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Tubes for the BAT VK5i

I just got a BAT VK-5i here on audiogon and I'm very impressed with the unit. I hat d the tubes tested, though and they're about done for. I'm looking for tubes that will accentuate bass and detail/resolution. I'm figuring that the preamp's medeocre bass response is due to the very old tubes (they test about 58 % of new--time to go!)

I know this is going to be a big deal, but I need some ideas--and I also need to know wh. Suggestions?

Thanks!
Roland
rnbowers

Showing 2 responses by kehut

kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
Indeed time.. The bass on the 5i should be anything but light. One of the best attributes of the 5i was its bass. As a former owner, I found the combination of Seimens 7308 gold Pins in the 6( 3 per side) gain stage tubes and the AC shunt 6922(outer L & R tubes) with Amperex 6922PQ. Finally, for the Power supply gain 5881's. The absolute best was(by no small margin either) Tung Sol 5881 NOS. If you can find them by all means get them. They will absolutly kill the stock Sovteks and make the sound so smooth. In fact it was like a different pre amp with them! I also used JAN Philips 6L6 in them and they were better than stock, but not the Tung Sols. Much easier to find though.

The down side of all these upgrades is definately the price tag. New 6922 Sovteks will be better than what you are now hearing anyway. Good luck!-Ken
kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
I was able to get all my NOS tubes here on Agon from various buyers. The best tubes were from "fat_cat"..Mike should be able to help you. Also "sam1104" talk to Sam.
"Guidosmalibu" talk to Vassil. and "zkid" Bob sometimes has nice 6L6's avail. There are the tube stores such as tubeworld and the tube store you can check out.
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