Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ

---

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] Thread: [ Display  All  Email ] [ Tubes Asylum ]

---

[ Alert Moderator ]

---

RE: Tube rolling preamp or power amp gain tubes, which ones (or both)?

Posted by samzx12 (A) on January 19, 2017 at 07:26:10

In Reply to: RE: Tube rolling preamp or power amp gain tubes, which ones (or both)? posted by 2121@comcast.net on January 16, 2017 at 09:03:10:

I have a Dialogue Premium (non HP) and have been going through tube rolling for awhile. There are many great points here and I am still not where I want to be either sonically. What I have found so far is the stock amp sounds very very good but missing a little something for my tastes. One thing I have found is the stock tubes have a sense of timing or cohesiveness that I like however when I have rolled in other power tubes this timing goes away somewhat. The power tubes set the tone and the preamp tubes tailor the sound to your liking. The stock power tubes lack a little pop and overall soundstaging so I have been trying to achieve this by trying various power tubes. I love the EL34 sound so recommended were the GL KT77. They are really nice tubes and close to the EL34 but definitely more pop. Still wanting to try others I rolled in Mullard re-issue EL34. Nice tube but a little something was lacking. Don't get me wrong these are good tubes. I bought the amp from Upscale Audio and purchased the KT120 which I rolled in after getting used to the stock sound. Hated the 120's. Way too grainy and upper midrange glare and couldn't tune it out with Mullard CV4003 (12Au7). Sold them and purchased some Tung Sol KT150. These are nice tubes and they have a wonderful soundstage, slam, and a very nice midrange unlike the KT120. However the stock timing isn't there so my chase is still on lol. One tube that I have found that is awesome is the Cifte 12AU7. I suggest you try this tube in the front 2 slots. They make a LOT of difference. I have currently gone back to the stock EL34 and contemplating trying another power tube like a KT66 or a 6ca7. Yes tube rolling can get expensive but once your realize what tone you like then work it from there. I still haven't ruled out the KT150's altogether as they have some very nice characteristics (slam, soundstage, tone) but the stock cohesiveness isn't quite there.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Kimber Kable

---

[ Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]

---

[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]

---