. . . I also meant to say that although I personally never heard huge sonic differences when I was going back & forth with different HEALTHY output tubes in my first two 6550 based amps (I have never rolled tubes in my present EL34 based amp as long as it was running with HEALTHY tubes), if I had an output tube or tubeS that were getting sick or were getting tired, replacing output tubes was then like listening to a new amp.
Signal tube versus power tube, sound impact?
My mono block has eight KT 88 tubes(power tubes) and six smaller signal tubes. I'm using the stock tubes that came with each Mono. I think they are JJ tubes.
Rather than replace them all would it be best to change out the signal or the power tubes? Not sure how good the JJ tubes are but I hear they may not be the greatest.
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My experience is like @ghasley. Small tubes in pre stages made way more noticeable change than output. Using NOS recommendations from both maker (Raven) and Brent Jesse I chose military and or scientific grade pre tubes. Stage expanded and bass tighter at every position tried. I ordered unit with one step up in 2 of the 3 positions too. Most run cheaper than output tubes. I then tried better/desirable/ recommended output tubes havibg been so happy but its much more subtle a change. YMMV. I set a budget and said I'd stop if if I didn't hear any improvement with each position. But it did improve. Done now. 2 years "sober". Not neurotic. Besides, I now have perfectly decent spares. |
@akgwhiz , it is always good to have spares. |
In my experience with my Decware amp, it’s finding the right combination of tubes that is the key. The stock tubes that came with mine were really good. Then I started experimenting with different combinations and since I had several of each type, I ended up with 12 different possible solutions. In the end, I found that a ~1960 vintage Telefunken signal tube and generic Russian $28 power tubes were the best sounding. |
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