If you're asking if preamp and power tubes need to be brand match I would say no. Preamp and other small signal tubes can be a great way to experiment with NOS but as Tom says above NOS power tubes can be prohibitively expensive. What tubed gear are you running I just see a Belles Aria listed in your system?
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.
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.