Supratek Tubes and Tube Swappin' for Everybody


I will have a Supratek Chenin in my set up in a day or so. Since so many folks are rolling tubes around here I was hoping to garner a comprehensive list of everybodies favorite tube compliments. Be it NOS or NIB or WLATB (Whatever's layin around the basement)
Being that the "Deal of the Century" thread is a little more like a novel I figured this would be a good place to post questions and answers related to one subject of Supratek amps and pres.
On to the subject of me. I don't have immediate plans to swap tubes as I've figured that Mr. Maloney would supply us with something listenable for the break in period. But, since so many have reported such dramatic improvments I want to ask this question:
What is your favorite compliment for quietest gain and dynamics in the phono stage?
I will be using the Chenin exclusively for vinyl ( I don't have a CD player) and listen to loads of early rock and roll and Jazz bands, smaller jazz bands mostly, quartets and quintets. Some classical, the usual Beethoven and Mozart, but usually just a lot of loud garage rock.
Ok, now lets see what happens.
mc5baby

Showing 8 responses by slowhand

Has anyone used the 5932 tube in the regulator position on the Supratek? If so, what are your thoughts?
Hi Raytheprinter,

I have found the Tung Sol round plates to be the best for me. I have a couple pair of Ken-Rad black glass I can sell you at a good price if you are interested. I have some other tubes for the Supratek too. Shoot me an e-mail off line if you want to know what I have.
Fiddler,

Mick is using these in the new Cortese preamps. He said he has hundreds of NOS tubes on hand, but he really likes the sound of these tubes. I have heard that the gold pins are not worth the extra cost.
Hi Alma,

I have heard 350b's in my Syrah and they are the best, but I cannot afford a pair. I like the 6f6g's a lot and they cost a fraction of the 350b's. I also like the GEC KT66's. Some people don't like them, but they provide a good contrast in sound from the 6f6g's. Where the 6f6g's are dynamic with solid, tight bass, the KT66's are warmer sounding with a warmer bass. I switch back and forth as my mood changes. That is what I love about this preamp!

Enjoy!
Hello Alma,

It was 2 pair of regulators (6L6's and 12B4A's) but I believe Mick has gone back to one pair (6L6's).
Ecclectique,

Hi David, my Syrah was very prone to microphonics compared the my Cortese. It is very quiet when tapped on. Both preamps take the same tubes. Why is the Cortese less prone to microphonics? When I rap on it with the signal on,but no music playing it is dead quiet. I always thought microphonics was a tube issue, but since both pres use the same tubes, I am not sure now.
Well, I have not rolled any NOS tubes in my Cortese yet, so I guess I should not say that about my Syrah. I am sure it is a tube issue and nothing to do with the preamp itself. I guess the Cortese just feels more solid because it is packed with more inside than the Syrah was.