2. amps-preamps
  3. 1167240153

Time for new tubes.. which ones?

My TAD-150 preamp which has only 2 tubes stays on all the time, so every year I have to replace the tubes. This is my first time replacing them. Does anyone have an opinion as to what tube to use, or should I just use the same replacement ones from TAD? I would like to improve the sound if possible with new tubes. Thanks
koestner

Showing 2 responses by stratosaur

stratosaur
9 posts
 
I just ordered a few different pairs of tubes for my TAD-150 to try out.

Cryoed Sylvania 5814A black ribbed plates NOS
Cryoed Sovtek 12AX7LPS NIB
Cryoed Tung Sol 12AX7 ECC803S Gold Pin NIB

I'll post when I have checked them out.

Also head good things about the JJ/Tesla 12AU7 ECC802 Long Plates.
stratosaur
9 posts
 
The Cryoed 12AX7 were not as good as I had hoped. The Cryoed 5814 Sylvanias sounded very, very nice but did not have quite enough gain. So much for the Cryoed ones for now.

I currently have GE 5 Star 6201 in there and they have impressed me. 6201 are military spec 12AT7. They bettered some Raytheon 12AT7WA I had. For want of a better term the 6201 had a more "spacious" sound (larger soundstage and more air around the intruments) then the 12AT7.

The GE 6201 were 20 bucks for a quad on EBay. I have some Sylvania and Mullard 6201 en route from Upscale Audio.

I'd say stay away from 12AX7 as you don't need the gain with the TAD150. Use a 5751 instead (military spec 12AX7 with lower gain, similiar to a 12AT7). Since the pre comes with a 12AT7 it might be best to stay with them (12AT7WA, 6201, 7728, ECC801). If a 12AU7 gives you enough gain you can use them (5814, 6189, 7730, ECC802).

I had asked Paul @ Bizzybee about 5751 and 5814 and he said they would be good choices. He does not believe in leaving the TAD150 on 24/7. I use mine with an Odyssey Stratos Extreme that I leave on all the time but turn the TAD150 off when not in use.
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