Question for tube aficionados


I have a vintage Conrad-Johnson PV 11 preamp.
 I’ve always re-tubed it  with the cheapest tubes from Tube Depot (e.g. Electro-Harmonix 12AU7 and 12AX7, Sovtek 5751 and the like.). I’ve been very happy with the sound.
 My question is:
 Would it be worthwhile to spend more money on more exotic tubes?
  Would there be any appreciable difference in the sound?
 I’m powering the system with NuForce Reference 9 V3 monoblocks.
128x128rvpiano

Showing 1 response by raindance

The difference in sound between NOS and new production tubes is slight and you will spend a lot of money finding NOS tubes that are (1) not fake, (2) not microphonic (3) not noisy. My 2c worth. I gave up the chase years ago and now use matched and tested JJ or Sovtek tubes.

Also, CJ amps of this vintage typically use circuit designs that are not optimal to produce a "tubey" sound. They are also prone to oscillation with the wrong tube choices because of CJ's refusal to follow good design practice and use grid stopper resistors. The difference NOS tubes will make is like cables - not much. I'd stick with what works.