Preamp tubes in power amps
Rogue categorically recommends Mullard small tubes as an upgrade for their gear . My experience with Mullard tubes in this application tended to make my sound veiled as if a blanket was thrown over my system . I’ve tried nos Mullard , Seimens Ecc, Seimens silver plates Phillips SQ , and Telefunkens, including standard , Tektronix, and Black Coated . I’ve also tried most of the better domestic nos driver tubes as well . Based on my experience, I highly recommend Telefunkens. Now in that regard , nos Tesla and Tungsram are closer to the Telefunken sound at a lesser price . Verify with Rogue , but generally in a 3 tube circuit , you have a phase splitter and a gain application. In most cases the single tube will have a greater effect on SQ change when rolling . In the 6992 application my favorite tube is the gold pin Telefunken E88CC, the gold pin Tesla is a close second . This I prefer over the Seimens CCa or the Phillips SQ. Rogue uses a SS rectifier , which eliminates rolling rectifier tubes. Although I have nos power tubes like the GEC and Tung- Sols, I’m happy with new production tubes like Gold Lion and TUNG-Sol . However I really like the out of production SED Winged C power tubes .NOS Mullard rectifier and power tubes are very good and highly prized . So to be brief , try nos Telefunkens in both , but check and see if you can suffice with a single tube in the 120’s. Regards, Mike B. |
As one of the prior poster mentioned the amp is voiced different than the "OLD" tube or valve amps. Where an older valve amp may sound "Bright" or have harsh mids, a newer design takes advantage of that valves characteristics. NOS is kind of a spoof if you don't know what your looking for. They can cost a lot of money and offer ZERO. Signal valves are a good investment net the money you spend.. DON'T get sold a bunch of high priced NOS. New reproduction are probably a better overall sound.. An older amp I might spend the money, Mac, Marantz, Fisher, HH Scott, after a rebuild. BUT newer gear, Usually require a very quiet valve more than anything else. Newer voicing doesn't count near as much as they use too on the actual quality of the valve "SOUND", just NO microphonic. No matter the amp. A great RCA or Tellie black plate signal valve goes a LONG ways... I don't care who made the amp.. :-) Regards |
@jji666 Read the 2nd paragraph about Upscale and 7DJ8s in the Vk-3i preamp. Seems like staffers there might not be on the same level as uncle Kevvy. https://www.audioshark.org/balanced-audio-technology-bat-38/tube-noob-seeking-education-11051.html#p... Agree with others, give Brent Jesse a call, and see what he might have in stock. Start with preamp tubes first, for sure. Then, after they are broken in, try input tubes in the amp next. Another tip, I have multiple pairs of super matched curve-tracer balance tested tubes from Brent for my amps. While they have a deeper sound stage in some cases, I've been having some luck with the latest PSVANE MKII or Art Series 12Au7, and same with friends using the 12Ax7s from PSVANE fwiw. A little more midrange/forward with them but they sound nice for new production tubes. Best of luck. |
