2. amps-preamps
  3. 1282700797

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
facten
2,881 posts
 
The link below is to Brent Jesse's site - tube vendor - I am not affiliated other than as a customer. You will find assessments of various 62n7s and 12ax7 when you click on each. Also, if you call him he is an easy fellow to speak to and gives honest opinions and recommendations

http://www.audiotubes.com/
saki70
907 posts
 
When you get to the Audioasylum.com website that was mentioned above , go to a part of it called Joe's Tube Lore . There you can find a rather exhuastive comparing of the small/input tubes . It was done using a different preamp than yours but the difference described between the tubes can be helpful . It's a nice starting place .

For me , the small/input tubes made the biggest difference and are usually much cheaper than the large/power tubes . They also can be changed with less hassle as they do not require that you reset the bias like the large/power tubes .

Good luck.
rossq OP
26 posts
 
A big thanks to all of you that have tried to help. I was put in touch with the Tube Store and at their recommendation for my specific Xindak MT3 Integrated I ended up buying a matched pair of EH 6SN7, One Preferred AO Series 7025 12AX7, and 4 matched Winged C (SED) EL 34 for $212 total. I should have them by next week and then the tube journey begins, and I must confess I hope to see some improvement even if ever so slightly. Boy owning Tube gear is much more fun the Solid State
maxmad
182 posts
 
Like many already mentioned, before you roll the tubes, let the amp play for 100 hours at least. This way the components and the tubes will be on their potential. Try to listen to the amp every 25 hours to see if any changes will appear. You may also use the same record, so the changes, if any, can be easier to detect.
Personaly I tried NOS TESLA EL34 only and liked them. I compared them to NOS GEC KT88 and they did a very good job. My amp, at the time, was PrimaLuna Prologue Two.
I would say, take some time and report back with more details, its fun.
rossq OP
26 posts
 
I thought I would post an update on the new tubes I ordered, and give everyone who was kind enough in helping me my impression in regards to the sound with the new tubes. Right out of the boxes the sound of the new tubes was nothing short of breathtaking way smoother and the details improved to were I swear I hear stuff on some Cd's that I have not heard before is that even possible?. I can hear even the smallest of details and the bonus is that all of this happens even at lower volume. The bass is so much more full and controlled, all of this with just about 3 hours on the new tubes from what I have read the best is yet to come once the tubes burn in for at least 50 hours, can't wait. In all honesty I wish I would have jumped in to tube amplification a long time ago but better late than never
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