Tube suggestions for hybrid integrated amp

Very good news. I love what the NOS T-S 12AU7's did for my amp.


 

Nice tip about Andy’s audio tube services. 

It's good to hear that the NOS tubes worked out well for you.  Maybe you'll want to try a different brand of tubes one of these days.

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.

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.

Nos Mullard, telefunken or rca cleartops. 

NOS MULLARD OR TUNGSOL

12au7 NOS Tung Sols are are terrific tubes. I'm using a pair in my amp.
Let us know how they work out.

I just got off the phone with Andy.  A pair of NOS Tung-Sol tubes will be headed my way later this week.  Thanks again for everyone's help on this.

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 used NOS Mullard CV4003 (12au7) tubes in my Cronus Magnum.  Sound was excellent with a midrange to die for.  The tubes are pricey at around 100.00 each.  I purchased them from Upscale Audio.

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.

I'll give Andy a call.  Hopefully he'll have some idea of how different tubes might affect the sound of my setup.   Thanks to all who have responded.

I agree with jackd... Andy has repeatedly given me excellent advice and amazing tubes. Not inexpensive but actually great value.

By some US - made 12AU7's. GE, RCA, Sylvania - all fine tubes and quite affordable!

Call Andy at Vintage Tube Service.