me the two tubes are ECC83. I today bought two Siemens ECC83’s, but no sound at all (they light up, though...). This makes me think the original unmarked tubes are not ECC83. Maybe ECC88 or ECC82... Does anybody know? Is there an easy way to identify the original tubes? LOVE the sound of the Ouverture btw. Thanks!!
teppas
gdnrbob
4,411 posts
 
I have no experience with tubes other than owning an Atma-Sphere  amp and preamp.
My suggestion is to PM Ralph Karsten (atmasphere). He would be likely to be able to help you discern what tubes are in your preamp.
Plus he's a nice guy who always tries to help out here on Audiogon.

And, I wish I could visit Stockholm.
Bob
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
you should consult your owners manual or literature for that specific preamp you own - don't rely on what the prior owner may have told you

one number or letter off on the tube type it is an entirely different tube! close doesn’t count!!!
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,501 posts
 
Put the originals back in and verify the amp is still operational.
Hopefully it is.
Then compare the tubes internal structure, size etc. While tubes of the same type exhibit many variations, it is possible to see enough similarities. See if there are any markings that might help with identification.
jond's avatar
jond
5,680 posts
 
Just take some closeup photos of the original tubes and upload a link to the pics here someone maybe able to tell. Make sure you get detail of the  insides of  the tubes.
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