|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
71.59.92.21
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 04:46:39
Terrific insights and advice that should help guide me as I continue with this process. Thank you, everyone.I do have but don't like the resulting sonic signature (via vinyl [mono & stereo carts] and SACD) of Tung Sol KT-120s as used in the HP amp. To me, over Spatial Audio Hologram M-3 Turbo S speakers, the KT-120s present a much flatter albeit brighter sound stage than do the stock PrimaLuna EL34s which to me provide what must be my "preference sound" i.e. a more-defined, lusher and layered 3D image.
On the preamp I changed out the stock rectifier PL tubes to a pair of Phillips 5R4GYS and also changed out the first two stock gain tubes to a pair of Cifte and Brimar.
All of these tube changes occurred within the past several days to past week and with limited research prior to purchasing. What prompted the initial post here was that I felt I jumped the gun and that I should have posted here first before diving in and buying all of these tubes. Reading only what UpscaleA posts on its website to describe characteristics of select tubes, I was about to pull the trigger on a set of Winged-C power tubes (with the expectation that this would deepen/further enhance my "preference sound") but I didn't want to go that route if a consensus was that I was going about this all wrong from inception. I will now be guided by everyone's comments and I very much appreciate your collaboration.
Edits: 01/17/17Follow Ups:
"the stock PrimaLuna EL34s which to me provide what must be my "preference sound" i.e. a more-defined, lusher and layered 3D image."
I'll go out on a limb here because I don't know your gear. If you like the EL34 voicing then try the GL KT77 or the EH 6ca7, both are drop in replacements. These are what I settled on for a pair of Dynaco MKIV monos I have.
I'm not really clear on where he wants to take it and what's not giving him what he wants now?
he should email Jim McShane for a recommendation on what tubes he can drop in that amp. As well as starting on the smaller tubes if needed????
If the OP is using EL34 I am ASSUMING!!!! he wants more clarity or top end???? So a GL KT66/77 would really do the trick. I have HEARD the EH6ca7 are good as well but have never tried them myself.
I know I'm fighting the crowd on this one. But I always liked getting a good set of output tubes then tweak out my smaller tubes.
The GL will add a lot more energy on the top and bottom end. Warm and fuzzy they ain't! but clean and crisp they are. I used the GL KT66 for quite a while. An excellent tube.
You will get a lot of different opinions as different people are looking for different things from there systems.
I agree with you on the Tung Sol KT120. And the Prima Luna EL34 are Shugang EL34b. Not a bad tube but not great at the frequency extensions. The Cifte and Brimar small signal tubes are an upgrade over the stock tubes so I would look to the power tubes at this point.
I believe the PL can take many different types of power tubes. I would try to put together two different sets, one a KT88/6550/KT90 and one a 6L6/KT66 type.
For the first type, I like the Prefered Series KT88 (same tube as the PentaLabs KT88SC), NOS EI KT90 (I think Tctubes still has some) or maybe GL KT88 (have not tried these recently but they seemed to be well liked).
In the second group, Gold Lion KT66, Prefered Series 6L6gc, or the new Tung Sol 7581A (which I have yet to try but are getting rave reviews for hi fi use) would be worth trying.
I know it is a major investment but you will have to try different tubes to find what you like. And it is nice to have variety.
Enjoy the roll!
Edits: 01/17/17
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: