I have bought a VAc CLA-1 preamp

My original reco was just to help you identify the tubes that you have. I see that everyone else is chiming in with their personal favorite NOS tubes. I have heard them all, Siemens, Telefunkens, Amperex, Mullard, etc. To be honest, they all have their strengths and weakness'. All are much better sounding than current stock Russian/Chinese tubes.

I would say that the Mullard's are the warmest, if that's what you seek. The Telefunken's are also warm, but with a tad more air than the Mullard's. The Amperex and Siemen's offer even more extension in the high's, but are not quite as warm (sweet). Currently I am using Telefunken's in my VAC line stage (and phono stage) and I am quite happy with the sound.

Cheers,
John

PS: according to the VAC manual the four tubes are (2) 12AX7's and (2) 12AU7's.

Thanks to all. Great to have so much helpful attention. I bought Mazda, Brimar , mullards, tesla .. to find out about what does what...
lafolia

HELLO AGAIN . I SEE A VAC-CPA1 FOR SALE ( YEAR 2000). ANYONE KNOWS ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE (SOUND) BETWEEN THE VAC CLA1 AND THE VAC CPA1? LOKOK VERY SIMILAR..
THANKS
LAFOLIA

They should be the same sonically, the difference being that the CPA1 is a full function preamp (with phono stage), whereas the CLA1 is a line stage only.

Cheers,
John