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Question about replacing 12AU7 tubes.

I am new to tube amps and have a question about the 12AU7 tubes in my Dared VP-300b Quasi Monoblocks. Each of them has a 300b tube and 2 12AU7 tubes.
I would like to have a replacement at hand if a 12AU7 tube goes out (also read somewhere the stock tubes are not that great).
Do I need to get matched pair or even 4 matched tubes?
If matched pairs would I put one matched pair in one mono block and the other pair in the other, or would I put one of each pair in each mono block so they have the"same" kind of tube combo?

Any suggestions about this and any tube suggestions would be appreciated?

Thanks.
utah_dude
bigshutterbug
381 posts
 
Both the driver and input tube will have a noticeable influence upon the sound of the amps. I could not find any info on the net in regards to which is which. Does your manual say anything about them? I'm sure Dared could tell you if you have an e-mail for them. Have fun!
gmuffley
132 posts
 
I disagree with Bigshutterbug. I have large stock of 12AU7s; new and vintage. Telefunken are my favorite vintage tubes. Among new tubes the EH 12AU7s are very nice, but the Psvane 12AU7s are fantastic. I'm starting to lean more toward Psvane even over the Telefunkens. Warning, the Psvanes take about 100 hrs to reach their ultimate quality. First few hours they sound a little on the soft side and they were not competitive with the Telefunkens.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
Brf, mine too.
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,397 posts
 
My experience with 12au7's is as follows- Mullard is my favorite, followed by RCA clear tops. When you factor in price, the RCA clear top is a bargain.
utah_dude OP
6 posts
 
Thank you all for your input. I will think about what tubes to order as a backup/rolling ensemble. I also have not been able to find info about which tube is which for the 12AU7s. I will try to send them an email

I was fortunate enough to get some gently used Sophia Princess Mesh 300b tubes and had ordered new Tesla ECC802S tubes with PLATINUM pins.
When all the tubes were in, I could not tear myself away from the beautiful sound (some Stacy Kent, Patricia Barber, Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Hartmann, Gillian Welch and more) and also could not get the big smile off my face.
I definitely want to get some backup tubes because I cannot imagine being without this if a tube should go.
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