Tube Rollers! Which has more impact to your sound- Rectifier or Power (and why)?

+1 for TS 7581A.  I run them in 4 monoblocs and a phono power supply. 

On my tube amps, I've always gotten the most noticeable changes rolling the input gain tubes. Power tubes basically boost whatever is fed to them, but they do have their own voice as well and can also bring some change, most usually in the lower range and sometimes in midrange warmth.

In the long run, it's more economical to stick to rolling the small tubes. My rolling MO is to find a power tube I like that is readily available since they consume themselves at a more rapid pace. Current manufacture Tung-Sol's are my go to choice in that regard  I do the same with the small tubes, my reasoning being that I would hate to fall in love with a rare NOS tube and then have to switch to something else because it was too hard or impossible to get future replacements. The best NOS small tubes never get cheaper because there are less of them available as each year passes. The up side is that, depending on how they are driven, they can last upwards of 10,000 hours.

Tube rolling is fun, but it can also be an expensive pain in the keister. A tube amp that offers switching between triode and ultra-linear gives you an additional choice for sound treatment with the same tubes, and IMO, it's a must have. 

Having just changed out the line stage tubes on my McIntosh C2200, I would strongly recommend that you contact Brent Jessee (audiotubes.com) for his expertise and suggestions based on your needs.  

I wish I had contacted him years ago as the difference changing out the tubes to those he suggested has made an incredible difference, and at a very modest price.

My experience with vintage gear is that a bad/cheap rectifier tube can cause problems/bad sound, but a good one just makes the system work correctly (i.e. it doesn't enhance the sound quality). Power tubes, on the other hand, will have a significant impact on your system's sound signature (different tube types will boost/diminish bass response, while different tube brands/qualities will change the clarity and tonal response). 

Again, this is my limited experience with a 1950s amp. Oh! and I definitely agree that the biggest enhancement in overall sound quality comes from rolling the input gain stage tubes!!

desingnsfx,

As others have suggested, when in doubt, reach out to Brent Jessee.....he is simply the best resource for information and tubes.

Tube rolling power tubes is a no go for me, as I have 4 output tubes, I currently have Tung Sol KT88s and KT120s.

Rectifiers do make a difference, my Philips 5R4GYS tubes are better than my Mullard GZ37s, which are better yet than the more common Sylvania and RCA rectifiers (some of which can be quite good). The Philips used to be affordable, but believe they're about $250 each now

Signal tubes. Not sure which you use, but I've never been disappointed in any NOS Amperex tubes.....Brent also has the best reference material I've ever seen on old 12AU7, 12AT7, 12AX7, 6SL7, and 6DJ8 style signal tubes.....just click on your style of tube in the yellow box

http://www.audiotubes.com/

Best of luck