Which tube spots for which affects?


Here's something I've now been pondering about tube sets in preamps.  Which positions in them are more likely to have what affect on the sound  when rolling?  For example my new-ish Raven Blackhawk has 3 pairs in the pre amp section that are noted as Preamp, Power amplifier first stage, Phase inverter/driver.  Is one set more or less likely than the others to affect say, warmth or another pair dynamics?  Which the sound stage?  Are some locations better for a "euphonic" tube or a very accurate set?  I'm sure it's really the sum of ALL the parts but maybe they each have their particular impacts.  Hearing differences but wondering if there's a pattern/ causal/predictability to it all.  I don't expect there's a single answer but maybe enough anecdotal evidence and experience might show a trend.  

akgwhiz

Showing 1 response by lowrider57

The preamp tubes will have the most significant effect on sonic signature. The power amp 1st stage (the gain stage) will also have a noticeable effect on sonics. Phase inverter/driver will affect sound to a certain extent depending on the design of the amp.

Attributes of the sound such as warmth, dynamics, soundstage depend on the manufacturer of a tube and the tube type. The tubes you asked about are all input tubes, as opposed to the larger output tubes. BTW, we refer to changing the tubes as "rolling tubes."

 

Brent Jessee has a very good description of how different tubes sound. Click on the tube type that your amp uses.

http://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm