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Audio Research VT100 tube replacement

Hi everyone, I am new to tube amps and I need to re-tube this amp. I have discovered that some music lovers prefer the sound of NOS tubes over the ones Audio Research sells. I will have my Audio Research dealer bias the amp when I purchase the new tubes. My question is what tubes would some of you with more experience suggest. My musical tastes include pop, rock, dance and some classical. I do enjoy listening at moderate to higher volumes most of the time (don't know if that helps in choosing tubes). My preference would be for smooth sounding highs and mids with punchy bass, my ears are sensitive to higher frequencies and I find that I get listener fatigue very easily from a lot of different solid state and certain metal dome tweeters. Any suggestions would be much appreciated, also any tube retailers that you have had good experience with would be great. Thanks to all and happy holidays
siffled

Showing 1 response by xti16

xti16
1,525 posts
 
I have to agree from what I've read regarding tube rolling that a set that are not within the manufacturers tolerances could be costly trouble. I thought this post partially explains ARC & replacement tubes especially the last couple of comments.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1295643194&openfrom&1&4#1

That being said you want want to try the Gold Lion KT88 re-issues. Jim McShane does a great job of matching (and I'm pretty sure he knows ARC's specs). On the other hand if you want vintage tubes I really like the original Tung Sol 6550 solid black or grey plates. Very smooth highs - liquid mids with decent bass. Extremely musical tubes. Be aware those can be very expensive especially since you would need 4 matched pairs. I've also read the Shuguang Treasure KT88's have a punchy bass and a huge sound stage. I have no experience with them though.

Good Luck and happy holidays
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