the importance of 12ax7 / 5751 in a 845 SET

Tubes Asylum

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Hi
Just a quick observation/question. A few months ago upon purchasing a new 845 SET and succumbing to the glowing rhetoric surrounding the Sylvania 3 mica Gold label 5751, I immediately replaced the 2 stock Chinese 12ax7s. Now, in love with the 845 sound I have decided to sell the SET and step up to the Ming Da 845C monoblocks. Whilst preparing the amp for sale I replaced the 5751s with the original super-cheap Chinese tubes and had a good listen. While I am aware the gain in the 5751s is lower than the 12ax7, the improvement in drive and bass was quite shocking. The midrange didn't seem to suffer adversely or appear confused (a common complaint about the 12ax7 "effect")...In short, the same sound with more body?
Bearing in mind that all amps have different characteristics, my question is this: in relation to any amp that uses 2 x 845 tubes, 2 x 12au7s and 2 x 12ax7s, what CONCRETE influence can a 12ax7/5751- or 12au7 for that matter!!- have on the overall sound quality? Surely the 845s exercise by far the greatest mould on what reaches our ears? What about in reference to monoblocks using 1 x 845, 1 x 6sn7, 1 x 12aut, 1 x 12ax7? Just how important are the individual characteristics of signal/driver tubes in amps such as the aforementioned?
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Da1

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Topic - the importance of 12ax7 / 5751 in a 845 SET - Da1 04:34:43 03/16/06 (1)

Re: the importance of 12ax7 / 5751 in a 845 SET - Jimmy 05:22:34 03/16/06 (0)

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