2. amps-preamps
  3. 167078-24

Tube Flavor

Whats the best way to get a true taste of different tubes?  Should I change all preamp and power tubes with the same manufacturer?  For instance, I think the best way to truly understand a certain cable companies flavor is to have an entire spool of the same cables, ie all Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Oval 8’s...

I feel like cables, tubes, even equipment each has its own flavor or house sound.  
So, now that Im going to swap some power tubes should I get a matching set of pre amp tubes too?  I feel like if I have 3 or 4 complete sets, i can get a feel for each and THEN start mixing and matching accordingly,

Anyways, this tube stuff is fun and it sounds so dang good to these ears that I wont go back if I can help it.
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Showing 1 response by facten

facten
2,758 posts
 
In my 3 integrated amps and my tube preamp I don’t use tubes from the same manufacturer throughout , use only NOS signal tubes, and where possible prefer to use NOS versus new production power and rectifier tubes.

Below is the link to Brent Jessee’ website that you might find helpful as he provides his insights on various tube brands and the tube equivalents within different tube types. It also lists tubes that he has available which may or may not be of interest to you .

http://www.audiotubes.com/

Likewise, if you enter a particular tube in the AG Forum search function you’ll find user posts. And , below is the link to the Tube-O-Phile Circle on audiocircle which may be of some help.

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=144.0
Good luck and enjoy
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