Rogue categorically recommends Mullard small tubes as an upgrade for their gear . My experience with Mullard tubes in this application tended to make my sound veiled as if a blanket was thrown over my system . I’ve tried nos Mullard , Seimens Ecc, Seimens silver plates Phillips SQ , and Telefunkens, including standard , Tektronix, and Black Coated . I’ve also tried most of the better domestic nos driver tubes as well . Based on my experience, I highly recommend Telefunkens. Now in that regard , nos Tesla and Tungsram are closer to the Telefunken sound at a lesser price . Verify with Rogue , but generally in a 3 tube circuit , you have a phase splitter and a gain application. In most cases the single tube will have a greater effect on SQ change when rolling . In the 6992 application my favorite tube is the gold pin Telefunken E88CC, the gold pin Tesla is a close second . This I prefer over the Seimens CCa or the Phillips SQ. Rogue uses a SS rectifier , which eliminates rolling rectifier tubes. Although I have nos power tubes like the GEC and Tung- Sols, I’m happy with new production tubes like Gold Lion and TUNG-Sol . However I really like the out of production SED Winged C power tubes .NOS Mullard rectifier and power tubes are very good and highly prized . So to be brief , try nos Telefunkens in both , but check and see if you can suffice with a single tube in the 120’s. Regards, Mike B.
Preamp tubes in power amps
I’ve had tube gear for a decade but never, until recently, looked into how it functions or how to optimize it. So, my basic question is, my Rogue Magnum M-120 monoblocks have their power tubes, and then also a couple of 12AU7s and one 12AX7.
Would replacing those with NOS higher end tubes like a Seimens or a Mullard have much benefit?
Or would my tube budget be better spent replacing the new production 6922s in my BAT VK-3i with some higher end NOS tubes?
I figure I can’t afford to replace the power tubes until they die. But looking to see where the best bang for the buck would be on the preamp tube side of the equation.
Thanks to all who answer the actual question!
Would replacing those with NOS higher end tubes like a Seimens or a Mullard have much benefit?
Or would my tube budget be better spent replacing the new production 6922s in my BAT VK-3i with some higher end NOS tubes?
I figure I can’t afford to replace the power tubes until they die. But looking to see where the best bang for the buck would be on the preamp tube side of the equation.
Thanks to all who answer the actual question!