Cary SLP 03

Thanks for the info, Kclone. How do you like the sound with the Mullards? Do you prefer your sound on the warm, lush side, or do you like more detail?

A general question to all, and not to hijack my own threat, but is it an oxymoron to want a good measure of detail and accuracy, while still wanting the sound to be warm and/or lush?

We run a set of the 12 AU7 Tesla tubes with the Cary SLP03
Cary 200.2 superb combination with the Vandersteen 2CE Sig IIs and 3A Sig IIs system has great extension and clarity.

Hawk28, yes, you shouldn't have to settle for just one or the other. You can have a warmer lush sound with still good extension, detail and clarity. If you have a dry cold harsh sound, something is wrong in your chain unless of course you like that sound.

I like the Mullards a lot actually. I have also used the Mazda 12 AU7 from Upscale Audio and they provide a lot of top end sparkle. It depends on which speakers I have rotated in the system on which tubes I like best. The Mullards warmer sounding.

Do you happen to live in Iowa by chance? Didn't know if "Hawk" was an Iowa Hawkeye reference?

KClone, the sound isn't harsh, but on some recordings the highs get a little bright. A tube pre should take care of that, in my estimation.

No, I don't live in Iowa. Hawk is an old nickname I picked up in my football playing days. :)

You can't have it all guys. If you want tubes to give a warmer, lush, dimensional sound there will be a price to pay in terms of dynamics.