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Tube suggestions for hybrid integrated amp
I've had the stock tubes (12AU7) in my Rogue Sphinx for a few years now and I'm ready to upgrade. Right now I'm leaning toward Tungsram ECC82 but I am open to suggestions. I'd prefer to buy within the US as I'd prefer delivery in the next ten days or so.
Speakers are old Dynaudio Contour 1.3 MkII. The room is lively but not overly bright or ringy. I listen to a lot of classical chamber music, combo jazz and (mostly classic) rock.
Any suggestions appreciated.
Speakers are old Dynaudio Contour 1.3 MkII. The room is lively but not overly bright or ringy. I listen to a lot of classical chamber music, combo jazz and (mostly classic) rock.
Any suggestions appreciated.
16 responses Add your response
I have been using Gold Lion 12AU7's sourced from Ron Sheldon at Cryoset. Very linear sound and they last a vey long time! I buy all of my tubes there if Ron carries what I need. My Gold Lion GZ34 rectifier tube from Cryoset is a huge improvement over the stock Sovtek tube my gear came with. I've read many accolades for Andy at Vintage Tube Services as well. |
With all the NOS tubes available, why choose Tungsram? Were they recommended? You first need to decide what change is needed in your system and the sonics you desire. Andy can definitely help with this. And here’s a tip... Andy at Vintage Tube will exchange your tubes until you find the set you are happy with. Brent Jessee also accepts exchanges and refunds on NOS. |
I have a hybrid integrated that uses two 12au7/ECC82 tubes in its front end (this why I was considering at one time to try a Rogue hybrid integrated). I have tried (and still have) a variety of NOS tubes - RCA cleartops, Mullard CV 4003, Seimens, and Radiotechnique. My favorite by far are the Seimens by a wide margin. Tight, full, dynamic bottom end and a really nice, open top end. And mids to die for. I got them from Upscale (around $50 each at the time), but it looks like they are out of stock now. (I lIked the Seimens so much I bought a 2nd matched pair and glad I did). Brent Jesse has them (http://www.audiotubes.com/12au7.htm). I'm sure there are others that have them as well. |
Update: I've had the Tung-sol tubes in for a little over a week. The difference is more dramatic than I expected. Better separation of the instruments, warmer/smoother sound overall without loss of detail and a sumptuous low end (so much so that I'm considering searching for my foam inserts that go in the rear ports). Good digital recordings sound more analog to my ear and good LP's sound near-glorious. When I first bought the Rogue Sphinx hybrid I was disappointed that it didn't sound much "tubier" than my previous integrated (NAD C 326BEE) but now I have achieved that goal and am quite pleased. Thanks again to all who chimed in and especially to Andy at VTS. |