Tube Rolling


Hi Guys, I am going to be tube rolling very soon with my Primaluna Evo 300 Pre-amp &  Primaluna Evo 400 Power amp, Has anyone tried the new Brimar CV4003 / 12AU7 / 6189 for the gain tubes and the TAD KT88’s- STR Redbase for the power tubes ?

Many Thanks

Steve.

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Showing 1 response by yakbob

I currently use the PrimaLuna Evo 300 power amp in my main system. I’m not aware of any reissue Brimar CV4003 so I assume you’re talking about the NOS variety from the likes of Upscale Audio. I have a pair of those, and while I have had them in my Evo300, I primarily use them in my tubed headphone amp where they excel. The Brimar CV4003 is a nice tube, but I’m just as thrilled with my Siemens silver plates, and an oddball pair of Blackburn plant Sonotones that are a complete 180 degrees from any other Mullard I’ve heard. 

Tube swapping is just one of those things you have to experiment with and figure out for yourself within your system. I’ve not used the TAD tubes, but have used the Gold Lion KT-88s with success in addition to the TS KT-150 which sound great, but in my experience has terrible quality control and thus longevity is an issue. Also currently loving the Gold Lion KT-66 in the evo. Price does not equal performance when it comes to tubes in my opinion.