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bella extreme 3205 tubes

It is time to do a tube replacement/upgrade on my Int. Bella Extreme 3205.
It is an upgraded Jolida 502A that was upgraded by Response Audio in 2006/07.
At the present time I am running4-EH EL34 in the power output, 2-12ax7 Sovtek for the input and 2-12at7 Sovtek as the drivers.
I have about 1000 hours on these tubes and can hear a distinct degrade in the sound quality. I do bias the power tubes about every 100 hours or so.
I can run EL34,6550,and KT88 as power outputs. With the 6550/kt88 it will give me 10 more watts but it is not a necessity to go from 50WPC to 60WPC.
The inputs are what I am more interested in.
I am pushing a pair of Jupiter Audio Europa speakers and a Audio Note CDT transport with a MacCormack DAC-1 with deluxe upgrades.
So what tube would be recommended for this set up? I would like a little more
of an open mid range and the highs a bit brighter. The bass is good and I do have a small sub if I need more bottom end.
Specs can be found here.
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0307/bella_extreme_3205.htm
Thanks Brian
skiezo

Showing 1 response by josefm

josefm
53 posts
 
I have the same or similar amp (mine is the Signature), here is what I am currently using.
GL KT88 reissue power tubes
TS 12AT7 cryoed p-splitters
Baldwin branded 12AX7

I also tried the new GL12ax7, more of a sweet tubey sound. I prefer the Baldwin AX7's sound, more 'neutral' balance.

TS12ax7 (cryoed)+TS12AT7(cryoed) + GLKT77 was the ultimate balance for my taste. Excellent midrange, clean highs, and solid punchy bass. If you go this route request "hotter biasing' GL KT77 quads from your tube dealer, I rec. Jim McShane for the power tubes.
I got the cryoed tubes from Cyroset.

YMWV
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