Tubes Asylum

Posted by R Browne (A) on December 08, 2003 at 23:12:34

In Reply to: Tube rolling on Audio Note Soro SE Phono posted by jphii on December 06, 2003 at 12:04:31:

I'll take a stab at this as I own an Audio Note M1 line preamp and Audio Note P2 SE amplifier, the same in separates as your Audio Note Soro integrated minus your phono stage. You don't mention which tubes you are currently using and what characteristics you would like to change or improve so I'll just relate my experiences.

5881 - Sovteks actually sound pretty good in the Audio Note despite their less than stellar reputation. Dimensionally a bit flat, but they have a clear and detailed bass and midrange and a smooth upper end. For a bit more color and bigger sound you might consider the Philips 5881/6L6WGB. More robust sounding than the Sovtek and a bit heavier in the mid bass with a nice midrange and just a bit more foreward above the midrange in my experience.

6SL7 - Tung-Sols are probably my favorites in their many varieties. I currently use a black base pair with small grey plates. Clear and detailed with a solid bass. The brown base smaller tube version is a bit softer sounding. The 6SU7 is also a good choice if you can find them. Some consider them their favorites. The Raytheon VT-229 has a nice airy sound that I prefer over many people's favorite, the Sylvania VT-229. The Philips 5691 is a tube I have used in the past, but I have found that the sonic character can vary a bit from pair to pair.

12AU7 - I've used many brands and types, but the ones I probably like the best in the M1 are the Telefunken 12AU7 and the Raytheon 5814a. Others that work well there are the RCA 5814a, the Mullard CV4003 and the Radiotechniques 12AU7WA. You might try replacing the 12AU7 in the CD2. The Amperex 7316 is nicely detailed and musical and both the Telefunken and the CV4003 are good choices here. A recommendation is to try some Herbie's Audio Labs HAL-O tube dampers on any of these tubes for a smoother and more detailed presentation with better focus.

I can't make any recommendations for the 12AX7 or 6DJ8 as I have no experience with them.

What I've related is my opinion based on my experience with particular tubes in a specific application and my personal preferences. One can listen to the consensus of opinions about specific tubes, but in the end what really matters is how they sound in a specific piece of equipment and whether that brings you closer to your ideal. Good luck and let us know how it goes.