While some of the more “famous” NOS tubes are still available the quiet ones that are needed for a phono stage generally are not. Most important, make sure you get tubes suitable for a phono stage. Unless you have VERY deep pockets I think you’ll find that most NOS tubes will be too noisy even though they’re advertised or you’re told that they are not.
NOS Tube Recommendation for Quicksilver Phono Pre Amp
I recently upgraded from the onboard phono stage in my Technics 1500SL to an all tube Quicksilver Phono Pre Amp. I’m about half way through the 30 hour recommended break-in period and so far, there is a lot to like about this piece of gear: Much thicker/more pronounced bottom end (I’ve had to readjust the gain on my subs quite a bit) and much wider/more defined sound stage. However, because I’m also running an all tube integrated amp (Raven Audio Osprey), there is now a very noticeable "warm" coloration to the music that wasn’t there before. I don’t want to give up on my new phono stage, but it’s like I’m listening to music with a wool blanket over my speakers. I’m thinking rolling the tubes to something a little cleaner/brighter could give me the best of all worlds. There are 3 tubes in the circuit topology: 2 12AX7s (one input, one gain) and 1 12AT7 (cathode follower). I’m currently considering a matched pair of Raytheon JRP black plate 12AX7s and either an RCA or Telefunken for the cathode follower (all NOS). Any and all suggestions/inputs are very much appreciated! P.S. my speakers are Raven Audio Corvus Reference Monitors and my current cart is the always amazing Nagaoka MP-500.
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@crawfishdaddi I have that preamp. The only tube location that is labeled is the gain tube. Can you please tell me where is the cathode and the input tube position located? Thanks! |
@yogiboy, here is the tube layout diagram from Quicksilver’s website (input tube should be the 12AX7 closest to the RCA inputs, gain tube should be the other 12AX7 and the cathode follower is the single 12AT7):
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The sound issue you mention DOES sound like a loading issue which will have a much bigger impact on sound than would tube choice. The VERY long cable to your phono stage would add a lot of capacitance. The best thing is to find a way to locate the phono stage nearer to the table; a long run from the phono stage to line stage or the amp will be far less of an issue than a long run from the table to the phono stage. If you must have a long run from the turntable, you should be looking for the lowest capacitance cables and you should make sure the phono stage is not set to add anything additional. |
- 39 posts total