2. amps-preamps
  3. 1408822714

Help With Tube Suggestions for BAT VK-55se, please

Hello, I've got a VK-31se preamplifier and VK-55se amplifier with balanced cables from Blue jeans. I have Sierra-1 speakers, a Velodyne SMS-1, and a Rythmik Audio 15HP-SE subwoofer. My cables are nothing special, and I use an Oppo BDP-93 as my source for CD's and Pandora for most of my listening.

I need to retube my VK-55se, and I'd like to get tubes that won't let my system down, but I don't think I can get much benefit from mega-buck tubes with my setup, either. I already have four new matched 6C33B tubes, so just need the others, and was hoping for some suggestions.

Which tubes have the largest impact on sound quality?

Can anyone offer suggestions on tubes I should consider? I plan on replacing all the remaining tubes; 6H30's, 6SN7's, and 6922's.

I listen to mostly jazz/blues, and ambient/electronica, so tight, deep, bass and an open soundstage are important to me.

Thanks for any input,

Mike
beady
beady OP
9 posts
 
Anyone?

How about just suggestions for 6SN7's and 6922's since there aren't a lot of options for 6H30's?

Thanks,

Mike
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Melz 1578's for the 6SN7's, perhaps? :-)
rodman99999
6,131 posts
 
Do you prefer a warm/sugary/tubey sound, or a cleaner/more accurate/detailed(not talking bright/edgy/sibilant) presentation? I can offer suggestions for either.
beady OP
9 posts
 
Thanks C1, I'll read up on them.

Rodman, this is the only tube amp I've ever heard, so I don't really know if I want a more "tubey" sound or not. I think the 6H30's in the preamp (and the amplifier) are known for being more accurate than tubey sounding, so I'm not exactly sure how much change to the sound rolling tubes in the amp will have.

I'd like to try some tubes with a more "spacey" or "airy" and open soundstage perhaps. Doesn't necessarily have to be accurate sound.

Thanks.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

Mullards for 6922, they also give good long service.
More to discover