PrimaLuna Prologue 5 and tube upgrades

Another option is Andy Bowman at Vintage Tube Services. Tell him what you're trying to accomplish and he'll give you some good advice (and excellent NOS tubes).
http://vintagetubeservices.com/

The below combination works well for me/my stereo

PL3 Tubes = 12AX7 Telefunken Black Smooth Plates, 12AU7 = Radiotechnique, 5R4GYS = Philips

PL5 Tubes = KT88 Gold Lion (May try Psvane), 12AX7 = Bugleboy, 12AU7 = Radiotechnique

PL8 Tubes = 12AX7 Telefunken Black Smooth Plates, 12AU7 = Radiotechnique, 5R4GYS = Philips

I use Crystal Cable solid silver 999.999 Speaker Wire, RS Audio and MAC Paladium IC's.

REL 305 Sub, Triangle 30th Anniversary Antal Speakers, Townsend Super Tweaters.

I have not gone down this path myself, but from what I am reading, upgraded fuses add to the realism.

I have used Mullards, Tungsgram, and a couple others.What I have outlined above is what works best so farand results in a very realalistic upper end regardless of instruument. I have read good reviews regarding the new production Psvane Treasures, both 12AX7, and 12AU7

You may want to mention what speakers you are driving, some fellow Audio Goners may have xperience with the combo.

Brad

Hope This Helps.

"left craving the pings of cymbals and the air of vocals on playback"

what you are describing is sluggish, compressed high frequency transients...try some NOS Ei or NOS Telefunken 12AX7s. I have a pair of worn out JAN Phillips 12AX7WA's that sound exactly as you described and the highs do seem to be where I first hear pre tubes aging.

FWIW I agree with David re EI 12AX7A's. These tube have a bit more gain than others, excellent clarity and extended highs. If you buy NOS make sure they are tested, and buy an extra in case you have a failure.

I don't know what small tubes Primaluna is currently using. Last I knew it was EH's - not the best IMHO. But if this amp is new do give it a couple of hundred hours to break in before you start switching everything around.

Thanks gents.

Wescoman...your advice to speak with Andy at Vintage Tube Services was priceless and Brad, He pointed me to the Bugleboys like you have in your PL5. Also, very curious about your "supertweeters"?
Their website was truly interesting.