2. amps-preamps
  3. 161387-96791

Constant noisy tubes maybe go solid state?

I have a Quicksilver Line Stage Preamp (12AT7) mated to an Odyssey Khartago Stereo. Overall I like it. Way too much gain but I digress. Weeks after receiving it I rolled in a few different tubes, kinda fun to color the sound signature. I liked rhe RXA black plates I got and those stuck around for more than a year. They started going microphonic and making noises so I ordered another pair (noisy) then another different vendor (blasts of white noise) and another set that arrived today (one is noisy as holy hell and one seems fine).

So where does one order preamp quality tunes that are quiet? Is there something I’m not requesting when ordering? Maybe dump
snd go solid state? I’m trying to be humorous because I’m pissed. Ha.
gochurchgo

Showing 4 responses by noromance

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,501 posts
 
It’s a preamp. No power tubes. Just swap in the other 12A*7 tubes. Nothing’s going to blow up as they all have the same pin configuration and heater current.

Edit: @rodman -snap!
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,501 posts
 
Talk to Kevin Deal in Upscale Audio for advice.
I've 28 pre and power tubes in constant use and have no noise issues. However it's the nature of the beast especially with old tubes.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,501 posts
 
Kevin will sort you out. Call rather than ordering and explain your situation. I haven’t ruled out that there could be some other factor at play. 
I've boxes of tubes that were once enjoyed and ultimately replaced for better and better ones. Most were quiet but you get the odd noisy one. But that's part of the fun.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,501 posts
 
The JJs have a little glare that's a touch unrefined. If you like a warmer sound, look at Mullard CV4024. More neutral Psvane 12AT7. 
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