Here is a site that describes the presentation you can expect with various 6SN7 tubes. (http://home.att.net/~chimeraone/6sn7sound.html) I've personally tried all the top 6SN7GT/VT-231 variants mentioned, and have found the Sylvania 6SN7W(tall bottle) to have the most accurate bass reproduction and slam(hated the short bottle). The Tung Sol round plate(oval mica/metal supports) is the winner for sound staging width/depth and ambience retrieval. They are both tonally neutral and faithful to the signal. Next for neutrality and sound stage performance are the Ken-Rad VT-231 and Sylvania 6SN7GT(bottom getters from the 40's). There are a variety of good 12AX7 tubes that will sub for what you've got from Telefunken and Siemens. My personal favs are the ECC803S(tele) and E83CC(Siemens). Here's a site that describes the presentation of some of the variants: ( http://www.tubeworld.com/12ax7.htm ). You'll have to be careful/picky shopping for ANY NOS tubes, as the market is flooded with cons. The KT-88 is an easy tube to replace, but not with NOS. The prices are nuts nowdays. Upscale Audio sells the latest iterations of the Winged 'C' KT-88s and 6550s, from the St Petersburg plant, either of which will provide nice bottom and clean mids/highs. Their matching, testing, grading and burn-in procedures are second to none. (http://www.upscaleaudio.com/6550KT88-Types_c_85.html) Of course: good sound staging/imaging is VERY dependant on your speakers, system balance, room acoustics, etc. BUT- you are certain to hear a marked improvement regarding the realism of your presentation with the above mentioned tubes.
What kinds of tubes I can use?
Hello all,
I am new to tube amp. I just bought one recently. My amp is using KT88, 6N8P, and 12AX7B (all made in China).
1. I was wondering the sound will be improved if I change tubes?
2. What kinds of tubes I should use in order to have a slam tight bass and sweet vocal?
3. Is it possible to widen the soundstage?
Thanks!
I am new to tube amp. I just bought one recently. My amp is using KT88, 6N8P, and 12AX7B (all made in China).
1. I was wondering the sound will be improved if I change tubes?
2. What kinds of tubes I should use in order to have a slam tight bass and sweet vocal?
3. Is it possible to widen the soundstage?
Thanks!