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!
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Showing 1 response by petg60

Better 6922 for the preamp, but remember that the manufacturer designed your unit with modern sounding tubes in mind so you want something better in that direction meaning linear sounding tubes.
Believing that your pre has Sovteks or EH I would go with Siemens Halske E88CC and Cca up to 1967 production, for a classic tube tone, or their bigger brother E188CC same period, for more bass and treble. But definitely i would try to find some Voskhods 6N23p 74-79 production for their better flow and the info retrieval at a much lower cost.
Of course you can try anything from that family and you can get better results from the ones you already have as long your pre does not push them too much in which case your choices are limited.
A good move is the check with BAT if that is the case before spending your cash.
For the power amp I would check to put the best I could afford in the cathode follower position leaving everything else as is.
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