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Modwright LS36.5 tubes

Alright I have found my ideal preamp.

I went over to see James at Whest Audio to talk about getting another MC REF V MK4 phonostage for my second system.
He has just got an MW LS36.5 for his office system and is pretty much enjoying it through his ATC SCM100ASLs active speakers (which I also use).

The sound is quite simply STUNNING using both the smaller PS.30RDT Special Edition and bigger MC REF V MK4 phonostages.

I couldn't fault the sound at all SO have decided on getting on of these preamps.

I have read that changing tubes here makes quite a difference. Anyone here using non-stock tubes in their LS36.5? If so what tubes and what improvements can be had.

Thanks a million
dcarol
wilsynet's avatar
wilsynet
264 posts
 
I think the general recommendation is the Mullard 5AR4 for the rectifier tube and the 6H30DR as the input tubes. If you can't afford the 6H30DR tubes, I think the Electro-Harmonix 6H30 is preferable to the Sovtek 6H30.

There's a whole thread on tube rolling in Modwright's AudioCircle forum.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=56330.5
dcarol OP
62 posts
 
Thank you. I'll check that out

Dirk
teeshot
123 posts
 
I have really liked my 36.5...I chose it over a number of well known units. Agree on the Mullard 5AR4. I have been pleased with just it in the unit with the stock 6H30s.
wilsynet's avatar
wilsynet
264 posts
 
There is not a big difference between the Sovtek and the Electro-Harmonix. The Electro-Harmonix is ever so slightly smoother and sweeter than the Sovtek, but the difference was negligible in the Dodd Buffer Preamp that I had in my system for a little while. The Dodd is very, very transparent, and if the difference with the Dodd was so small, I can imagine that with the Modwright you would have a similar outcome.

Both the Sovtek and EH 6H30 are quite good, so my opinion is aligned with Teeshot's regarding the stock 6H30, which is almost certainly a Sovtek.

Having said that:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=64924.0

I agree with the general sentiment expressed on the thread that the Reflektor 6H30-DR tubes are a significant step up over the lesser Sovtek and EH tubes, but they are also at least 3x the price. It looks like PartsConnexion sells them for about $100 each. Do a search for 6H30 on the PartsConnexion site and you should see them listed. I think you can get matched pairs too for a bit more money.
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