2. amps-preamps
  3. 161618-147869

Which tubes are the best?

Hi folks, I just got a Muzishare X7 integrated amp. It is beautifully made and sounds like it has a lot of promise. Even though I'm just breaking it in, I am thinking about tube changes. Why? It's just what I do. 
I'd like your opinion on the best replacement tubes, meaning smoothest, most "tubby" and mellow tubes. 
I won't be chasing NOS tubes. I'd like your experience with Gelenlex Gold Lion, TungSol, Mullard, Telefunken, or?,  etc. of current manufacture. The amp uses KT88, 12ax7, 12au7 and CR34 rectifier. 
Any thoughts about KT88 vs 6550 would be appreciated. I used to prefer 6550 way back when. 
Any information would be appreciated. Yes, I could go through all the old posts but I do have vision issues after four operations and that's why I'm asking straight out. 
Thanks in Advance. 
Back in the day, I used to do some serious tube rolling. The absolute mellowest, most laid back and detail rich tubes I ever found were some Mullards advertised in the back of Audio magazine. They had Magnus Organ printed on them. They were amazing. Unequalled. Ten years ago, I was cleaning out stuff and took a box of my small tubes to a local dealer. Some guy gave me $350 for them. Wish I still had them heh. 

fredcdobbs
mglik
906 posts
 
IME rolling tubes generally makes for a huge upgrade in the sound.
Tube Depot is a decent source for good NOS. But I recently have bought and used several new Psvane (how the hell do you pronounce that!). They have introduced several lines of tubes which have been carefully tested and they toss 90%. These can get a bit pricey but I have found Themis to be super. Grant Fidelity is the best source for the best ones. Cool to get new, new stock.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Huge upgrade, you say. Compared to..... what, exactly?
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,369 posts
 
Another vote for Psvane 12AU7 tubes. I have used Gold Lions. But the Psvanes bettered them. Both are better than the new Mullards in my system. I got mine from Viva Tubes. They have an online shop and have fast shipping.
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,369 posts
 
@akiravelvet,
Obviously Brent does not like new tubes. His business is to sell NOS :-)
I have not heard NOS in my system. But after hearing the difference between the new Mullards and the Psvane/Genalex Gold Lions, I am more than happy with the new tubes.
barbapapa
244 posts
 
If « really » NOS tubes last between 6000 and 10000 hours and a new one only 2 or 3000, which is the more expense ice in the end ?

More to discover