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Tubes Audio Mirror PP1

I just purchased a audio mirror pp1 in fantastic condition, I had one a few years back had to return it as it was slightly damaged but had a chance to listen to it, and now have it back.My components have changed since then and so has the sound.I know there are 7 tubes inside I believe they are stock tubes.Looking for a little more smoother sound(treble) to compliment my coaxial driver.My speakers are 96db and at the moment can't get the volume control past 1/4 turn even with 40 watts per.I have purchased a pair of genelex gold lion ax7 but as I just found out have all the gain I need, I am ok with that if the sound is smoother.Any suggestions would help and where to place the tubes as there is a phono section in the pre, trying to improve the output.
Thank You.
128x128hocheye
9 responses Add your response
simao's avatar
simao
1,819 posts
 
@hocheye I always mix "lousy" with "lousey" - which can completely change the meaning of the sentence.
hocheye's avatar
hocheye OP
39 posts
 
Sorry for the lousy spelling!
hocheye's avatar
hocheye OP
39 posts
 
Thanks for the info, I am aware of upscale audio and they do sell quality tubes, I found a pair of older rca 12au7,s and I will try them with the genelex,  my goal is to soften the treble a small amount and reduce the gain if this happens and I will be happy.I my have to go to a different tube comination or all of the same brand.The radiotechnique look interesting.
Thanks for the feedback.
mboldda1's avatar
mboldda1
575 posts
 
look into these, great tubes.
https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/preamp-tubes/products/radiotechnique-12au7

just as good.
https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/preamp-tubes/products/radiotechnique-12au7-6189

hocheye's avatar
hocheye OP
39 posts
 
Power amps are channel island chip amps the original vmb-1 mono blocks 40 watts per.Love these amps.
hocheye's avatar
hocheye OP
39 posts
 
Thanks for the response, I have ordered a pair of cyro genalex gold lion 12ax7,s,but will take your advice and find a pair of Mullard 12au7,s for the input as I have more than enough gain.There are six tubes in the pre so I can use the genalex elswere, I will experiment once I have the 12au7,s in hand.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Avoid imitation current production tubes.Nowhere near as good for sound quality and longevity as original NOS tubes! Even used vintage tubes are a better choice than fake Genelex, Mullard, Tung Sol ...
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Try to find a pair of old NOS 12AU7's. Any from the 50's, 60's, 70's. GE, Sylvania, RCA's will work just fine!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
What power amp are you using? I am guessing that the Audio Mirror PP1 is a tube preamp, correct? If so, it is overdriving the amp by not allowing you to use more of the volume control's range. Try replacing the input pair of 12AX7's with a pair of 12AU7's for lower gain. This should allow you to use more of the control's range, up near 12 o'clock.
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