The small signal tubes have the most effect on "flavoring" the sound.The power tubes have a subtler effect and are more about sharper or softer dynamics/leading edge.I haven't tried a lot of NOS power tubes though,I'm a bit uneasy about their reliability. My personal preference is to use new production power tubes and try many different small signal tubes.
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.