TUBE NOOB: WHAT BRAND

Try to identify what your trying to improve sonically before purchasing that special tube.

Do you want extended highs with much details and an even smoother midrange, or looking for a wider soundstage that you can almost swim in.

My choice, (in order) would be:

1. Tung Sol
2. Sylvania
3. RCA
4. GE

" 17-09: Lapierre
Try to identify what your trying to improve sonically before purchasing that special tube.

Do you want extended highs with much details and an even smoother midrange, or looking for a wider soundstage that you can almost swim in. "

YES: Wider Sound stage, will I need swimming lessons? So, which one will make me want to practice my breast stroke?

Do you expect me to say no to the other 2 things you mentioned, yeah I want extended highs( not as much as stage). and I would also like a smooth mid range, though I am quite happy with the mid range at present. The tubes I have are approximately 12 years old, were moderately used, have become a little noisey over the past little while and I have a balance issue.....Hence the replacement! Yeah I want to replace them with the best tubes I can get my hands on.

It's called tube rolling & you may be doing a lot of it to find the tubes you like. I enjoyed it when I had tube amps.

What are you guys talking about? Some general advice for someone who knows nothing about tubes would be helpful

This is what the forums are for....do some reading and then you would have a better understanding of what members are referring to. Why did you get into tube equipment if you know nothing about it then ?

I would like to benefit from other peoples experience in this hobby, instead of spinning my wheels needlessly.

So members of this forum with their experience do the homework for you so that you never fail . Sometimes failure is good. So what if you buy some tubes that you dont particular care for, turn around and resell them. Do you think that every piece of gear has always worked with every member here ?

Besides what do I do, buy 30 sets of tubes and spend 3 weeks trying them all. That is just foolish!

Who said anything about buying 30 sets of tubes ? You have to use a little common sense ....