Favorite Tube Combinations

Very interesting observations and reactions to the question and they are all appreciated.

There is a direct correlation between circuit design and the way a tube behaves and I realize this to be true. I also realize that most classic circuit design try to utilize any given tube for the same reason and that the tube plays the same role electrically component to component so there will be marked characteristics that remain at least relatively constant. Were this not the case any review of any tube would be so subjective that it would be useless.

There would seem to be a belief that if we can at once claim and yet disclaim that tube characteristics can be identified that more people would buy more tubes and we really shouldn't sell on ignorance anymore. I have found that Joe, VTV, and the Head Fi tube threads, to name a few, to be amazingly accurate accounts of a tubes signature.

When I ask about a synergy, it's a question of what tubes inherent sonic characteristics compliment other tubes inherent or latent sonic characteristics not how they may react or interface electrically with a given transformer or capacitor.

The taste of certain wines compliment the taste of certain foods and this is an immutable fact. Why then is sound so different? Why can't the sonic signature of certain tubes compliment the sonic signature of other tubes. Of course they can! I think if we move in this direction it could add a whole new dimension and stimulus to this hobby.

Regards Mrtennis and all,

Tube rolling is not only about chasing some ideal, it's about discovery. If you accept the idea of there being any value to subject evaluations of individual components then it's only obvious that one component's characteristics can compliment another. Tubes are components with individual characteristics! I can recommend that a Tung Sol 6SL7 compliments a KEN RAD VT-321 and that it sounds good to me and that you should give it a try. I have most of the usual suspect 6SN7s and keep them so that I may change with my mood, with the recording and to achieve a particular spin on the music. Subjective?, yes of course it is.

As I review the previous posts, I would agree that context is essential and that suggestions of tube combinations within a given device would be of most value to the listener.

By the way, the Moscode 401HR and the new 402Au can use quite a variety of driver tubes and will allow as Cyclonicman suggests, to a degree, an opportunity to mix and match not just manufacturers but actual tube types. One of the best pieces of equipment I have ever owned and wish I'd never sold was the 300. Anyone have a second hand 401HR for sale? Only $4 per ad +%.