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Question about replacing 12AU7 tubes.

I am new to tube amps and have a question about the 12AU7 tubes in my Dared VP-300b Quasi Monoblocks. Each of them has a 300b tube and 2 12AU7 tubes.
I would like to have a replacement at hand if a 12AU7 tube goes out (also read somewhere the stock tubes are not that great).
Do I need to get matched pair or even 4 matched tubes?
If matched pairs would I put one matched pair in one mono block and the other pair in the other, or would I put one of each pair in each mono block so they have the"same" kind of tube combo?

Any suggestions about this and any tube suggestions would be appreciated?

Thanks.
utah_dude

Showing 3 responses by utah_dude

utah_dude OP
6 posts
 
Thank you all for your input. I apologize for my ignorance, bigshutterbug, but how can I tell which one is which of the 12AU7 tubes. Does one have more influence on the sound than the other?
utah_dude OP
6 posts
 
Thank you all for your input. I will think about what tubes to order as a backup/rolling ensemble. I also have not been able to find info about which tube is which for the 12AU7s. I will try to send them an email

I was fortunate enough to get some gently used Sophia Princess Mesh 300b tubes and had ordered new Tesla ECC802S tubes with PLATINUM pins.
When all the tubes were in, I could not tear myself away from the beautiful sound (some Stacy Kent, Patricia Barber, Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Hartmann, Gillian Welch and more) and also could not get the big smile off my face.
I definitely want to get some backup tubes because I cannot imagine being without this if a tube should go.
utah_dude OP
6 posts
 
HiGodachilles,
Before the VP300, I was using the Peactree Nova as my DAC, Preamp and Amp. I am still using the Nova as a DAC and Preamp, but have replaced the Amp section of the Nova with the VP-300b.
I have not done a side by side comparison, but my impression is that the Soundstage has improved (clearer), and the detail I perceive in the music has increased. Almost like a layer between me and the music have improved. While I feel that all music has improved, I find female vocalists particularly stunning (Stacey Kent, Patricia Barber, "les moulins de mon coeur" by Carmina and many others).
Be aware that the VP-300b comes without 300b tubes.
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