Best Tubes for Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 Magnum

  Avanti makes a good point about using multiple tubes to balance your sound. For you with a single pair of buffer tubes it will be less complex. In my Rogue applications with a single pair of 12AU7’s in my system and my likes I chose the Telefunkens. But for example in my M-180’s , I rolled in pair of Tekefunken 12AX7’s and did not care for them. I replaced them with GE 5 Star. Of the new production tubes I’ve had good results with the gold pin Tung Sol’s. Tube rolling is like beer or scotch , you try some and find out what you like. And as a FORMER drinker , you can get carried away. Cheers, Mike B. 

@flyfish77 

Brent Jessee does not have a retail office where you can buy tubes on site. 

I have had several Rogue Audio products before and I suggest that the stock JJ tubes not be so quickly dismissed.  
With the cronus magnum the amperex preamp tube sounded best but needed an rca or jj tube in another position to balance it out.  

with the two buffer tube rogue pepreamp i had, the jj did sound the best overall- dynamic, clear midrange, excellent bass, smooth detailed treble once burned in.  the jj tubes take a long time to burn in, some people reporting 400 hrs or so. 

i have tried pretty much every nos 12au7 including mullard, telefunken, siemens, amperex, rca, ge, mazda, philips, etc.  also gold lions and tung sol reissues.  the jj work very well in rogue products. 

since you have a bunch to try, go ahead and listen to them.  take notes and try to use some demo tracks to evaluate them with the same music. 

fyi rogue tube sockets are very robust, i wailed on my cronus magnum over the years and never an issue. 

the jjs sounded best in the rogue pharaoh, big brother of the sphinx. 

dont overlook them. 

If tube rolling is such an easy proposition why not try them and find out?
Then tell us the results?
I’d think such an activity would be more productive than asking others how your system will sound with the various options.

So far I have had good luck with the Bugle Boys and (vintage) Telefunkens.  

Thanks Mike.  I checked out Jesse’s page.  His business is in a nearby suburb.  This could be dangerous.

 That is a nice selection of tubes to try. You will find that it will be dependent of what you like and will also be dependent on equipment, speakers, room, and type of music. If you go to Brent Jesse’s 12AU7 tube page there is an accurate description of the sound of all your tubes. Rogue and many other manufacturers ship with JJ’s as they are reliable and inexpensive but to me and most others are not that enjoyable. Also FWIT I went on a tube rolling binge with a small amplifier and spent more on tubes than the cost of the amp. But my point is having changed tubes dozens of times I caused a considerable loosening of the tube sockets. Also learn how to handle tubes including the installation and removal and care for the printing on the tubes. For me in a system that lacks tone controls I can tailor my sound drastically for type of music and how much treble I have. You may also consider a pair of socket savers ( be careful removing) and tube dampers ( Herbies ) . If you’re adding tubes be aware of vibrations and component isolation. Forgive me for highlighting all the precautions as you will have a great deal of fun experimenting with your new amp and discovering the difference in sound. Also FWIT Rogue has outstanding customer service and Nick is fantastic with advice and support. Also as a lifelong tube enthusiast you can always find me at TAA ( Tube Addicts Anonymous ). 😆 Happy Listening , Mike B.