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Tube Selection Help

I have had my tube gear for at least 10 years, but never though much about the actual tubes in the gear. I currently have a VTL TL2.5 pre, pair of re-issue VTL TT-25 amps, S3/5 Spendor speakers and original Rega Planet CD player. I listen mostly to jazz, folk, bluegrass, acoustic type music and like a warmer side of neutral sound with good soundstaging. Current tubes are: (i) pre - 2 X 12AUTA, Sylvania yellow bolt USA label and 2 X 6350 no names I can see - black plate and D getter and (ii) amp - 8x EL 84 current issue by JJ and 4 X 12AT7 JAN Philips (I think made on 10/85). If it matters, I have a picture of the no-name 6350 and the Sylvania and box markings for the Philips. I would appreciate any thoughs on these tubes in my system and what tubes to consider replacing first to improve the sound that I like. Thanks
cspaldi
rrog
1,958 posts
 
For the 12AT7s and 12AU7s I would go with Military Mullard tubes. They are readily available and the price is still reasonable. VTL really comes to life with those tubes. They use a different numbering system beginning with "CV".

Also, look for some NOS EI EL84s.
rockadanny
1,224 posts
 
Whenever I am seeking a specific sound quality in tubes I always contact Jim McShane and Brent Jesse for advice and purchase. They always are spot on in their selection, no BS, and often are able to provide far cheaper alternatives which sound just as good or better than the most sought after wonder tubes. Just food for thought.
cspaldi OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses. I think my plan is to stick with my current amps, but reach out to a recommend tube dealer for help to tailor the sound (hopefully some of the cheaper alternatives will work for me). I am also going to do some research on the current crop of around $500 and below DACs. Happy New Year!
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hoopster
184 posts
 
If you can find an EL34 amp to sub into your system for a short time, do it. I think you will find that the EL34 is inherently warmer sounding with outstanding, and to my ears pleasing, midrange bloom. I have 3 EL84 amps presently but only one is employed. Admittedly none are VTL quality and none I own will put out your watts. I like the sound of EL84s and like them best in casual listening or background music. But to my ears even though EL84s sound nice they are bit thin and not as fleshed out as EL34s. Since your amps put out comparable power to a normal 4 tube EL34 amp it would be a good comparison! I wish I could bring mine over to compare.

My main amp, a TAD60, can take EL34s or KT88s. I have tried KT88s but prefer the midrange magic of the EL34s. The KT88s have an obvious power and punch advantage and are more revealing and precise but that midrange magic is missing so I keep going back to the EL34s.

Good Luck and Great Listening!
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