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Hi, question for any of you ARC preamp experts, if you had a SP16L that uses three 12AX7s, in V1, V2, and V3. But you only had a nice pair of matched EI elites 12AX7EG, and one Electro Harmonics 12AX7, where would you put the EI pair, in V1&V2 or V2&V3 ??
I ask because I figure two of the three are outputs, and I would like to use the matched pair there, but I am not sure which two.
I just got the preamp and the previous owner says it needs new tubes. All I could find in my tube box are those three.
AB.
Follow Ups:
I have an SP16.
Each tube is a separate stage with the two triodes in each of the tubes split between the left/right channels. As such, having each tube triode balanced is probably more important than matching a pair of tubes.
I'd probably use the best tubes in V1 and V2 as these are the gain stages. V3 is configured as a cathode follower for the output.
I've tried a few different (lowish cost) tubes in my SP16 and I found the New Sensor Svetlana and Tung-Sol tubes to sound very clean and transparent. I didn't really like (new) Genalex Gold Lion branded tubes which were more opaque and a bit boring.
System Details
Thanks for the info, I will be ordering a new set. Probably try the Tung Sols. Very nice system you have there, I like the clean look of the SP16 without the handles. I think I may remove mine also.
Did the cap upgrade make a big difference ?
AB.
The cap upgrade made a BIG difference - the biggest change I've heard by swapping passive components.
Significantly more transparency, dynamics and yes, 'clarity' (by name and nature). Less tendency to harshness or etching.
System Details
No expert and I haven't been able to find a schematic for my newly acquired SP16 but I do find it interesting that the PAS uses 6 12AX7's (3 in the Phono Stage and 3 in the Line Stage) just like the ARC. I'm not saying they are the same but I would suspect the alignment might be the same. If so, each tube feeds into the next, so it may not make much difference where you put the tubes. I suggest putting the lowest noise tube, regardless of brand, in the V1.
BTW the SP15 is a FET-tube hybrid and I suspect it uses a different design from the SP16.
Any enlightment would be appreciated.
Edits: 04/05/14
So put the identical tubes in V1 and V2
the SP16 also come with a phono stage that's probably the same as your phono stage.
AB.
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