2. amps-preamps
  3. 188504-150037

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.

emergingsoul
emergingsoul OP
944 posts
 

I think mcIntosh is JJ tubes for stock. These tend to be generally cheaper and may be more reliable which may be why they use them.

I guess if they put in better tubes they see a lot of problems with people complaining about malfunctioning tubes when they buy the new amplifie…

So here is a case where durability and reliability may impact quality. So you maybe better off replacing these JJ tubes for something that may be better?

Sort of like the power cords which are kind of crappy that they supply with their amplifiers and they know the consumer will probably replace the cords.

emergingsoul OP
944 posts
 

@macg19

Audiotubes.com

He’s got a very interesting website with lots of commentary. Further his prices are incredibly expensive. Return policy is alluring but from a practical standpoint I doubt many even returning tubes because of the difficulties involved.

But it’s a pretty damn good website

macg19
672 posts
 

Expensive? Maybe, but I’m some cases how would you compare as he likely has inventory that no one else has?

I have returned (exchanged) 1 set with no issues.

The way I look at it is value for money: good advice, no concerns about fakes or items not as described etc.

having said all that there are several other very reputable dealers out there. Good luck and have fun!

ghasley
2,434 posts
 

I guess "expensive" is relative. Brent's prices aren't out of line if you are willing to buy genuine vacuum tubes built to exacting standards from a time when the manufacturing of valves was at its apex....I believe a NOS Mullard or Bugle Boy 12ax7 is worth a significant premium over a JJ or Electroharmonix...

dmk_calgary
92 posts
 

my manual for my amp and pre-amp - both from Decware - says to roll tube V1 - 12AX7 -  in the preamp and the 2 input tubes - 6922 - in the amp, before doing anything else. Amp is EL34. I currently have Winged C's and much prefer their bass and mid-range to current production from China that I have tried. Have not experimented with other EL34s or other types of tubes. My amp supports several other types, which I forget now. They are darn expensive.

More to discover