what brand of tubes to buy?


Have a parasound hca1200 amp,a friend has put a darad 2007 special edition SL2000a tube pre in my hands to play with. It came with 2 sets of tubes (china 12at7) which sound great on hard rock( base pressures that make my eyes pulsate at just above normal listening levels LOL) and a set os sylvanias that are beautiful for acoustic jazz and the like.I can see why people roll tubes but short of buying every brand and experimenting(and spending stupid money)how do I make choices on brands and what differences should I expect? Obviously new to tubes,but blown away by the improvement over ss pres.any advice would be greatly appreated!
stanman

Showing 1 response by detredwings

Stanman is your friend just letting you use this piece of gear? I only ask because it wouldn't make to much sense to buy your friend new tubes unless you really like him. I wish I had more friends like you.

Here is a link to an article that talks about this pre-amp. http://www.stereotimes.com/amp040306.shtml

If it is now yours and wanting to play "roll tubes" the choices are very personal and it's hard to say what you will like. I have never used the rectifier used in this unit. But here are my personal opinions on the 12at7. Remember they are my own and other peoples will differ.

I like the German best. I currently use Siemens E81cc in my amp and Valvo 12at7wa in my pre-amp.

The British tubes are nice and have good midrange but seem a little too polite in my opinion. I have Mullard CV4024 and Brimar CV 4024.

I feel the stock Shuguangs are not bad tubes for the price.

Jan Philips 12at7's are not a bad tube and can be had pretty cheap. A bit romantic and slightly rolled off but still darn nice.

Haven't tried any others