2. amps-preamps
  3. 161387-96791

Constant noisy tubes maybe go solid state?

I have a Quicksilver Line Stage Preamp (12AT7) mated to an Odyssey Khartago Stereo. Overall I like it. Way too much gain but I digress. Weeks after receiving it I rolled in a few different tubes, kinda fun to color the sound signature. I liked rhe RXA black plates I got and those stuck around for more than a year. They started going microphonic and making noises so I ordered another pair (noisy) then another different vendor (blasts of white noise) and another set that arrived today (one is noisy as holy hell and one seems fine).

So where does one order preamp quality tunes that are quiet? Is there something I’m not requesting when ordering? Maybe dump
snd go solid state? I’m trying to be humorous because I’m pissed. Ha.
gochurchgo
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@gochurchgo 

i can strongly recommend the don sachs unit - aside from the superb sound, he can specifically use the correct capacitors to do proper gain and impedance matching to your amp

don likes tubed power amps though... in one recent exchange i have had with him he (semi) jokingly says 'well ya know all solid state amps kinda suck, right?' hahahaha
chorus
976 posts
 
Bottom line is either you don't mind messing with tubes or you're done
with it. Personally I have x amount of stereo enjoyment time. I
sold the Cary and moved to Pass. To each his own. Good luck!
gochurchgo OP
931 posts
 
@jjss49  I’ve heard that about Don. Mike is the same way. If I were to add a tubed power amp it would probably be one of Don’s although Mike’s are also highly regarded.


yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,893 posts
 
@gochuchgo
I have lowered the gain on my phono preamp swapping the 12AX7 with a 12AU7. You might see if you can do the same with the QS line stage!

12AX7 gain of 100
12AT7 gain of 60
12AY7 gain of 45
12AU7 gain of 19
gochurchgo OP
931 posts
 
@yogiboy  are you still using a QS phono stage?
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