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Tubes most likely to improve SQ?

I have a newly purchased integrated tube amplifier.  The tubes consist of 2 x 12AU7, 2 x 12AX7, and 4 x EL34.  All of the stock tubes are chinese tubes labelled by the amp manufacturer..  They may not be, but look very much like Psvane 12AU7-T without the gold pins.

I have owned many excellent SS amps (Krell KSA-100, Parasound A23, Parasound A21, Classe AMP2 and a few others.). I bought this amp on a gamble and am surprised how amazingly good it sounds into my upgraded Tekton Electrons.   I have tried GE 5 Star 5814 in the place of the 12AU7 and was very impressed. Now I am considering a bit more tube rolling.

 Am I likely to get much change/improvement from changing the 12AX7 or the EL34?


chinook9

Showing 1 response by knotscott

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,044 posts
 
Tubes will respond and sound different in different circuits, so YMMV. The best 12AU7 I’ve tried in my amps are the RCA clear tops. I’ve also been really happy substituting a 12BH7 for a 12AU7... love those.

Different el34s can sound quite different too. In my amp, the Electro-harmonix EL34s have wonderful clear mids and treble. The Nesstone EL34s have tighter bass. (since I’m bi-amping I can use both where I think they sound the best)
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