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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 5 responses by schubert

schubert
7,386 posts
 
At the risk of being a homey .The BelCanto 600M's are only class D I would consider .
durk. Most Bugle Boys sold are fake .
schubert
7,386 posts
 
RV, I was really lost about the Belles ,my 150a Reference VII has no problem driving my 4ohm , 87db Totem Sig Ones which are hard  to drive .
Knew nothing about the DQ 20's . Worked internet , 4-5 reviews all noted how hard it is to drive, several said hardest speaker to drive they had ever encountered .
One said 250 watts a side was bare minimum , 400 would be better, guessed its to be a 82db load .
schubert
7,386 posts
 
See how your Belles sounds now .
schubert
7,386 posts
 
If you plan to live over a year or two, wise to keep both .
Their value will not decrease .
schubert
7,386 posts
 
For Classical music I use 5814 and 5751 for 12Ax7 subs .
IMO opinion RCA cleartops are too bright on strings , maybe OK
in warm pre  but 5814 are always more musical to my hears .
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