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 6 responses by rodman99999

rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
Brent Jessee currently has some Amperex 6211 tubes (Holland/10K hrs), intended/noise tested for IBM, that won’t break the bank.      Might be worth your time, to discuss those with him, since you liked the Amperex sound.       Info on that premium, industrial iteration of the 12AT7 and what’s in stock, in Teles and Amperex (as well as some less expensive, Mullard, RCA, GE and Sylvania 6211s), here:   http://www.audiotubes.com/12at7.htm
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
"Hard to get through 145 responses....".        Yep!        Actually reading prior posts is something that should be done at the outset, of a thread’s inception.    It’s somewhat late, at this point/for this thread.       Happy holidays!
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
Threads would be much shorter, were more contributors disposed to actually read what’s been previously discussed.      Seems ubiquitous, on most social media platforms.
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
Yep; nice gear.     Just mismatched.    If I were trying to adjust the system, from the preamp end; I’d start with the 12AU7, which will reduce gain by around 60% (compared to 12AT7), in that stage.      No need to spend a lot, just to get an idea of how things are affected, at first.
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
You won’t hurt the preamp, by trying a 9 pin, 12 Volt, with lower gain.     ie:https://amptubes.com.au/my-amp-uses#:~:text=You%20can%20interchange%20a%2012AX7,gain%20and%20others%....         You're still going to want the lowest noise tubes possible, obviously.          The major misalignment, in my opinion, seems your power amp/speaker combo.
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
Q) "So where does one order preamp quality tunes that are quiet?    Is there something I’m not requesting when ordering?"      A) Some tube mongers test their wares for noise (some don’t) and- typically, you must request the best, of those that do.     At Upscale; they’re graded.     Ask for their, "Platinum" or, "Kevins’ Stash" rated, for the quietest.    ie:  https://upscaleaudio.com/pages/test-equipment     and:  https://upscaleaudio.com/pages/grading-matching      Brent Jessee Recording is another excellent source, for noise-tested valves.    His method is outlined, on this page (second vid):  http://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm
More to discover