Tube rolling can be fun and it can be expensive. My experience started with necessity. I had noticeable tube rush in my aesthetix phono stage & preamp so my immediate goal was to go ultra low noise, I consulted Brent Jessee and he gave so great starting points. I also suggest to determine what sound improvement you want- detail, airy, lush, mellow, more bass etc - and then move toward that sound. In addition to low noise, I wanted more mid and upper detail. I found the right combination using NOS Amperex BB & Tele 12ax7’s and Siemens 7308 (6922). For me, after solving the tube rush, the best all around sound was from Tele. Mullard was too soft or lush for my taste. The 7308s really enhanced detail in my preamp.
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.