How important is it to match tubes in a preamp?


I poped the top on my preamp and noticed that every tube was different.
The preamp uses 12ax7 for the phono, 12au7 & 12ax7 for the line stage. Every tube was of a different make. Which brings up the question, is it important to match tubes in a preamp?
bimbamboom

Showing 1 response by kleech

I have a CAT Ultimate that uses a 6922 for each channel (of the line and phono stages) and a third 6922 as cathode follower in each stage. Does the third tube contribute much to the sound? Can I get away with matched pairs of nos tubes and leave the Sovtek 6922 in the cathode follower position?