I got my VS-1 Mk.2 a few weeks ago. It sounds so amazing that I decided to splurge on some very exotic tubes. I bought a matched pair of Siemes CCA (the early 60's version) for $300/pr and a pair of the Mullard CV2492 for $160/pr from PartsConnexion.com. This is indeed a ridiculous amount of money to spend on tubes, but after having tried both I feel that it was worth every penny.
Here are my observations.
Siemens CCA: The bass, dynamics, resolution, and overall musical presence was elevated to an astonishing level in my system. In fact with the CCA tubes and this amp, I have never heard such bass or dynamics. The system takes on a certain kind of pace that I just get goosebumps running down my spine. Its like audio virtual reality. The CCA tubes make a dramatic imporvement in sound quality making this amp sound, well, better then any other amplifier I have ever heard before at any price.
Mullard CV2492: The Mullard had a completely different presentation that was an interesting contrast to the CCA tube. With the Mullard the sound took on a presentation that was very lush, warm and liquid. It was like the tube was really highlighting the midrange and placed a higher emphasis on things that happen in the midrange. This tube was really massaging my ears. For those who prefer a warmer, more laid back and sweet presentation should definitely go for this tube.
Overall, I could not believe what a difference these tubes made in this amplifier. To be honest, both tubes were equally as amazing, but if I had to choose, I prefered the musical excitement from the CCA.
Here are my observations.
Siemens CCA: The bass, dynamics, resolution, and overall musical presence was elevated to an astonishing level in my system. In fact with the CCA tubes and this amp, I have never heard such bass or dynamics. The system takes on a certain kind of pace that I just get goosebumps running down my spine. Its like audio virtual reality. The CCA tubes make a dramatic imporvement in sound quality making this amp sound, well, better then any other amplifier I have ever heard before at any price.
Mullard CV2492: The Mullard had a completely different presentation that was an interesting contrast to the CCA tube. With the Mullard the sound took on a presentation that was very lush, warm and liquid. It was like the tube was really highlighting the midrange and placed a higher emphasis on things that happen in the midrange. This tube was really massaging my ears. For those who prefer a warmer, more laid back and sweet presentation should definitely go for this tube.
Overall, I could not believe what a difference these tubes made in this amplifier. To be honest, both tubes were equally as amazing, but if I had to choose, I prefered the musical excitement from the CCA.