2. amps-preamps
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12ax7 12AU7 EL34 / KT 88/ 6550 upgrades for PL2

I acquired a used primaluna prologue two a month or so ago. This is my first experience with tube amp. Coming from rotel amplification I am just wowed with the tubes. The PL2 had upgraded tung sol 6550s. Nice sound. But I changed to new issue Electro Harmonix H EL34EH. Ran-in the tubes two days straight with music. Was simply blown away with soundstage and tone! Guitar riffs and blues sound gorgeous! Bass isn't too shabby either. Quite enjoyable.

Then found a little more improvement by switching 12ax7s from stock to Electro Harmonix ($10 bucks each).

The tried changing out 12AU7 with some old used tunsol 5963/12au7 (made in the USA) and was not happy. Changed back to stock.

Does anybody have any good experiences with upgrading the 12ax7/12au7 and power tubes on the PL2. I would appreciate the advise. Tube rolling is so much fun!

My speakers are quad 22L2, cd player oppo bdp 83se and analog source is MMF5 w/ MMshure ML140E.
rohitdev
david12
1,454 posts
 
Any views on the Shuangung Psvanne tubes the 12AUX7 , imported by Grant Fidelity? I have been thinking about them for my amp, thanks
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Love the Telefunken 12au7 ribbed plate in my VAC Sig MKIIa. It's high resolution, detailed, clear, high end extension ... just awesome. The smooth plate is too warm for me.

Also have success with Telefunken 12ax7 ribbed plate in a McIntosh MC2200. The stock Chinese tubes are JUNK and can't believe the improvements with the Tele.

Love the Shuangung BT CV181-Z in my MW Transporter so also curious about the Shuangung Psvanne 12au7.
analogtubes
1 posts
 
Go with the Genalex Gold Lions. It's a new standard for tubes. They are quite wonderful.
thehub's avatar
thehub
11 posts
 
I just purchased 2 matched sets of the Psvane 12AU7s from Grant Fidelity and got them installed today in my Cary SLP 03. My Cary 120S amp will be delivered Monday from Cary. I sent it in to get the MK 2 revision. It has all Shuangung Treasures in it (KT88 & CV181-Z) which are broken in with about 400 Hrs. on them. It should be interesting and I will post an update ASAP. The Psvanes are replacing TJ Full Music 12AU7s because one tube got loud. The sound was good but reliability is important to me. I am gonna sell the 3 TJ's cheap if interested.
Dave
ladavid
79 posts
 
I just ordered some Pavane 12AU7's from Grant Fidelity. The notice says they shipped the same afternoon I ordered. I also purchased 300b's last year - weren't cheap but again service was excellent. Looking forward to putting the 12AU7's in my preamp. Also have some genalex gold lions (6922) coming from the Tube Store - have found their service to be excellent as well. I think we are lucky to have so many excellent sources for tubes.
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