Uber quiet tubes for C2300 pre

Try some NOS Telefunken ECC83(smooth plates), 50's or 60's Siemens or Telefunken ECC803S(expensive) in the phono section,for the ultimate in accuracy and low noise. The ECC803S was manufactured specifically with those attributes in mind. Amperex and Mullard ECC83's, of course, will add warmth, if you are looking for that. Be certain they are tested and guaranteed, Low Noise. I do endorse SST or Xtream AV Quicksilver(applied VERY carefully), but neither will help quiet a noisy/microphonic tube.

The last time I bought anything upper crust from the 12AX7 family, in a Tele or Siemens, I got them from a seller in west Germany. He had his own website then, and I dealt with him a few times. Now he sells on eBay as 'audiotubes_de'. Very reliable and honest. He does have these listed currently:(http://cgi.ebay.com/2-NEW-NOS-Tubes-Siemens-Telefunken-ECC83-12AX7_W0QQitemZ160410679934QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVintage_Electronics_R2?hash=item255938ba7e) For a few years my tube compliment has consisted of Siemens CCa's(6), Tungsol 6SN7GT(RP-2) and Sylvania 6SN7W(tall bottles-2), so- I've not had occasion to hunt the 12AX7 woods for awhile. If you desire the clean sound you describe; stick with the early Tele and Siemens offerings(50's to early 60's). Happy listening!

Some facts on subbing the 5751 for the 12AX7: (http://www.upscaleaudio.com/GE-5751_p_47.html) (http://thetubestore.com/gainfactor.html) NOTE: What is said about changing the sound of a guitar amp will also apply to an audio circuit. Bottom line: It will be a matter of taste.

I've only purchased power tubes from Upscale(NOS and new production, over the past 12 years), and have had nothing but good experiences and performance. Never small signal tubes, so- no comment there. I HAVE BEEN purchasing NOS small signal tubes(Mullards, Teles, Siemens, etc, from the 40's through the early 60's) for decades, and HAVE NEVER had one go south, even after years of use. I'm simply careful, regarding from whom I buy them. Whatever you choose to do(Cajunpepe), don't pass up listening to the Tele ECC83 smooth plates, at least.