Conrard-Johnson CT5 tube rolling?

Well I live with CJ Act 2 for about 2years without changing stock tubes after I was told by CJ customer service it's not necessary . Well, after 2 years , 1 purchased 2 pairs of NOS tube, no contest and wish I have change tube earlier . Similarly when I purchased a Tron Reference phono stage I was strongly discouraged by the designer to change tube. So trust your ears not what the manufacturers say

Audio blazer,

I put new tubes in last week and was blown away by the improvement...so I agree that refreshing tubes is a good idea.

One thing about the Ct5 is that it's tough on tubes. Even CJ customer service recommends every 1500 hours.

Tomy,

The ct5 uses the Sovtek 6H30p "super" tube and there aren't many sources for compatible and reliable alternatives I've recently learned.

Hi Vhiner, you are right, I don't think there is a substitute for the 6h30 other than the 6h30-DR which is a premium quality 6h30 that is no longer made.

They are for sale here on Audiogon for $280 a pair. I think it would be worth the investment to see how they work with your c-j. Considering what a CT5 costs it's a good idea to pay a little more for tubes that get the best out of it. I am not saying that you will like the 6h30-DR better though. I've never heard a CT5 with either tube.

Merry Christmas!

Tomcy6,

Thanks so much for the tip! I will check the DR version out. If anyone knows of the most " reliable" source let me know.

To my knowledge there is no readily available alternative to the 6H30.

I have heard the 6H30-DR lend a positive improvement (vs the 6H30-EB) in ARC Reference gear, but not so much in a CJ ACT2 or Premier 140. Even then the result was no where as dramatic as, say, swapping contemporary EH 6922s for NOS 6DJ8 family. Strictly my opinion re CJ: at current prices the DR does not warrant the premium over stock. If you still want to spring for the DRs, I've had good results from Eugene at www.conusaudio.com. If you do get them, let us know how they work out for you.