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New To Tubes Advice Needed

Hi Guys:
Like my question says I'm very new to the world of tubes. I have recently purchased a Xindak MT3 tube Integrated and I'm very pleased with the warm sound it produces in comparison to all the SS amplifiers that I have used over the years. I based my decision to purchase the Xindak based on the sound I heard and not the fact that the unit is made in China. This being my first entry to the world of tube gear cost was somewhat of a concern just in case I did not like the sound in the long run. The unit runs on 4-EL34, 2-68NP (6SN7GT)and one 12AX7 stock tubes original to the unit. I have read that tube rolling could yield some good improvements, since I know nothing on the subject I was wondering if I could impose on some knowledgeable members to guide in so far as to what should be changed and what with. I'm aware that there is so many different tubes on the market and that buying one over the other is a matter of taste but in my case I'm totally in the dark so any guidance is valued.By the way I would like to keep the cost factor in to play so no suggestions for very expensive tubes. Also I have read that EL34 could be substituted with KT77 what is the difference.
Thanks in advance for all of your input.
RossQ
rossq
newbee
4,767 posts
 
If you are bent on moving ahead with tube experimenting and you're a fundamentally happy with your unit as it is just try changing the smallest/cheapest tube first. The power tubes will usually effect a larger change, but are more expensive and involved. And, even if you find different ones you like, you will probably try to fine tune the sound by changing the small tubes.

I don't know your amp, but there are a lot of good 12AX's that are relatively inexpensive. Not so much with the 6SN7's.

But I agree with others, relax and enjoy for a while before you start changing tubes.
phaelon
1,052 posts
 
I am a huge advocate of tube rolling for the simple reason that, by doing so, I have realized sonic improvements on a par with major equipment upgrades, albeit with NOSs (not cheap). But it's not as simple as reading a review and making a switch. For someone like you (and me) working with the right tube merchant is essential.

That said. Detredwings and Tpreaves, are spot on. This isn't the first thing you do. IMO, it's one of the last. The right tubes will tie everything together.

When the time comes, as advised above, I would look to the 12ax7 first. Welcome to the brotherhood of tubes. Good luck.
rossq OP
26 posts
 
Thanks to all for the words of wisdom. The Integrated in question has about 70 hours in and sounds much better to me than most of the SS combos I have had over the years. There is really not much wrong with it now I just thought that the manufacturers normally don't put the best quality tubes in their unit and my thinking is if it sound good now what can be obtained if better tubes are put in hence my rush to swap tubes. Like most have said I will start by changing the 12AX7. The tubes on the unit right now are Electron made in China.
detredwings
162 posts
 
The 12ax7 you have is a Shuguang very common Chinese tube. Now finding what kind of tube you want is the journey you must take. Read in the forum's here and audio asylum to get an idea of what you may want to try. Remember what you like is what you like! Here is the link to audio asylum http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/tubes/bbs.html.

Yes if you change the 6sn7 you need to change both. If one of the EL34 goes out. If it's not very old you could get away with just changing a matched pair. I wouldn't change only one. Other people may disagree? But EL34's are not too expensive you may want to try a match quad of a new brand. Again the EL34's are probably Shuguang.

Remember to enjoy the music. Some of us including myself have too many tubes and tend to roll them too much.
rossq OP
26 posts
 
Detredwings:
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. I think you are right when you say what you like is what you like we all hear differently and the only way to find what I might like is to try a few different tubes until I find the ones that are right for me. I will try and do more research and educate myself a little by reading in different forums.
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