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VTL TL 6.5 or TL 7.5 (series 2 or 3) preamp owners - What 12AU7 tubes are you using?

108.42.99.83

I am currently running RFT 12AU7 tubes in my VTL TL 6.5, and they sound great; highly resolving with very, very low tube noise. However there is not much (any?) tube bloom and I am wondering if I am missing anything.

(I am not unhappy at all with the sound, in fact I am thrilled with it, but I'm just wondering if it could be even better! The 6.5 sounds slightly better than my previous preamp, the solid state Ayre K-1XE, as it is as highly resolving, but with a touch more life to the music. So I am just wondering if it can be any better. The cost of two NOS tubes is pretty insignificant to the total cost , so why not try is my thinking.)

I should point out that I really like the low noise floor of the 6.5 with the RFT tubes, and I would not want to give that up. So take that into account with your recommendations.
Thanks!

Follow Ups:

RE: VTL TL 6.5 or TL 7.5 (series 2 or 3) preamp owners - What 12AU7 tubes are you using? - Lance Shevchuk 14:47:58 04/15/14 (0)
I would think to try(borrow)some Tweaks on the equipment and speakers instead of messing with the tube complement that VTL puts in the product. I have had some good success with trying a verity different cones,stones, and other things to take a system to the next level. I would guess that your local shop would have a few things that you could take and try. I'm personally putting together a little kit for people to take so they could do, so trial & error at home on their own. Just a thought

Lance
Trust your ears not the review...
RE: VTL TL 6.5 or TL 7.5 (series 2 or 3) preamp owners - What 12AU7 tubes are you using? - Mechans 11:05:52 04/15/14 (1)
You may want to cross post this in the tubes asylum (my usual haunt).
If really low noise is critical the vendor you buy the tube from is almost more important than the brand or manufacturer of the tube.An example for ultra quiet is the RAM lab tubes.
My favorite is a really beautiful halograohic staging tube -the straight sub Amperex 7316. They are expensive but were selected for computer use and should be very quiet. There is no steady supply of these you just have to look for them in the usual places.

Steve
- Ditto on the Amperex 7316 - Joe Appierto 04:58:42 04/16/14 (0)
  I purchased a pair of the 1959 D-getter version years ago and these have always been my favorite. Finding a truly new pair regardless of vintage may be problematic and won't be cheap but they are outstanding.
  
  You'll get a variety of opinions, naturally when it comes to this tube family.
  Joe

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