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Tube rolling suggestions for Unison Unico

Hi folks,

I have a new Unico, which is wonderful, and I'd like to hear about your experiences rolling tubes. The stock Phillips JAN 12au7s are very dynamic and compelling, but I'd like a little bit less energy up top. I tried a pair of Siemens "Rohre" ECC82s, but while they do remove a bit of the top end brightness, they dull the dynamics and collapse the soundstage.

Is there anything out there that will give me the best of both worlds (a bit of shading on top, but with excellent dynamics and a good sense of air)? I'm looking to spend $100 absolute max for a matched pair, and I'd love to get away with much less.

The rest of my system:
Silverline SR15 monitors
Audio Refinement CD Alpha
Analysis Plus cabling
Kenwood KD-500 TT with Rega 300 arm

Many thanks!
lousyreeds1

Showing 3 responses by lousyreeds1

lousyreeds1's avatar
lousyreeds1 OP
286 posts
 
Hi Glitch,

Thanks. I have the Siemens from Upscale Audio, and they're not working out. That was the original problem. When I talked to Kevin, he said either the Mullards or the Radiotechniques would be good, but I don't want to choose randomly, and I'd really rather not throw down the capital for both.

What speakers are you thinking about? It really is a great amp.
lousyreeds1's avatar
lousyreeds1 OP
286 posts
 
Hi Arni,

I left the Siemens pair in overnight, with the amp on, and listened the next day. So far, they've been very lifeless.

Is there something to be set for letting tubes settle in a piece of equipment for extended periods before passing judgement?
lousyreeds1's avatar
lousyreeds1 OP
286 posts
 
Hi Tvad,

By lifeless I mean one-dimensional, kind of flat, and "slow" sounding. I wouldn't say there's a lack of body, but perhaps we're describing the same characteristic in different words. The bass is also not as strong as with the stock Phillips.

My impression is that Mullards would be even more laid back in the mids than the Siemens. No?

Thanks for your input! I'll check those out.
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