VTL Pre tube roll…or suggestions on 12AU7s


Wondering if anyone has swapped their tubes in their VTL preamp.  I have the 6.5 II.  It doesn’t sound bad with the current tubes, but, as audiophiles, we audiophile.  Any suggestions on 12AU7’s, otherwise?

Also curious if anyone has input on VTL’s claim in the manual regarding damage occurring from using non-VTL approved tubes…seems a bit odd to me, as I’ve not read that in other tube pre’s I’ve had.  Or that I recall of, my guess is it’s a general legal disclaimer.

toddcowles

The sound of the 6.5 and 7.5 can vary slightly with change in tubes. I like the RCA black plate 5814As in mine. Have tried GE, PSVANE, Shuguang, Mullard UK, and Sylvania. If you are a daily or 4x per week user you'll likely get about a year out of a set of tubes. After that they are ready for the trash.   

On the 6.5 II and the 7.5 III just be careful when installing and removing tubes. The socket is mounted on a floating PCB so don't get rough with it.