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I have a CDP that is 2 years old. They have 2- 12AX7. They came with TJ Full Music tubes. I am looking for other options. The two I have been considering are the Psvane 12AX7 or the Gold Lion 12AX7.
Your thoughts on changes, either quality comments, or sound differences are greatly appreciated.
Thanks
R.E.B.
Follow Ups:
I swapped 3 Gold Lion 12AX7's into my pre only to pull them out less then a month later.
I found them very colored and the bass was overly emphasized.
Rick.
1950's Raytheon BP's. For what it's worth...
Edits: 02/13/12
nt.
The 1950's 12AX7A were built & selected for lower noise & hum. If you are interested in Raytheons, be sure to buy them from someone who tests the tubes not only for strength, but also quiet service. True with all tubes going into critical stages.
Good hunting!
.
Neff, not to be a stick-in-the-mud, but this kinda generaliztion may not work for all units and systems. Yes, the Brimar CV4004 is a good tube. But, it's tonal response to the overall system may not be the same in the OP's unit, as in yours. Just like the perpetual "what is the best coupling cap" argument.It's a good suggestion. But, should include what system you are testing the CV4004. And where in the system you did the replacing/testing. Compared to which OEM tube.
Sorry, I know this is a bit anal... but many ppl read this-or-that on boards and get disillusioned about certain tubes or components, simply because of unmet expectations.
Anyhow, I know of several ppl that have gone from stock tubes in AN DAC's to 5687 or 6N23P-EV with appropriate changes to the circuit. And like the results. FWIW...
Edits: 02/13/12
Do doubt each circuit affects the final result- that is a given. Further, ones taste in sonics varies too. That variable is not exactly addressable, is it?
Tubes still have a basic sonic signature. I never heard the Brimar sound warmer than other tubes sonics in many circuits in home entertainment amps. My experience includes the RCA classic phono amp, a few tuners, a few stand alone preamps & more than a few intregated amplifiers. Thus, the Brimar is sonically clear & neutral unless other factors in the amplifier mask the Brimar performance such as a less than clear sounding coupling capacitor. I say a warmer tube will still sound warmer yet vs the Brimar in a circuit with a diffused sounding capacitor.
Take a look at Tube World. They also expain the sonic signature of many tubes. Others also expalin the sonics of various tubes.
The audiophile should be aware of the Brimar basic sonic signature. I do not recommend the Brimar in guitar amps though. I make no excuse for my post.
Why is that? I've used Brimar CV4004 and 4024 with good results in guitar amps.I just mentioned the post only to specify the use in your unit, to help the OP. Esp what tube came stock, which you replaced.
Edits: 02/12/12
Well, I just love those vintage Amperex. Short plate or long plate. To me, to almost die for. However, I usually stay away from guitar amp tube recommendations as I only repair the guitar amps that find me.
On the other hand I make quite a few musicians almost thankful for my existence. I do not charge much either. Kind of like the song phrase 'with a little help from my friends'. After all, a failed prized guitar amp can cause a lot of anxiety for musicians.
We are prolly on same page, just different paragraphs.
What kinda bothers me is when someome try one tube (say the TFK ECC83), because it was given as a high recommendation. Without the specific application or whatever.
Then, when the user doesn't like it... he believes that all TFK are hype and sometimes never tries another, in a different application. Where it might shine.
Today, gotta to keep as many options open, when it comes to tubes. As there isn't an overwhelming abundance available or the shear cost of some, makes narrow approaches difficult.
Everyone who is seriously into tube audio or electric guitars should build up at least a modest tube stash. The only way to find what you like in your gear is to try the tube in your gear. Get them now, if you think prices are high now, just wait and see in 10 or 20 years!
If they were women I had, I'd even be more cocky. No pun intended.
I made a modest change recently with good results. I swapped my vintage RCA 7025s from the preamp positions in my Jolida 202A with the reissue 12AX7 Mullards in my Jolida cdp. Having the chimier (ring-like-a-bell) RCAs in the cdp and the warmer Mullards in the amp is more pleasing to me than the other way around. I didn't expect much but I'm listening to cds much more now. Consider which tubes for the cdp might compliment the characteristics of your amp. Based on my limited experience, I think I prefer clear and airy tubes for the source and warmer tubes for the amp.
.
hmm...
funny, how different individual experiences can be - the sovtek 12AX7LPS was one of the most boring twin triodes i ever heard in MY gear...
Nunki
.
I do not use the 12AX7LPS either.
The 5751 is a zippier tube. What I like about the LPS is its neutrality and balance, which can equate with boring in some contexts. Perhaps you prefer a bit more romance in your triodes?
"You don't need to be a Weatherman to know which way the wind blows"
If we knew what kind of sound the OP wanted by rolling his 12AX7s, we could make a reasonable recommendation. BTW, I had a Jolida CDP with a tube output stage. The stock Jolida tubes were Chinese 12AX7s very harsh shrill and empty sounding. I tried some really nice 5751s, as you know I would, and they simply didn't work in that circuit. It was the first time I found 5751s didn't function. I still haven't a clue why not . Those very tubes worked quite well elswhere. I then put in some Mullard Mil Spec, I think CV4004s and the sound was dramatically improved, better tonal balance, rich full mid bass, etc. as you might expect from a Mullard. If the OP wants a clean strong signal tube, perhaps a Raytheon or a Tele might be in order, we just don't know.
No we don't know what he wants. If the original TJ tubes sounded good...just get another pair.
What am I looking for? I guess I am looking more detail. When I was looking to replace the stock 12ax7 that came with the cdp there were rave reviews for the TJ Full Music tubes. Words used to describe these tubes were-very high quality,gold pins,quiet,very detailed throughout the frequency spectrum. When I purchased the TJ Full Music 12ax7 I instantly noticed a difference and was pleased with the choice i had made. Now I never hear anything about the tubes by TJ Full Music and there are many positive reviews about the Genalax and Psvane. In their reviews they use similar words. So I was looking for somebody who had used the TJ Full Music and was either still using them or if they replaced them then why and what they replaced them with. They are all at about the same price point.
I understand tubes, like cables, are very system sensitive. Just looking for your thoughts about these 3 tubes.
Thanks
R.E.B.
I prefer a deeper soundstage, better focus, and better imaging.
Jack
"The 5751 is a zippier tube"
Such broad generalizations are just plain wrong. Some can be brighter sounding, just as some 12ax7's are "zippy" sounding. You would have a hard time findind a less zippy sounding tube than the GE TMGP for example. Big, rich, full bass, but zippy? No way.
I'd give a shot at saving some money and at least try the Sovtek 12AX7LPS. This tube is better sounding than a lot of the NOS available at 5x the price. $16/each.
"You don't need to be a Weatherman to know which way the wind blows"
Your post is same per my findings too. For the money a good 'filler' tube if the proposed customer does not want to pay for high-end tubes at the time.
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