2. amps-preamps
  3. 167078-24

Tube Flavor

Whats the best way to get a true taste of different tubes?  Should I change all preamp and power tubes with the same manufacturer?  For instance, I think the best way to truly understand a certain cable companies flavor is to have an entire spool of the same cables, ie all Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Oval 8’s...

I feel like cables, tubes, even equipment each has its own flavor or house sound.  
So, now that Im going to swap some power tubes should I get a matching set of pre amp tubes too?  I feel like if I have 3 or 4 complete sets, i can get a feel for each and THEN start mixing and matching accordingly,

Anyways, this tube stuff is fun and it sounds so dang good to these ears that I wont go back if I can help it.
b_limo
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,248 posts
 
@performance_series Thanks for your comment. I think it takes a village to keep civility alive. 

@b_limo The more I think about it, the more I'm wondering if the Raven will give your Salks what they need for best performance. Hope you can report!
antigrunge2
1,463 posts
 
@performance_series,

thanks for your heatfelt comment: our’s is a beautiful hobby and ignoring spoilsports isn‘t always easy. All the more credit to you for trying to put them in their place.

Enjoy the music
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello,
I think you should do other things first unless you have to change your tubes. There is another thread on Townshend isolation gear. If you have not done this yet or bought a Puritan PSM156 then do thee things first. It doesn’t matter what the tubes sound like if your system is not as good as it can be. After you do the major things like that then have some fun rolling tubes. Unwanted noise and controlling the bass is the most important thing to work on. 
earlflynn's avatar
earlflynn
461 posts
 
I would reach out Raven for tube rolling.

Odds are what is OEM will be fine.
decooney
2,321 posts
 
+2 on what @jtcf said.

Start with preamp tubes if a separate preamp is used.

Then small signal input / driver tubes in the amp.

NOS tubes if possible for these, or try PSVANE "art series" where applicable [better than 50% of my better NOS tube collection]. Allows one to hoard the NOS stuff a bit too.  

Buy tubes from a reputable seller with a guarantee, it will pay off and many times end up with better tubes.  

And, yes, some tubes and interconnects can compliment -or- detract from each other.

You kinda need to know what type of sound you are going for to get "there" or its hit-and-miss and trial-and-error til you do.

Sometimes it’s helpful to lean on the amp designer to share what works, if you trust them and they have proven experience on what sounds good and what does not. Good amp/circuit designers know enough to help guide you some.


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