Belles 21A upgrade

what is the upgrade?

Mundorf M-caps gold of V-caps TFTN's. I'm not sure what it
means but here the specs are better than Auricaps and exceed their sound quality

I had a 21A on loan for an audition and it was the stock unit. I don't remember what the stock output coupling caps were. But definitely remember seeing several Orange drops. I advice replacing those caps as well. They tend to blunt the transients, especially the trailing end. Also, I'm sure you have rolled the tubes?

I haven't rolled the tubes yet since I hear the unit comes with Mullards. Which tubes are better 5814A or 12AU7? Any recommendations for the system listed below will be welcomed:

21A Belles tube Pre
Belles 150A Ref
Rega Apollo
MI2 Biwire Goertz
AQ Columbia IC
Vandersteen 2 Ce Sig II

Thanks,
Wig

the mullards were too rolled off at the extremes for me.
the tubes i like best are raytheon 5814a(great),raytheon 12au7(great),
brimar 13d5(great), cbs/hytron 5814wa(great), rca 5814.
for a smoother sound any of the conn or baldwin organ 12au7.

Do you have a source where I can order these tubes? Man too many choices?

Wig

I have a pair of Phillips Jan 5418A never used, are they better than the stock Mullards if the unit comes with Mullards?

Wig

the stock tubes in the belles 21a are mullard cv-4003 i believe.
here is a link to thread discussing tube dealers.
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1239836974&read&keyw&zztube=dealers

I opened up my 21A last night and found out their not Mullards but GE6189/12AU7A. Are these any good!

Wig

My preferred variant is the GE 5814A BLACK PLATE from the mid 1950's. IME though with your pre-amp, you will only get so far rolling the tubes. In order to make it sing, parts need to be upgraded.

How good are these tubes?

you have a solid state amp, so a warmer 12AU7 might be preferred

best in order
all are nice, smooth high end 12AU7's

2 low noise pairs) ECC82 Mullard branded Philips NOS 1964-1969 in Philips boxes (recommended)
1 pair $160) 11.8/12.2 and 11.4/11.6ma 1967 and 1969
1 pair $160) 11/11.8 and 11/11.2ma 1964 and 1966

1 platinum low noise pair $150) CV4003=12AU7WA Brimar NOS in original boxes 1974-1975 1-5% matching, boxes moisture damaged
1 tube) 12.2/12.5ma 1974
1 tube) 12.5/12.7ma 1975

Low Noise Platinum Pairs $125/pair) CV4003=M8136=12AU7 Mullard "Box Plates" NOS copper grid posts 1982-1985 most in original boxes

a 5814A could be used as a sub

1 platinum low noise pair $150) JRC-5814A RCA black plates double mica 1962-1965 original boxes (best pair)<-------
1 tube) 12/12.1ma
1 tube) 12.2/12.4ma

Thanks,
Wig

Wig,

No one can answer your question as tubes are opinion orientated and specific to ones gear/taste.

There is no reason at all to spend more than $60.00 for a pair of 12AU7/5814A tubes for your particular unit. It would be a waste of money.

The GE BP 5814A is dead neutral in sound. That means wide bandwith. No rolled of highs, no rolled of bass, no excessive brightness, very dynamic etc.

E-mail me, I've got lots of tubes. I'm not out to make any $$$. I do not need the money, but also am not a library. Be specific as to what type of sound you like.

B

So I can buy GE BP in 12AU7 and 5814A or the GE BP are only in 5814A?

Thanks,
Wig

Can't find anyone that sells GE BP 5814A, how does the $200 a pair 1956 RCA 5814A Triple Mica compare?

Wig