Tube Rolling for TAD-150


I will receive my TAD-150 tomorrow. I read some great reviews on this unit. Has anyone had the chance to do some tube rolling with this unit. How do the stock tubes compare with other NOS tubes?

Other components; Vandersteen 2CE sigs, McCormack DNA-1 AMP, Adcom GCD500 CD, Thorens 160 C with Goldring 1012 cartridge and LINN Basik plus arm. XTC interconnects, Signal cable and FRO-ZEN power cords....

Eagleman
eagleman6722

Showing 3 responses by onotu2

I rolled a couple of NOS t7s, and liked the Telefunken ECC801S best. The other t7 were 6201 RCA blackplates, which were nice but not as detailed or extended as the Teles. I also tried a pair of u7s, RCA cleartops w/gray plates, and they were airy and sweet but didn't have the soundstage or presence of the more powerful t7s. The volume control with u7s was much more controllable though. The stock tubes that came with the 150 had no lables, but Paul tells me that they're "a Chinese Mullard double mylar knock-off T7's." I think we can all agree that the stock tubes are nice, but quality NOS tubes really take it up a few notches. The change is very noticeable, and my cds/mp3s have new life. In fact, I've stopped my hunt for a tube cdplayer - for now. Btw, my amp is Paul's TAD-60. I also rolled the pre tubes there and the difference is just as great as rolling the powertubes. I settled on a x7 Mullard short plate, but want to try a long plate and Bugleboy next. Also, I responded last night, but for some reason it didn't post, so my apologies if posts twice.
Ldatlof, I never got around to trying x7s cause i was concerned about the volume being uncontrollable as they push a little more juice than t7s, but I'm going to give them try. Nice to see others posting. Btw, which Teles did you try the smooth or ribbed plate?
I'll second those Groove Tube x7s. I picked up some on Ebay (it was cheaper than tracking down quality Sylvania, Raytheon or GE 5751s) and, WOW. Nice seperation and sound stage; very 5751 like. The have a bit more bite (punch), just enough creaminess, and they're not broken in yet! Thanks Mike.