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Tube Rolling - No Change in Sound

In my Wyetech Opal pre, I substituted NOS Ken Rad VT231's for JAN Philips WGTA's in the input stage, expecting more body and warmth to sound based on Ken Rad reputation. But nothing has happened; I perceive no audible difference from the switch in tubes! What's up with this? This was my first foray into tube rolling.

Neal
nglazer

Showing 2 responses by nglazer

nglazer OP
846 posts
 
Thanks for all the comments. I am not sure I am any more illuminated than when I began, given the diverse views, but I suspect the observation that the pre may not be sensitive to tube-rolling may be the most accurate -- at least with the KenRads. (FYI, my amp is a Krell FPB 300cx.)I wonder if more extensive burn-in (these are NOS tubes) will effect a change. Time will tell.

Thanks again.

Neal
nglazer OP
846 posts
 
Thanks, Mechan. I don't really agree that the Krell is overwhelming my system, or that it is giving all the bass my speakers can handle. Prior to the Wyetech Opal, I had a Hovland HP 100 pre, which was very nice, but the Opal is a big step up and led to both an increase in the depth and tightness of bass. I have had similar results when swapping IC's, PC's. And as the KenRads burn in I am noticing (or at least think I am) a perceptible increase in what I would call the "naturalness" or body in the sound: vocals sound a bit more "real", instruments more true. But it is not a dramatic change from the Philips..

I may move the KenRads from the input to output stages and see if there is any difference.

Neal
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