2. amps-preamps
  3. 195077-47456

I changed a Tube and…

I liked it!
 Have a Rogue Audio Cronos mag lll bought it years ago as original Cronos Mag  sent it in last year for the upgrade to lll .  Never changed any of the original tubes .

The amp was lightly used due to my changing amps like regularly. Decided to stick with Cronos and and have really enjoyed it . 
Playing vinyl for the majority of time and seem satisfied with Triode mode .  Amp runs perfectly no noise at all but thought about all the threads regarding tube rolling  especially the center 12au7 . 
pulled out the stock JJ and found a Genalex  Gold Lion ECC82/B749 (12au7)  bought them 7-8 years ago .  
Put the GL into center position and was thinking “am I going to really hear a difference “???   Figured I listen to a few LPs and maybe I’d notice something different good or bad Maybe ? after all it’s just one tiny tube !

Well I was blown away !, 30 seconds in listening to “two of a mind “ Desmond /Muliligan  things just got a whole lot more musical 🎶. Hard to describe everything seemed improved , midrange was wow ! Soundstage was better , etc .

Went to another familiar favorite Grant Green “ Idle Moments “   Oh yes the magic is here too 

Is this even possible or am I under a placebo delusion  lol 

Now I’m really wondering what about the other 2  12au7’s  and even the 2 -12ax7’s

what else am I missing ? 

 

 

 

mfm22

Showing 3 responses by dekay

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,807 posts
 

For fun go to Brent Jessee and pick up singles of these 12au7 tubes...

RCA early grey plate (organ stock) - $15

RCA black plate (butt ugly) - $30

Amperex World Logo Holland $59

You might also pick up 2 of the $15 jobs to try as drivers.

Aside from Mullard you will be able to sample the sound of my favorite 12au7 tubes.

I’m not keen on Seimens, Telefunken and Mazda (except for the early Mazda).

 

DeKay

 

 

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,807 posts
 

I picked the reasonably priced tubes that give you a good taste of RCA and Amperex.

I’ve used all of them in my preamp with good results.

I generally run late 60’s Mullard Blackburn 12au7’s (short plate/round getter), but he didn’t have any, plus they would be $150+ a pair if he did.

I prefer a 3D presentation with some weight/color.

Oh, since you have spares try them in the driver positions.

 

DeKay

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,807 posts
 

"not sure about those prices from Brent - ?"

What do you mean by that - too inexpensive?

The new production tubes you are using currently retail for $60+ per tube.

The tubes I mentioned are cheap as chips and they may further rock your world of tube rolling.

 

DeKay

 

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