I moved from NAD PP2 to the ProJect Tube Box DS. I would imagine the sound is similar to your model. That move was dramatic in my system. I have Audio Research amps and preamp so later upgraded to the PH5 which was another wonderful leap in sound. It seems we are similar that we simply love what the tubes offer...in general. I have had minimal experience with tube rolling and have not been able to distinguish or see any appreciable differences. You have options for a minimal investment so I would encourage you to look at a different mfg tube. You get into the NOS realm and you can easily spend more on a pair of tubes than you did on the preamp. I feel it would be a better investment to upgrade the component to whatever brand preamp speaks to you. Shop the used market and you can always resell if you don't like it.
Newb Tube question
Having recently acquired a Pro Ject Tube Box S2 phono stage, I'm liking what I hear and am wanting to learn more about tubes.
I see reference to the plates inside the tubes... "short plate", "long plate", "smooth plate", etc.
Is there any sonic difference with the different plate characteristics, or is the quality and manufacturer more important?
Are there brands to seek or avoid?
Just curious... Don't know if my lower-end *system or my 65 year old ears are capable of resolving the difference between tubes anyway.
Thanks!
*System:
Emotiva BasX PT-100 preamp, Emotiva BasX A300 power amp, Zu Libtec speaker cables feeding Maggie 1.6's, Morrow interconnects, Technics sl-1200 mk2 w/ Nagaoka mp-200 cartridge and before-mentioned Project Tube Box S2 phono stage.
I see reference to the plates inside the tubes... "short plate", "long plate", "smooth plate", etc.
Is there any sonic difference with the different plate characteristics, or is the quality and manufacturer more important?
Are there brands to seek or avoid?
Just curious... Don't know if my lower-end *system or my 65 year old ears are capable of resolving the difference between tubes anyway.
Thanks!
*System:
Emotiva BasX PT-100 preamp, Emotiva BasX A300 power amp, Zu Libtec speaker cables feeding Maggie 1.6's, Morrow interconnects, Technics sl-1200 mk2 w/ Nagaoka mp-200 cartridge and before-mentioned Project Tube Box S2 phono stage.