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 oldhvymec

The whole idea behind like cables is kinda funny. I build my own. RCAs vs XLRs vs Speaker cable vs CAT (?) vs PCs. ALL are from different manufactures because they do different things.. I suppose I could use all the same color armor. :-)

Same way with Valves Sets? VERY few manufactures of valves make a lot of different valves anymore.. To expensive to do it..

BUT there are a LOT more valve manufactures popping up in Eastern Europe and mainland China..

US, Brit, Canada and French valves can do it again.. Maybe before I kick.

Mac valve sets use to have RCAs Tellies and or GEs to make up SETs.

MC275 use to be GL KT88s Tellies RCAs or Sylvania for signal valves..

Again SETS?..  match, Game, SET.

I add cables one at a time.. not in pairs, EVER.. First left then right about a week later... Always pays BIG dividends in A/B for me..  Good to test your own hearing ay? I turn around and listen too.. It's lead to an ear cleaning once or twice.... Ya never know..

Regards