Tubes

[02audionoob]

Yeah I have ran across those as well....take me to school here noob...you know I really value your opinions and knowledge. Why would the old vintage tubes cost so much more than the new ones? I've got guys telling me not to buy new tubes and some guys say dont waist your time buying old NOS tubes....shoot.... this is harder than looking for audio gear....at least you can send them back if you dont like it....dont think I can do that with tubes. I know the real test is in the listening which I am going to do, but I just hate to throw good money after bad tubes and not have a chance to get my money back.....This the one time I am really going to have to initially go with anothers expertise on this.

I wish I could help, but I'm no tube roller. I don't doubt that some of the better NOS tubes can make better music than their modern-day counterparts. And I'm not surprised that tubes that are out of production cost more, since the supply is limited. But that's too much for my little brain. I wasn't afraid of a mistake on a pair of preamp tubes that cost me $30, but for the CA50 I'm going to use what ARC uses and have faith. Maybe when the current tubes are on the way down I'll feel differently. Maybe my sacred CA50 will be just another gadget to me by then.

[the hand of boredom]

Hey Frenchmon, before buying the Gold Lions at 43 a tube, consider the Sovtek LPS or the new production Mullard ata bout 15 per tube. Sovtek has a real winner in the LPS - quiet, linear, and killer tone. Haven't heard the Mullard but many are touting it. If you can find a tested pair of Ei from way back, they are revered for their clarity and transparency

[frenchmon]

I've replaced the 12UX7 china tube with the 12UX7 Sovtek LPS and it was better than the China tube. I may try some others for the 12AX7 but am itching to try the GL. will wait though.

I see you got a Musical Fidelity A5CD and those Reference 3A Veena...nice speakers and a sound out of this world I betcha!

[the hand of boredom]

When did you get the LPS?

The Veena is a remarkable speaker. I'm driving it right now with a Yamaha receiver - blasphemy! I liken this scenario to the magazine covers - making up and airbrushing a beast into a swan. Can't wait to get my amps back from the shop.

[frenchmon]

When did you get the LPS?

The Veena is a remarkable speaker. I'm driving it right now with a Yamaha receiver - blasphemy! I liken this scenario to the magazine covers - making up and airbrushing a beast into a swan. Can't wait to get my amps back from the shop.

About two weeks ago...

[blackraven]

Frenchmon, check out this site for tubes. I just ordered some 6CG7 NOS RCA Black Plates from them.

Marantz mullard, Fisher amperex items in greengirl613 vacuum tubes store on eBay!

[frenchmon]

Frenchmon, check out this site for tubes. I just ordered some 6CG7 NOS RCA Black Plates from them.

Marantz mullard, Fisher amperex items in greengirl613 vacuum tubes store on eBay!

Cool site...I will keep them in mind...thanks Raven!

[frenchmon]

Blackraven...whats those 6CG7 NOS RCA Black Plates like?

[blackraven]

Blackraven...whats those 6CG7 NOS RCA Black Plates like?

I really like the RCA BP's, even better then the RCA cleartops. They have a more liquid sound and are more neutral to warm. Bass is deep but a little less punchy. Treble is just right.

With tubes there is always so trade off between different models. Plus, tubes sound different in different systems.

[frenchmon]

I really like the RCA BP's, even better then the RCA cleartops. They have a more liquid sound and are more neutral to warm. Bass is deep but a little less punchy. Treble is just right.

With tubes there is always so trade off between different models. Plus, tubes sound different in different systems.

Raven....I swapped out the odd tube a China tube for a 12UX7 Sovtek LPS about a month ago, and I noticed that voices are slightly forward a bit which is a very good thing. The forwardness has added a little luxury and texture to the voice...I love it. Its almost like you can reach out and touch it! I have also swapped out the Canton's for a slightly larger speaker, the Nola Mini's. They dont disperse sound like Cantons but add a little more richness and tone. The bass is a little thinner with the Mini's but with the tone controls on the Vincent, I can bump up bass slightly and bass has presence....first time I've used them. So the tube pre is really sounding excellent. Have you ever used a 12UX7 Sovtek LPS? It added good texture to female vocals.....nice.

Now that was with the XRAY v8....when I use the Marantz SACDP which is richer and warmer in the mids... combined with the tubes it ohhh so much emotion.. Now I have emotion with the XRAY, but a rich warm female voice through the Marantz and tubes...well its outstanding....and with a warm voice like Shirley Horn...Romantic!

[blackraven]

Frenchmon, It sounds like your hooked on tubes. I have not used any 12UX7's as my equipment only takes 6CG7's and 6N1P's. But your experience with tube rolling is what its all about. You can swap tubes to get the sound you want. FYI, don't touch the glass on the tubes with bare hands as the oil on your skin can cause hot spots and premature burnout of the tubes.

Your experience with the tone control on your preamp is why I like tone controls. Used properly they can help you tune the sound.

[frenchmon]

Wow...did not know that about the oil! Thanks ...its valuable information.

Well as soon as I get a phono preamp, I will put the Rotel pre, Rotel CDP, Rotel tuner, another Rotel amp, mmf-2.1 TT, and Cantons in our 4th bed room. This will be the wifes escape from reality and stress. So at times if she lets me, I can get a little solid state relaxation from time to time.

....this is a fun hobby.