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Cary V12 tubes...whats best ?

I have the V12 (no letter), and I have been running the SED "winged" EL34`s at 280ma as per the book (275ma).

She sounds great , but I wanted to try some Tung-Sol 6550`s because I was told that they were the best choice.

I have been rolling the 6922`s out and have ended up w/JJ`s.
I tried some Raytheon`s and some Virgin Commies.

Any advise on what tubes to try with the Tung-sol`s, and am I too high on the Bias.
I am also using an F1 SLP-98 Pre with some Hytron (Jan CHY)6sn7gt`s up front and some Popes in the Rear.

I think I will swap positions on these today though, to see if it sounds better.
But from swapping , the lettering is comming off of one of the Popes !!

What is the best choise for both, or either of these units.
Is it best to use all the same brand in both units to get a uniform sound ?

Thanks in advance..
beardog03
polk432
1,142 posts
 
I have a Cary V12R w new EL-34 Ruby tubes. All matching. Cary SLP98P Preamp new w/ stock tubes. I sold 7 signal processors when going from SS to tubes, and no longer need them. Ask Gerald Walsh of Cary Audio for advise. BTW YES, you have the bias set too high. 238 is what you should set the bias to. Good luck.
beardog03 OP
6 posts
 
Thanks for the help Polk432

I will do that...
I am also rnning Polk Audioo Lsi9`s.....I see your sig is Polk.
Are you also running Polk Speakers ?
jnyquist
2 posts
 
I have the first gen V12 also, and I have been using Ruby KT88's for a couple of years now. I tried the stock Ruby El34's, and much preferred the KT88's.

As far as bias goes, I'm running 235 on the KT88's... 275-280 is too high.

My speakers are Vienna Acoustics Beethoven's (the originals)
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