2. amps-preamps
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Best Tubes for VAC

Hi All,

I've got a VAC Signature iia SE linestage (upgraded from iia) and a pair of Phi 200 amps.  I'd like to optimize tubes for transparency and detail (of course I also want tonal accuracy, soundstage and imaging). I'm wondering if there are any folks out there who have optimized tubes in their similar VAC units?  The tube compliments are:

PREAMP:
2x 12AU7
2x 8416, 7308, 6922, E88CC, ECC88, 6DJ8, (or 12DJ8 twin triodes)

AMPS (each)
4x KT88
4x 6SN7 (in the best 2 positions, I've got a pair of NOS Sylvania 6SN7GT's)

What have people found to work best in these VAC units?  Thanks in advance, Peter
peter_s

Showing 2 responses by peter_s

peter_s OP
1,348 posts
 
Interesting... I just got off the phone with Kevin at VAC, and he informed me that the 12AU7's are only used in the tape loop and are of secondary importance. He recommended that I focus on the 6922-family tubes on the preamp.  He mentioned that if you don't use the tape loop, they have found that there is a SLIGHT sonic improvement by taking the tape loop out of the circuit altogether.  In addition to the NOS 6922 variants, he mentioned that VAC is really impressed with the Electroharmonix current production 6922's.
peter_s OP
1,348 posts
 
Hi everyone. I just want to report that I finally installed the  WE-KT88's in my Phi 200's, and WOW! they surpassed the Genelex Gold Lion KT88's by a wide margin.  Here is what I wrote to my friends:

"Changing the tubes was huge! Never before has my system sounded so natural, neutral, cohesive, enticing and involving. I'm no longer noticing congestion and loss of internal resolution. The micro-details are there, and yet it is fairly relaxed."   

I am so impressed.  Next I will try the WE-6SN7's.  All of these are around $250 per quad at China-Hifi-Audio. Thanks @johnss for your excellent advise! 

All the Best, Peter
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