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 ieales

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
Tubes vary per unit.

Start by numbering or otherwise identifying each tube and 'roll' a pair at a time. For a small power amp w 2 different input and 2 power valves per channel there are 96 permutation. [2 x 2 x 24] With 2 same input tubes and 2 power tubes per channel, there are 576 permutations. [24 x 24]

Add in power line, humidity, temperature and CBLF vagaries...

IMO, rolling is an utter waste of time. One combination may favor one particular program to the detriment of another. 
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