2. amps-preamps
  3. 1347150482

Need tube 101 info

Ok I'm new to this tube preamp world and I'd like to know a few things. I've acquired a BAT Vk-3ix that needs new tubes but I'm not sure I understand what tubes do what and how to properly "roll" them. I don't want "bright" tubes but I'm completely at a loss as to which brands I should be looking at.

Also what do the two tall inboard tubes do, and what do the small pairs to the left and right do?

When you get a matched pair of the small tubes does one go on the left and one go on the right?

Can you mix brands on the left and right. For example can you have brand x and y on the left and x and y on the right? Will that hurt anything? Or should all be the same brand?

I know these may be simple questions but I gotta start somewhere I suppose.
last_lemming

Showing 8 responses by last_lemming

last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
Btw I have no audio stores where I live - nowheres near, unless you count Best Buy. Somehow I don't think they will understand.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
Hmmmmm. Didn't realize the question was beyond the capabilities of the written word of a group of enthusiasts. I get the generals, but the way some tube-o-philes go on about the things you begin to wonder if there is more art than science behind it. I'm just trying to get users experience - not dealers at this point.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
Thank you for your time and information. I have been to tubestore.com and tubedepot.com. I did a lot of reading and ordered the OEM package of Electro-harmonix - evidently the Sovtek's are not made anymore. This set will be my "base" from which to compare others with. I am also looking for a matched pair of Mullards to replace the bad one currently in the pre amp.

As for the left/right issue, I didn't mean one brand on the left and one brand on the right, I meant one of each on the left and one of each on the right.

Sorry if that was confusing.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
Rosco,

That is one of my questions in my original post. I would like to know what and why on my specific piece.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
Thanks for everybody's help. I will call BAT tomorrow. The preamp looks well looked after. No scratches and no dust on the inside. I know that doesn't tell the whole story, but it's a nice thing to know. The crackling sound is faint and did switch sides when I switched tubes, so I'm fairly confident it's tubes, but when I talk to BAT I'll see what they say. As for sound quality it is quite a nice match and sounds great on the Thiels. There is something palatable about the music now, and I think I made a good choice. If it should be a bad cap or not tube related, well off to BAT it will go, and my really good deal just becomes fair deal.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
Thanks Djohnson,

I just got off the phone with BAT. Not sure who I talked to but he sounded Russian - I think. Very nice guy. He thinks is a tube problem and that I should try that first and if my problem persists then I can call back and we go from there.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
Good news so far! Got the EH tubes in, I flicked on the unit - quit and no ringing or crackling. Also yhe hiss that is there requires my ears up to the speaker to hear and is thesame level on both speakers. But my wife is watching tv so I'll have to wait an hour or so for any listening. Wives! There so silly with their 2d image moving picture shows! Right now I'm just letting everything warm up.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
Wise words my friend, wise words.
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