TUBE NOOB: WHAT BRAND

What are you guys talking about? Some general advice for someone who knows nothing about tubes would be helpful

This is what the forums are for....do some reading and then you would have a better understanding of what members are referring to. Why did you get into tube equipment if you know nothing about it then ?

I would like to benefit from other peoples experience in this hobby, instead of spinning my wheels needlessly.

So members of this forum with their experience do the homework for you so that you never fail . Sometimes failure is good. So what if you buy some tubes that you dont particular care for, turn around and resell them. Do you think that every piece of gear has always worked with every member here ?

Besides what do I do, buy 30 sets of tubes and spend 3 weeks trying them all. That is just foolish!

Who said anything about buying 30 sets of tubes ? You have to use a little common sense ....

All of your forum threads demand answers that will expound ONE particular item or product over all others. There are no instant answers or solutions. All choices are subjective and in the final analysis you may disagree with the collective opinion of Audiogon Members. Yes, you will need to experiment with a variety of components and component parts to find the right combination.

Since the audio equipment was originally your fathers why not replace tubes and cartridges with the same make/model that he used. Apparently, he was willing to go through the learning process to discover what worked well in the system.

One tip for lower microphonics: choose tubes whose internal plate structure appears robust.

Some tubes have tall, thin vertical plates that look like a gentle breeze would tobble them over. Such tubes TEND to sound bloated, rosy or microphonic.

Other tubes have short, folded or even doubled plates that look sturdy enough to support an elephant. These tubes TEND to sound tighter, more neutral and less microphonic.

The above demonstrates the universal importance of controlling/reducing vibration and resonances in audio equipment of all kinds. In that regard, Herbie's Tube Dampeners are also effective IME for reducing microphonics/bloat with nearly any tube.

Matching of small signal tubes is usually unnecessary (perhaps depending on the circuit they're being used in). I buy matched sets because it only costs a few bucks and it can't hurt, but its probably overkill - even in a $12K preamp.

As for the sound of one tube vs. another, that's too dependent on the equipment and the whole system for me to offer any opinion. I can describe what different tubes do in my preamp. I have little idea what they'd do in yours.

I do suggest you try new production tubes from the likes of JJ or Electro-Harmonix, assuming they make the types you need. Their performance can be strikingly good for far less money than many highly sought after NOS rarities. Don't buy into the snob appeal without trying the everyday stuff first - it may surprise you.

IME New production output power tubes are better for certain models, but for signal tubes (ie, 12AX7 or 6SN7) NOS is always better, and they make a very big difference, different flavors and its tough to know what you will like, it is like asking which is the best cartridge...
Now, since tube rolling is not a new thing, usually higher priced tubes are better (no wonder)...

I would agree with Mofimadness start with Tung-sol and Sylvania

"What are you guys talking about?" Tubes are like every other component in the chain-except more so. Virtually every person you ask will have their own opinions, so it's ridiculous to demand to know 'the best'. Do some research, buy a set of tubes, listen to them for weeks, attempt to isolate what you do/don't like about them, do some more research, try another set. Etc. Yes, this process can take a long time. Years even. Fortunately, it's not torture-unlike, say, a crappy, ear-bleed cartridge, tube differences are generally subtle enough that, unless something's horribly wrong, any set will be listenable. It's all about nuance.

And one other piece of advice-drop the dickhead attitude. People are giving their time to try and help you, whether you know it or not.

vaya con dios