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Recommended tubes for LTA Preamp

Hi All - 

I recently upgraded my LTA Microzotl preamp to the Level 2. I see myself having this component for a long time and don’t anticipate ever wanting to replace it. 

I’m planning on purchasing some back-up tubes for it, though. I was wondering if any LTA preamp owners out there wouldn’t mind sharing their experience with different NOS tubes for the LTA.  LTA currently has Brimar and GE NOS tubes in stock, but wanted to see if anyone might share their own experiences tube rolling with the LTA preamp. 
 

Thanks in advance! 

128x128bluethinker
wjob
62 posts
 

Siemens 12AU7 NOS are a nice improvement in clarity over the stock tubes.  Lowers the gain a bit as well, which is helpful unless you are running LTA amps.

dz13
241 posts
 

When I had an LTA integrated with a preamp section, I contacted Brent Jessee at tubes.com for his recommendation.  I told him sort of what sound I was looking for and he gave me great advice. 

cbrez
63 posts
 

I replaced the 12AT7s with Telefunken ECC801s. I replaced the 12SN7s with CBS/Hytron VT-231 per a recommendation from Brent Jessee. I definitely recommend reaching out to Brent. He is incredibly knowledgeable and extremely helpful.

In my system, the tube changes were a dramatic improvement in sound. There was better top and bottom extension. The sound got even more dynamic. It wasn’t cheap, but the rolling to me was well worth it.

audition__audio
1,481 posts
 

The VT231 is the military version of a 6SN7GT. 

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,556 posts
 

The LTA can use either (6SN7/12SN7) with the flip of a switch.

 

DeKay

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