Favorite Tube Combinations

What combinations of tubes have you found to synergize?

I'm a bit perplexed by your question. How well combinations of tubes synergize depends mostly upon the circuit/component you are using them in, as well as on the specific tubes you use, not to mention other components in the chain. Just because 6SL7's work well pushing 300B's in one amp in one system, does not mean that's going to be the case in all amps using those tubes...and the which 6SL7's, and which 300B's. The variables here are staggering. Rolling tubes within a specific component can render huge differences, or very subtle differences or none at all. One interesting detail I've found over the years is that the closer the component is to the source, the greater the potential for impact when rolling within that circuit (rolling tubes in a pre or in a tubed-output digital front-end tends to have a greater impact than rolling tubes in an amp). This, of course is a very broad generalization and there are certainly exceptions. All of this is highly subjective as well, as anything in this hobby. Glad you're having fun with it.

This is pretty much exactly what I was responding. It's all rather subjective anyway...one mans ideal combination is another's one-tube-short of a circus. Sure, there's bound to be some general consensus in users, but if you don't fall under that preference it's obviously not a guideline for you to follow. There is no right or wrong.

Are you suggesting that manufacturers build their equipment with circuitry to accept whichever tube you might have a fancy for trying, which would be very interesting, if it were possible!

I use a front end component, the Modwright Transporter, which is VERY versatile to tube choice, and VERY sensitive to tube rolling (changes make a profound difference). Dan (Wright) deliberately designed the analog output circuit to be very versatile in this respect and is a tube-roller's dream in terms of shaping the sound to how you like it. The Audiocircle thread on this subject is currently 53 pages and is a testament to how great an effect tubes can have on a front-end output circuit. The most recent development has been Octal adapters to allow use of other tubes like the 6SN7 in the 8-pin output tube position (the adapters are made available by Wayne at the Boulder Cable Company). I can tell you from my own experience with this impressive front end that just changing the rectifier tube has a profound effect on the sound (5ar4, 5u4g, GZ32, GZ37, etc.). As I indicated in my previous post, I find the closer the tube is to the front end, the more effect it will likely have...changing the rectifier in the MW Transporter has a far more profound effect than changing a rectifier in any tube-rectified amp I've owned.

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.

Here's a few for your collection.