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New To Tubes Advice Needed

Hi Guys:
Like my question says I'm very new to the world of tubes. I have recently purchased a Xindak MT3 tube Integrated and I'm very pleased with the warm sound it produces in comparison to all the SS amplifiers that I have used over the years. I based my decision to purchase the Xindak based on the sound I heard and not the fact that the unit is made in China. This being my first entry to the world of tube gear cost was somewhat of a concern just in case I did not like the sound in the long run. The unit runs on 4-EL34, 2-68NP (6SN7GT)and one 12AX7 stock tubes original to the unit. I have read that tube rolling could yield some good improvements, since I know nothing on the subject I was wondering if I could impose on some knowledgeable members to guide in so far as to what should be changed and what with. I'm aware that there is so many different tubes on the market and that buying one over the other is a matter of taste but in my case I'm totally in the dark so any guidance is valued.By the way I would like to keep the cost factor in to play so no suggestions for very expensive tubes. Also I have read that EL34 could be substituted with KT77 what is the difference.
Thanks in advance for all of your input.
RossQ
rossq

Showing 5 responses by rossq

rossq OP
26 posts
 
Detredwings:
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. I think you are right when you say what you like is what you like we all hear differently and the only way to find what I might like is to try a few different tubes until I find the ones that are right for me. I will try and do more research and educate myself a little by reading in different forums.
rossq OP
26 posts
 
Replytoken-Detredwings and Wynnsanantonio.
Tanks so very much for your input. So just so that I understand I could start by just changing one of the tube the 12ax7 and see what happens, if I was to change the 6SN7GT I would have to change both of them. Now since there is 4 EL34 when changing I would have to change all 4 is that right? What happens if one of the 4 EL34 burns out or is faulty would I then need to replace all four once again and would I have to replace the burned one with the same make. The Integrated sounds just fine as it is but you know how it is just trying to refine the mid range and see if I could get the base to be a little faster and tighter.
rossq OP
26 posts
 
Thanks to all for the words of wisdom. The Integrated in question has about 70 hours in and sounds much better to me than most of the SS combos I have had over the years. There is really not much wrong with it now I just thought that the manufacturers normally don't put the best quality tubes in their unit and my thinking is if it sound good now what can be obtained if better tubes are put in hence my rush to swap tubes. Like most have said I will start by changing the 12AX7. The tubes on the unit right now are Electron made in China.
rossq OP
26 posts
 
A big thanks to all of you that have tried to help. I was put in touch with the Tube Store and at their recommendation for my specific Xindak MT3 Integrated I ended up buying a matched pair of EH 6SN7, One Preferred AO Series 7025 12AX7, and 4 matched Winged C (SED) EL 34 for $212 total. I should have them by next week and then the tube journey begins, and I must confess I hope to see some improvement even if ever so slightly. Boy owning Tube gear is much more fun the Solid State
rossq OP
26 posts
 
I thought I would post an update on the new tubes I ordered, and give everyone who was kind enough in helping me my impression in regards to the sound with the new tubes. Right out of the boxes the sound of the new tubes was nothing short of breathtaking way smoother and the details improved to were I swear I hear stuff on some Cd's that I have not heard before is that even possible?. I can hear even the smallest of details and the bonus is that all of this happens even at lower volume. The bass is so much more full and controlled, all of this with just about 3 hours on the new tubes from what I have read the best is yet to come once the tubes burn in for at least 50 hours, can't wait. In all honesty I wish I would have jumped in to tube amplification a long time ago but better late than never
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