Preamp Deal of the Century

I got my hands on some KenRad Black Glass VT231 from a reputable seller and I tried them on my Syrah. I found that while the sound was great, there was a huge amount of 'wind' coming from the tubes. It wasn't a hum per-se, but it sounded more like I was at the beach, listening to the sea. It was really too much background noise, and it was apparent form both channels equally (that said, the sound was great on all but quiet passages). I'm just wondering whether others have had such an experience with the KenRads, or other tubes. I had believed that these KenRads were perhaps the tube of choice for the Syrah/Chardonnay, but from my experience it wasn't the case. I substitued back in some Sylvania 6SN7s and got better results.

I've since applied the KenRads to my Blue Circle BC2 hybrid amps. There, I found the bass deeper (which matches the KenRad reputation) but perhaps at the expense of some treble - which now seems a bit hidden and less delicate (tubes replaced here were RCA Red Base 5692)s. Anyway, I'm wondering whether I should continue to experiment with tube choice, or just call it quits (I was a little disappointed to spend $125 on the KenRads and not get a bang for the buck). Anyway, I'd welcome thoughts and insights from others on potential other selections (maybe Sylvania VT231s, or 6SN7Ws, or metal based variants??).

On another note, my Syrah is totally kicking ass. It got me into vinyl and I haven't listened to a CD in months. I'm so glad I didn't go with the Chardonnay, but took the vinyl plunge (TT is Teres 135, OL Silver arm, Shelter 501Mk2).

Thanks,
Outlier

Hi Outlier, Personal preference and system synergy are mostly what dictate which tubes are best for YOU (and YOUR system).

As for the wind noise... Preamps usually require the highest quality tubes. I have found that mabye 1 in 10 Ken Rads work well in my preamp. The others have that "wind noise" or tube rush or squeek or whatever. Some advice... when you buy tubes from dealers, find out if you can return the tubes if they don't work in your application. Many dealers will give you a refund or find you a better pair.

It took me lots of time and effort to get a stash of mint - sweet and noise free Ken Rad Black glass 6SN7's but for MY system it was worth it.

Also you might check an earlier post I made regarding the three varieties of Black Glass Ken Rads. Each has a similar yet unique signature. If you like Sylvania's in your system, then you would be best off with the NAVY labled Ken Rads Black Glass tubes -- they must say NAVY and not be just any old VT-231. The NAVY's are more extended and open in the highs when compared to standard VT-231's and of course the much "darker" sounding standard 6SN7 (not marked VT-231).

I've gone through many of these tubes and while there are sonic variations between similarly marked tubes, those differences are subtle when compared to the differences between the NAVY, VT-231 and standard 6SN7.

Hi Bwhite, many thanks for the input. Sounds like good advice. I'll see can I return the tubes to the dealer I got them from. It's a pity it's so hit-or-miss with these tubes. 1 in 10 sounds like such bad odds ;-) Cheers,
Outlier

Well guys, I have had the Mullard 6GK5's in my phono stage of the Syrah for a few days now and the results are more life and dynamics, along with a deeper soundstage. When a crash cymbal is hit it still has the power it had before, but now it is far behind the singer, as it should be. On another note, my Berning ZH270 amp just keeps getting better. I am in the process of a couple of uprgades, but how it can get any better I don't know.

OK I'm interested. I simply have a mental problem buying gear that I cannot audition. So are there any owners of the Cortese (or its linestage equivalent) in the New England area (preferably southeastern as I live in Rhode Island)? To date I have been most impressed with Art Audio's (Gill Audio Design) Alana tube linestage but nobody seems to have heard of this piece.